Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page is the best known member of the original Led Zeppelin quartet, which formed in 1968 and went on to become one of the world’s most influential rock bands. Born in Heston, England in 1944, Page began playing guitar at the age of 12. By the time he was in his late teens he was already a respected session musician, playing on hit records by the Kinks, the Rolling Stones, the Who and the Everly Brothers, among others.
Page’s musical journey to Led Zeppelin began in the mid-1960s, when he joined the Yardbirds, a popular British Invasion band. When the Yardbirds disbanded, Page formed the New Yardbirds, which soon became Led Zeppelin. He was the group’s guitarist, songwriter and producer, performing all three roles with exceptional skill. As the group’s creative force, Page helped create some of the most celebrated rock music of all time, including “Stairway to Heaven,” “Rock and Roll,” and “Kashmir.”
John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones was the unsung hero of Led Zeppelin, contributing not only as the group’s bassist but also as an arranger and musical mastermind. Jones, born John Baldwin in 1946 in Kent, England, had already made a name for himself as a session musician when he joined Led Zeppelin. He was also a multi-instrumentalist, playing keyboard, mandolin, and jouhikko – a Finnish bowed instrument – in addition to bass and guitar.
Jones was a crucial connective tissue within Led Zeppelin, providing a unique dynamic. It was his classical music background – he was classically trained in a variety of instruments – that lent a sense of classicality to Zeppelin’s compositions, which ranged from hard rock to world music to the more subtle music of acoustic folk and blues. His range of musical abilities enabled Zeppelin to explore a variety of styles and create unique sounds, especially in live performance.
Robert Plant
The voice of Led Zeppelin was the iconic Robert Plant, born in 1948 in West Bromwich, England. Plant had a powerful, expressive singing style and played an important role in the creation of the group’s sound. Before joining Led Zeppelin, he was the frontman of a local band, known as Band of Joy.
In contrast to the more understated John Paul Jones, Plant was all energy, unleashing an air-raid siren scream on stage that often left audiences in awe. His piercing, bluesy vocal style coupled with his lifelong love for world music added flavor and depth to Led Zeppelin’s sound. He also had a great ear for melodies, which enabled him to create some of the band’s most memorable and beloved songs, including “Going to California,” “Immigrant Song,” and “The Battle of Evermore.”
John Bonham
Led Zeppelin was famous for its explosive performances and no one personified that energy more than drummer John Bonham. Born in 1948 in Redditch, England, Bonham could bring an audience to its feet with his thunderous drumming, lightning-fast fills and heavy bass groove. His rough-and-ready playing style was the backbone of Led Zeppelin’s live sound, melding elements of jazz, blues and rock.
At the same time, Bonham’s distinctive style was versatile. His playing was nuanced and subtle; he could play a delicate ballad with the same grace and finesse as a hard-driving rocker. He was also an innovator who brought a range of exotic percussion instruments to the group, lending an atmosphere of experimentation to Led Zeppelin’s music. Some of the band’s most celebrated pieces, like “Moby Dick” and “Kashmir,” featured Bonham’s unique combination of power and finesse.
Led Zeppelin’s Legacy
Led Zeppelin’s music had a profound impact on rock music, influencing generations of rockers who followed. The quartet borrowed from and reinvented dozens of popular styles, creating a powerful and unique sound that was instantly recognizable.
This influence was not confined to rock music; Led Zeppelin’s influence can be heard in hip-hop, heavy metal, folk, world music and more. Their sound is often recreated in live performance, and their albums are staples of modern record collections. Movies, television shows, and video games continue to feature Led Zeppelin classics, ensuring that their music lives on for future generations.
Led Zeppelin and Psychedelia
Led Zeppelin’s music was deeply inspired by psychedelic music, a genre of music that emerged in the 1960s and was marked by its use of mind-altering soundscapes, often featuring long instrumental sections. Led Zeppelin adopted the psychedelic aesthetic, most notably on the epic “Dazed and Confused,” which the group made famous after it first appeared on their self-titled debut album.
The group was also influenced by other genre-defying acts, including Cream, Jimi Hendrix, and Pink Floyd. Led Zeppelin drew from a variety of sources, mixing genres, styles and textures to create a unique sonic landscape. Their music evolved over the years, encompassing everything from heavy blues-rock to pop-rock to world music. Their sound was recognized and celebrated, and has influenced generations since.
Led Zeppelin and Pop Culture
Led Zeppelin’s influence on pop culture is impossible to overlook. The group was one of the first of its kind to cross into the mainstream, with many of their songs becoming radio favorites. Led Zeppelin’s songs have been featured in popular films, television shows, and video games, proving its widespread influence.
The members of Led Zeppelin are often cited as fashion icons, and their style of dress has been emulated by countless fans. This influence is still visible today, with the group’s music being mentioned in popular magazines and referenced in fashion blogs.
Led Zeppelin also is famous for its live performances, with fans often traveling long distances to experience the band. Live recordings of Led Zeppelin continue to capture the imagination, and remain some of the group’s most popular releases.
Led Zeppelin and the Occult
Led Zeppelin has long been associated with the occult, with many fans claiming that the group had a spiritual connection to the dark forces of the universe. Some believe that the group’s music is steeped in occult symbolism and practices, while others believe that their lyrics are coded messages meant to be deciphered.
Whether or not Led Zeppelin was connected to the occult is uncertain, though the band’s lyrics often contained fantastical and mystical imagery. Likewise, their album artwork, which featured pillars, dragons, and other cryptic symbols, has been seen by some as indicative of a greater occult knowledge.
Led Zeppelin remains one of rock music’s most influential and acclaimed groups, and their connection to the occult is alive and well in the minds of fans.
Led Zeppelin’s Impact on Today’s Music
Led Zeppelin’s influence can be heard in many forms of today’s music, with the group’s songs being sampled, covered and adapted by current musicians. Led Zeppelin’s musical influence can be heard in the hard rock of Guns N’ Roses, the heavy metal of Metallica, the hip hop of Kanye West, and the folk-rock of Mumford & Sons.
The band’s influence has also extended to the world of fashion, with many musicians adopting the classic Led Zeppelin look of tight jeans and vintage t-shirts. Led Zeppelin’s popularity is still very much alive in the current musical landscape, and their influence is often felt in the thousands of classic rock tributes, fan conventions, and tribute bands that occupy its space.
Led Zeppelin’s Impact on Political Activism
Led Zeppelin was part of a powerful wave of popular music that swept through the cultural landscape of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The band spoke of a unified (if sometimes vaguely defined) vision of peace and freedom, and its members were outspoken advocates against the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement.
The band’s influence on politics was tumultuous and often controversial. Led Zeppelin often spoke out against racism and prejudice, but embraced a counterculture lifestyle that also included hedonism and excess. While their influence on politics was often seen as divisive, the band’s iconic sound provided a sense of solidarity among anti-establishment protesters.
Led Zeppelin’s music and legacy remain a powerful reminder of the importance of political activism and the power of music to make a difference.
