The Fullerton Museum Center, home of the Leo Fender Gallery, is thrilled to announce that Leo Fender will be inducted into the second class of the OC Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition highlights ten Orange County luminaries who have significantly contributed to the fabric of Orange County’s rich cultural, societal, and professional landscape. The ceremony will take place sometime in December.

The Fullerton Museum Center nominated Fender for this recognition as a trailblazing legend in the world of music, entertainment, and the music industry.

In addition to this honor, Leo Fender was also inducted posthumously into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and awarded a Grammy in 2009. Fender’s life work is recognized with permanent exhibits, special exhibits, performances, and educational programs at the Leo Fender Gallery at the Fullerton Museum Center. The FMC and the City of Fullerton also hold a “Leo Fender Day” event annually during his birth month of August.

Although Leo achieved global success, he always acknowledged his Orange County roots. Beginning in 1945, Fender started proudly putting “Fullerton, California” on every product produced by his then small manufacturing company and that decision put the still-small town of Fullerton on the map.

While he is best known for his founding work at Fender Musical Instruments, his expansive career in Fullerton included his electronic repairs at Fender Radio Service, his electric and steel guitars at K&F, world-class instruments at Music Man, and founding G&L Guitars with his lifelong friend and business partner, George Fullerton. To this day, G&L operates a successful music manufacturing company in Fullerton (located on Fender Ave.)

While Fender’s career has been impressive, Keith Richards put it best, “Thank God for Leo Fender, who makes these instruments for us to play.”

The Fullerton Museum Board and Executive Director Elvia Susana Rubalcava thank the OC Board of Supervisors for choosing to recognize the legacy of Fullerton’s most globally recognized innovator through this great honor.

“As FMC moves forward into the future, our commitment to preserving and honoring Leo’s impact here in Fullerton and beyond is imperative. Generations of Fender’s employees, friends, and fans have walked through our doors and shared countless stories they’ve grown up with of a humble and hardworking man with a large heart and a musical journey he took us all on. The Fullerton Museum Center will never waver from this path to continue to keep Leo Fender in the forefront of the work we do.

Thank you to founding director Joe Felz and FMCA Board President Janet Buzan for working tirelessly with me to make the Orange County Hall of Fame nomination happen.” – Elvia Susana Rubalcava, FMC Executive Director

“I have been so fortunate to be involved in recognizing the legacy of Leo over the past decades and to have been part of the nominating team, along with the FMC Director Elvia Susana Rubalcava and President Janet Buzan, seeking his inclusion in the O.C. Hall of Fame. I first met Leo in 1984, when he agreed to my request for him to be the Grand Marshall of Fullerton’s 1985 “Salute to Music” event. I was later privileged to become the founding Director of the Leo Fender Gallery at the Fullerton Museum Center – the permanent recognition of Leo’s impact on the world. Leo’s legacy truly lives on – from the instruments being created at Fender Musical Instruments to the great instruments from Fullerton’s own G&L Guitars. Those who knew Leo knew his love of Fullerton and Orange County – thank you to the O.C. Supervisors for this great honor for an incredible man.” – Joe Felz, Founding Director.

“Leo Fender’s contributions to music are legendary. We at the Fullerton Museum Center are proud to not only celebrate and carry his legacy forward but educate and inspire our visitors. Leo’s work was a testament to his vision of creating instruments of the highest quality. Thank you to the OC Board of Supervisors for recognizing this amazing inventor.” -FMC Board President Janet Buzan.

“Leo Fender’s contributions to the world of music are incomparable. Through his speakers, amplifiers, and guitars, he created a sound that was so unique that musicians from all over the world sought it out. Some of your favorite songs were likely played on a Fender Stratocaster or Telecaster guitar that was made right here in the City of Fullerton. Leo was a true pioneer, and we are so grateful that he is receiving this well-earned recognition.” – Fullerton Mayor Nicholas Dunlap.

About Fullerton Museum Center:

The Mission of the Fullerton Museum Center (FMC) is to present the best in diverse exhibitions and education programs. Our center provides a vibrant central gathering place for the community, stimulates dialogue, and promotes critical and creative thinking.

Fullerton Museum Center
Location: 301 N. Pomona Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832