Jimmy Page (b. 1944)

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Biography

James Patrick Page is an English musician and producer who achieved international success as the guitarist and founder of the rock band Led Zeppelin.

Timeline

The story of Jimmy Page, told in moments.

1963 Event

Becomes one of London's most in-demand session guitarists at 19. He plays on records by The Who, The Kinks, Donovan, and Joe Cocker. By his own estimate, he appears on 50 to 90 percent of the records coming out of London in the mid-1960s.

On 50 to 90% of London records in the mid-60s. Were you anonymous or essential? The most in-demand session guitarist at nineteen. Was that enough?

1968 Event

Led Zeppelin plays its first show as the New Yardbirds at the Gladsaxe Teen Club in Denmark. Page recruited Robert Plant, John Bonham, and John Paul Jones. The name comes from Keith Moon's joke that the band would go over like a lead balloon.

Keith Moon joking about a lead balloon. Did the name feel right? Recruiting Plant, Bonham, and Jones. Was the chemistry instant?

1971 Event

"Stairway to Heaven" first appears on Led Zeppelin IV. It's never released as a single but becomes the most requested song on American FM radio throughout the 1970s. Page wrote the music at Headley Grange in one sitting.

Writing 'Stairway' at Headley Grange in one sitting. Was that trance or craft? Most requested song on FM without a single release. Did that defy industry logic?

1980 Event

Led Zeppelin officially disbands three months after drummer John Bonham dies from asphyxiation after consuming 40 measures of vodka. The band issues a brief statement: they can't continue without him. Page is 36.

Bonham dying after 40 measures of vodka. Was the end sudden or inevitable? Disbanding without him. Was there ever a question?

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