Wright 1

Tyler Wright HIST-495

Professor John Staples 5/11/16

In Through The Out Door

Page, Jimmy. Jimmy Page. Genesis

Publications, 2010. Print.

A Biographical Insight on The Life and Career of One of

Modern Music’s Most Influential Figures; Jimmy Page

By

Tyler Wright

Wright 2

I think it would be impossible to list all of the wonderful individuals who helped make this paper

a reality. However, there are a few people whose contributions deserve a special thanks. In turn, I

dedicate this piece to the following:

The Wright Family,

My HIST-495 Classmates,

John Staples,

Sharon Bond,

Michelle Wagner

Jake Reinecke,

Simon Visco,

Jeff Lauricella,

The Koitses Family

And of Course….

Jimmy Page!

Wright 3

July 20th and July 21st of 2015 are twin days that are forever etched into my mind. Not

one detail, sight or sound from those times has been spared by memory. Accompanied by my

friend Simon Visco, the two of us made the trip from Buffalo, New York to Toronto, Ontario for

a once in a lifetime opportunity. Only about a couple hours from our hometown, that short

excursion was for a book signing. The prospect of a hardcover book may not seem all that

exciting to some; as is especially evident in today’s technologically based society. However, the

mere fact of the matter was that this was no ordinary autograph session. We were among the

fortunate 300 individuals to be in the presence of one of music’s most influential figures. The

individual in question happened to be none other than guitar icon Jimmy Page.

I can recall standing in line for over twenty hours out on the tiles of Toronto’s Indigo

Books; just waiting to meet the man who once toured the world with English rock group Led

Zeppelin. In that stretch, I became well acquainted with fellow Jimmy Page fans. Some of us

watched old Led Zeppelin concerts on our electronic devices as others slept through the midnight

moonlight. While a little rain fell upon us all during the morning hours, reporters lined up to ask

us questions regarding the book signing (That would not be my last time on Toronto’s news

stations that day). We struggled to put our excitement into words to say the least. That sentiment

would completely come to fruition by the time 3:00 PM rolled around. Though it seemed as if

ten years had gone by, we knew that time would not be a factor for much longer. Even though

the bookstore had been open all day, the lucky few of us were finally let in to the designated

event area.

From there, my nerves started to tense up. Every human emotion possible was running

through my body. After about twenty-five more minutes of waiting, an ensuing cheer arose from

the crowd. Guitar legend Jimmy Page entered the room to the tune of Led Zeppelin song The

Wright 4

Crunge. He spoke for a couple minutes before taking a seat at his table. Seeing as how I gathered

the fourth spot in line, I knew my time was going to come rather quickly. When the period to

meet Page arose, quivers shot down my spine. I approached the man with an extended arm ready

to shake hands. When we met palms (mine shaking of course), instantaneously I proclaimed my

affection for his work as well as thanking him for his time.

However, I raised a question in which he could not help but answer. I stated, “Mr. Page,

I’m a guitar player as well and I can’t seem to find a number anywhere, but how many guitars do

you really own?”. Page rebutted, “Well that’s a good question, and it certainly used to be a lot

more. But I’d say right around 300-400 at the moment”. With that closing statement, the time

with my idol was over. Immediately a very surreal feeling came over my body. One that included

me asking myself over and over, “Did that just happen? Did I actually meet Jimmy Page?” the

feeling never really wore off as my friends and I left the store. Dazed, but not confused, we left

Toronto behind. Not only did we each ramble on with an autographed book, but we also departed

with stories. Our tales all play a part in the supporting evidence of why Jimmy Page is one of the

music world’s most influential individuals.

Throughout the years Jimmy Page has left his mark. As evident by the aforementioned

story, Page’s influence on music and culture has spread far and wide. With the development of

various recording, writing and guitar playing techniques, one can see as to why so many people

are taken captive by his wizardry. However, the story of Jimmy Page cannot be furthered without

tackling the “Great Man Theory”. The concept states that great men shape their societies rather

than civilization influencing them.1 Various examples include leaders as well as war heroes and

1 "Herbert Spencer's Critique of 'Great Man Theory'" Herbert Spencer on Great Man

Theory. Web. 27 Apr. 2016.

Wright 5

doctors. While historiography shows that the theory of great men could be argued true, I do not

find the concept applicable within the case of Jimmy Page.

Yes, my thesis does state how much influence Page has had on musical culture. However,

his most influential period came in the form of Led Zeppelin. Led Zeppelin comprised of four

band members each with extreme levels of talent. While the fact is widely accepted that Page

headed Zeppelin musically and mentally, he still remained a part of an assembly. That group

could not function without the contributions of each member. This became evident with

drummer John Bonham’s death on September 25th, 1980.2 The three remaining musicians knew

that no other percussionist could fill the shoes of Bonham. Thus, leading to Led Zeppelin’s

breakup shortly after. Great man theory would argue that the band occurred as a result of Page.

As evidence, John Bonham’s untimely passing proved page was more a byproduct of Led

Zeppelin.

Also, Jimmy Page’s fellow guitar playing contemporaries can be seen as rock solid

reasons as to why the great man concept does not apply here. Remarkably, Page was lucky

enough to grow up within a 12 mile radius of guitar legends Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck.3 All

three helped to pioneer Brittan’s brand of blues in the 1960’s as well as each possessing a stint in

the band, The Yardbirds. Eventually, Clapton and Beck would go on to have successful musical

careers similar to Page. Great man theory cannot account for each one of their accomplishments.

This is mainly due to the fact that each of the three guitarists has credited their achievements to

2 Welch, Chris. Led Zeppelin: The Ultimate Collection. London: Carlton, 2015. Print. Pg. 129

3 Tolinski, Brad. Light and Shade: Conversations Wtih Jimmy Page. Broadway Books, 2013.

Print. Pg. 29.

Wright 6

the influence of twentieth century African American culture. Thus, making Page, Clapton and

Beck all yields of society; not the other way around as great man theory would like to argue.

Despite arguably being a product of his time, Page’s innovations and influence cannot be

understated. Without further ado, this is the story of electric guitar icon Jimmy Page.

Section I: “Your Time Is Gonna Come”

James Patrick Page II was born on January 9th, 1944 near Middlesex, England.4 While

page was not as influenced by music early in his childhood, the moving of his family to Epsom,

England would change everything for him. At the still impressionable age of 9, Page would pick

up his first guitar. As quoted by Page himself, “The weirdest thing about moving to Epsom was

that there was a guitar in the house”…”I don’t know whether it was left behind by the people

before or whether it belonged to a friend of the families’. Nobody seems to know how it got

there”.5 Unbeknownst to him, that day would forever alter his life. Jimmy Page eventually saw

himself bringing the guitar to school with him. Fascinated by the instrument, he would try to play

during recess breaks in order to understand how the guitar worked. Some of his school mates

would flock to him as they too became intrigued with the acoustic six string. Page’s early

obsession got to the point where school teachers would take the guitar away from him; only to

return the item once the school day was completed.6 Page would eventually find practicing guitar

as the main source of his time despite receiving only a few formal lessons.

As Jimmy Page got older, his proficiency on the instrument increased tenfold. At the age

of 15, Page formed his first real band. In 1959, Neil Christian started to hear stories of a local

4 Page, Jimmy. Jimmy Page. Genesis Publications, 2010. Print. Pg. 9

5 Tolinski, Brad. Light and Shade: Pg. 5 6 It Might Get Loud. David Guggenheim, director. Sony Pictures Classics, 2009

Wright 7

boy who was impressing crowds with his guitar prowess. Little known to Christian, it was Page

that was performing. Absolutely blown away by the skill, Christian eventually persuaded (after a

good amount of prodding) the young Page to quit school and eventually form the band, Neil

Christian & The Crusaders.7 It was here that Jimmy Page would gain his first experiences out on

the road as a touring musician. Although Page learned greatly from his very short time in the

band, he would eventually retire from the road due to sickness. In the period after the crusaders,

Jimmy Page would develop a deep love affair for blues and rock and roll music; which would

have an immense effect on him in the long run.

African American roots music is synonymous with 1960’s England just as much as much

as pop music was. Abandoned and thrown away by Americans, blues composition found its

home in a foreign country. As aforementioned, the swampy style would have an everlasting

effects on players like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page alike. Skiffle (a genre that took

it’s roots in blues and folk music) in particular also provided another important basis for British

guitar players to learn from.8 As a result, British bands found their influences in rhythm and

blues. The Rolling Stones for example, took their name from a Muddy Waters song.9 On the

other hand, the Beatles created their early sound from the blueprints of more popular influences

such as Chuck Berry and Elvis. Lesser known artists in America such as Howlin’ Wolf and

Willie Dixon, were just as influential during the English blues boom. Without the influence of

7 Rees, Paul. "Led Zeppelin." Ed. Mark Blake and Phil Alexander. Comp. Ross Halfin. Q

Magazine Mar. 2003: 1-148.

8 Frith, Simon. "Rock - Rock in the 1960s." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia

Britannica, Web. 24 Apr. 2016. 9 "INSTRUMENTS IN DEPTH." Bloomingdale School of Music. Bloomingdale School of

Music, Web. 24 Apr. 2016.

Wright 8

the blues, the proposition of rock music may have never come to fruition. Thus, changing the

course of music all together.

Lacking any exception, Jimmy Page found himself caught in the blues whirlwind of early

1960’s England. In a quote by Page, he cites the spreading of blues music around England as to

why he became influenced: “It’s not hard to see why I gravitated to rock and blues. I was a

guitarist and it was very guitar-centric music. If you were a guitarist at the time, your appetite

was voracious for Chuck Berry and all the blues that was coming out of Chicago”.10 After

leaving The Crusaders, Page would go on to art school where he took his blues influence with

him. At the age of 17, after long days at university, Jimmy Page played various late night blues

gigs with The Cyril Davies’ Interval Band.11 Here, he would be playing the music of his heroes

on much smaller stages than what Page would eventually be accustomed to. As a result, Page

would start to develop his distinct guitar flair. That style that would soon land him not only a gig

as London’s most coveted studio musician, but a member of The Yardbirds.

Section II: “Bring It on Home”

By the time 1966 rolled around, 22 year old Jimmy Page had established himself as one

of England’s most prestigious studio guitarists. Playing on hits such as The Who’s “I can’t

Explain” and Donavan’s “Sunshine Superman”, Page was a household name in the recording

environment. In this time, Jimmy Page started to exert his influence and importance to music.

Besides his blues-based guitar work, Page’s masterful production skills (especially in

10 Tolinski, Brad. Light and Shade: Pg. 11

11 "Jimmy Page: The Trouser Press Interview." Interview by Dave Schulps. Rock and Roll:

An American Story, Web. 07 Feb. 2016.

Wright 9

microphone placement with drums, as later evident with Led Zeppelin’s album) and pioneering

techniques (such as backwards echo), placed him as a hot commodity in London’s music scene.12

His years as a studio musician not only proved beneficial to Led Zeppelin, but also to future

generations of recording artists. For example, during the recording of the 1971 Led Zeppelin

song, “When the Levee breaks”, Jimmy Page placed a microphone above John Bonham’s drum

kit (which was set up in a stair case) in order to achieve a large room sound. As a result, many

producers in the 1980’s attempted to directly replicate Page’s drum recording technique in order

to attain similar sounds.13 Also, Page’s achieved drum sound, combined with Bonham’s

unrivaled playing, became so influential that Rap artists such as The Beastie Boys began to

sample it.14

Despite his studio success and new found techniques, Jimmy Page eventually grew tired

of playing on other people’s tracks. He longed to be in a band developing his own ideas, not

someone else’s. When Page was offered to join blues-based band the Yardbirds in 1966, he

jumped at the chance. Not only would be playing alongside his childhood friend Jeff Beck, Page

could also express himself in an original manner. Originally Page played bass in The Yardbirds.

However, after Jeff Beck had an onstage breakdown in October of 1966 (which led to his to

departure of the band), Page assumed lead guitar duties.15 As a result, Jimmy Page used The

Yardbirds as his playground for experimentation. This was especially true in the music. By the

time 1967 rolled around, bands like Eric Clapton’s Cream, The Jimi Hendrix Experience and The

Who started to take rock to a whole new level. Jimmy Page did the same for his new group.

12 Tolinski, Brad. Light and Shade: Pg(s) 26, 81 13 It Might Get Loud. David Guggenheim. 14 Rees, Paul. Pg. 56 15 "Jimmy Page: The Trouser Press Interview." Interview by Dave Schulps

Wright 10

Equipped with a 1959 Fender Telecaster electric guitar that Jeff Beck had given to him, Page

took the band to new places. The Yardbirds went from a traditional blues-based group, to a more

explorative and explosive quartet (much like those listed above).

While the Jimmy Page-led version of The Yardbirds lasted less than a mere year and a

half, it was there that Page pioneered one of his most famous techniques. More often than not,

anytime an individual looks at a picture of Jimmy Page performing, one can see an oddity within

his right hand. Page’s use of a violin bow (instead of a guitar pick) scraping against the strings of

his electric guitar is one of the most iconic images in rock and roll history. While the technique is

most associated with his time in Led Zeppelin, Page used The Yardbirds as the vehicle for such

exploration. The Yardbirds frequently performed and inspiration of Jake Holmes’s song “I’m

Confused”.16 It was on this song, which was later to become Led Zeppelin’s “Dazed and

Confused”, Page wildly played used his violin bow to create a psychedelic effect. Even though

Jimmy Page was not the first to use the technique, he popularized the bowed-guitar. There are

plenty of artists from Radiohead to Sonic Youth that credit page as influencing them to bow their

own guitars. For example, Whitesnake’s John Sykes usage of the violin bow on their 1987 Led

Zeppelin-esque hit “Still of The Night”, confirms Page’s influence.17

While The Yardbirds became more and more successful under Page, the band started to

fall apart. Bassist Chris Dreja wanted to pursue photography, while the other members Keith

Relf and Kim McCarty sought out a different musical style.18 In 1968, the band would break up,

16 Rees, Paul. Pg. 12 17 Ives, Brian. "Jimmy Page On The Violin Bow: "Whatever Squeaks I Made Sort Of

Intrigued Me"" WCBSFM 1011. 1 Oct. 2012. Web. 24 Apr. 2016. 18 Welch, Chris. Pg. 14

Wright 11

which rendered Page band-less. This forced Jimmy Page into a tight spot. While he wanted to

continue the musical force that his group was creating, he also had to fulfill remaining show

dates on The Yardbirds 1968 Scandinavian tour.19 He knew that fresh members would be

necessary to accomplish contractual obligations. Page immediately recruited a bass player to suit

his vision of a new super group. Fellow studio musician John Paul Jones posed as a replacement

for Chris Dreja. The two had met during previous recording sessions, and became well

acquainted with each other. In their search for fellow bandmates, two young guns from

Birmingham, England would catch Page and Jones’s attention. Band of Joy’s singer and

drummer combo of Robert Plant and John Bonham were courted by Jimmy page in early 1968;

leading to the formation of “The New Yardbirds”.20 Unbeknownst to the four budding musicians,

the band would go on to the biggest act of the 1970’s selling over 300 million albums.21

Section III: Immigrant Song

The late 1960’s were a very critical time for music. While classic rock as it’s currently

known started to take shape in this period, folk and war-protest music also shared the popular

music landscape. All three can attest their rises for different and similar reasons. However, one

constant through all the music was the electric guitar. The electronic six string became

paramount in developing music in the second half of the twentieth century. While players such as

Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly popularized the instrument in the 1950’s, it still became

overshadowed by piano.22 The 1960’s changed that notion. Specifically, in 1967, a relatively

19 Welch, Chris. Pg. 8 20 "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum." Led Zeppelin Biography. Web. 23 Apr. 2016. 21 Fryer, Jane. "Led Zeppelin: The Real Monsters of Rock." Daily Mail. Associated

Newspapers, 14 Sept. 2007. Web. 05 May 2016. 22 "INSTRUMENTS IN DEPTH." Bloomingdale School of Music.

Wright 12

unknown player by the name of Jimi Hendrix set fire to his Fender Stratocaster (figuratively and

literally); at the International Monterey Pop Festival.23 Many saw this as the true growth of the

electric guitar as well as the birth of guitar orientated rock. While The Jimi Hendrix Experience

would strike gold in their two short years together (and undoubtedly leave a huge influence), it

was Jimmy Page’s new band that would eventually steal the show.

Jimmy Page took the electric guitar to innovative sonic levels with his Led Zeppelin. The

band served as a platform for Page to not only experiment with dissimilar guitar techniques, but

to also show his composition skills. Page used many different instruments in his tenure with Led

Zeppelin. Famous for using the Gibson Les Paul, he also equipped himself with multiple Martin

acoustic guitars, Marshall Amplifiers and Fender branded instruments.24 However, Page’s most

noted guitar was the Gibson EDS-1275. The double necked instrument featured a six-string neck

on the bottom and a twelve-stringed neck on the top; which would become a staple in Led

Zeppelin’s live sets.25 Jimmy Page special ordered the instrument from Gibson in 1971 as they

were not a production model. Page’s use of the EDS-1275 throughout the Zeppelin era only

added to his influence. For example, Guns & Roses guitarist Slash used a Gibson EDS-1275 as a

result of Jimmy Page.26 Slash most widely played his on the Guns & Roses cover of the Bob

23 Guggenheim, David. "Multimedia Reviews. It Might Get Loud." Journal of the Society for

American Music. Web. 20 Apr. 2016.

24 "Rock Chronicles. 1970's: Jimmy Page." Interview by Steve Rosen. Ultimate Guitar. N.p.,

12 Dec. 2007. Web. 08 Feb. 2016 25 Welch, Chris. Pg. 66 26 "The Guitar Collection: Jimmy Page’s Gibson EDS-1275 « Guitar Aficionado." Guitar \

Aficionado RSS. 16 Nov. 2011. Web. 01 Apr. 2016.

Wright 13

Dylan classic, “Knocking on Heaven’s Door”. Despite Jimmy Page’s now expansive collection,

Led Zeppelin’s formation in 1968 found Page employing his famed Fender Telecaster.

Musically speaking, Led Zeppelin was an electric guitar driven group fueled by a

downright impressive rhythm section. Jimmy Page, with his fearsome riffs, combined with

Robert Plant’s sheer vocal prowess, made for an explosive lead section; while John Paul Jones

delivered smooth bass lines as John Bonham’s hard hitting drum style provided the cherry on

top. From their very beginning as The New Yardbirds in 1968, a name that would last no longer

than two weeks, these elements were ever present. After completing the aforementioned 10-day

Scandinavian tour, Led Zeppelin would return to England to record their first album. 30 hours of

recording time at London’s Olympic studios would yield one of the most complete and

impressive debut albums of all time.27 The finished product would become Led Zeppelin’s first

recorded compilation titled, Led Zeppelin I. After Zeppelin’s releasing of the album in March of

1969, the press offered their opinions:

Jimmy Page and Co. created a heavy, driving sound that generates excitement on gigs

and this excitement passes over to disc…Led Zeppelin never flag on this LP which should be

played on full volume. On no account allow your mother to turn it down-let alone off. – Beat

Instrumental, April 1969 28

Upon completion of Led Zeppelin 1, Jimmy Page’s well-oiled machine would head out

on the road. In support of their first album, 1969 would find the band touring the United States of

America and Europe. Led Zeppelin discovered great success in their first tour. However, four

27 Page, Jimmy. Jimmy Page. Pg. 79 28 Rees, Paul. Pg. 14

Wright 14

shows at the start of their second American excursion proved to be significant. As stated by

Jimmy Page,

“Over the four days at the Fillmore the audience got a mass injection of what we were

about. It is safe to say that the reputation of the group travelled like wildfire across the States

from this moment and these San Francisco dates were a pivotal point in the band’s career” 29

As a result of the four Fillmore shows, Led Zeppelin started gaining more and more popularity

with each single passing day. Thus, the band decided to compose their second record whilst on

yet another American tour. Released mere months after the first album, Led Zeppelin II saw the

band reach new heights musically and commercially. Led Zeppelin II sold so well that the record

displaced The Beatles Abbey Road at the top of the American Billboard records chart in 1969.30

Also, Led Zeppelin’s newest affair provided another gateway for the band to showcase their raw

sound; particularly in the form of the album’s first track.

The shining moment on that record came in the form of Jimmy Page’s guitar work on the

song “Whole Lotta Love”. Page’s master mixing and playing on “Whole Lotta Love” would

influence musicians for generations to come. Modern blues star Jack White is credited as being

one of those who were blown away by the piece: “I remember knowing the break in Whole Lotta

Love when I was six. I had it on a cassette tape and there was actually a glitch on the tape from

where the solo began because I had rewound it to that spot so many times”.31 To further expand,

in the 2009 documentary It Might Get Loud (a biopic about electric guitars), Jimmy Page is seen

playing “Whole Lotta Love” for White and U2 guitarist The Edge.32 The looks on the faces of

29 Page, Jimmy. Jimmy Page. Pg. 92 30 Rees, Paul. Pg. 22 31 Tolinski, Brad. Light and Shade: Pg. 135 32 It Might Get Loud. David Guggenheim

Wright 15

the two fellow guitar players is one of pure joy and astonishment. White and the Edge were not

the only two to be influenced however. A 2014 listener’s poll held by BBC Radio voted the rock

staple as the greatest guitar riff of all time.33 “Whole Lotta Love” acted as Led Zeppelin’s

closing song on top of becoming the band’s biggest anthem; until a certain 1971 Led Zeppelin

song overtook that title for good.

Section IV: When the Levee Breaks

With the start of a new decade, 1970 would see Led Zeppelin take a much needed break.

After a year that saw them comprise two albums and countless North American tours, the band

would retire to a small chalet in Wales. Jimmy Page and singer Robert Plant would call the

electricity void Bron-Yr-Aur cottage their home for a few weeks.34 This time away from the

hustle and bustle of touring life gave Jimmy Page a fresh breath of air. The period spent in the

countryside was meant to be more or less a vacation. However, Page brought his guitars with

him. Seeing as how the dwelling was completely lacking of electricity, only acoustic guitars

became permissible. It would be here that Page and Plant would write much of their material for

the band’s third venture, Led Zeppelin III. As a result, a good portion of the album featured

acoustic tendencies. While the record featured heavier songs like “Since I’ve Been Loving You”

and “Out on the Tiles”, Led Zeppelin III was most commonly referred to as “the acoustic

album”.35

Softer tracks such as “That’s the Way” and “Tangerine” showed Jimmy Page’s

versatility. On both of the songs, Page played pedal steel; an instrument featured heavily in

33 Welch, Chris. Pg. 39 34 Tolinski, Brad. "III D-Light." Guitar World Nov. 2011: Pg. 63

35 Tolinski, Brad. "III D-Light." Guitar World Nov. 2011: Pg. 63

Wright 16

country and Hawaiian music. Jimmy Page’s use of the fellow stringed apparatus gave Led

Zeppelin III an almost chilling feel. Despite strong sales, Led Zeppelin’s third album did not hold

to expectations in the eyes of critics. Jimmy Page is quoted as saying, “Yeah, we were so far

ahead that it was very difficult for reviewers to know what the hell we were doing. They couldn’t

relate to it. Very rarely could they get the plot of what was going on”.36 However, whether or not

the critics wanted to see it, Led Zeppelin was well on their way to dominating the music culture

of the 1970s.

While the third record may have not seen eye to eye with music “experts”, 1971’s Led

Zeppelin IV proved to be the exact opposite. This largely had to do with the fact that Led

Zeppelin’s fourth album had no words or title whatsoever; and only featured the band’s iconic

four symbols.37 Jimmy Page’s goal was aimed at having critics focus largely on the music while

containing no prior biases. The plan worked better than expected. Led Zeppelin IV, despite no

official title, has sold over 22 million copies marking it Led Zeppelin’s best-selling musical

compilation.38 This can be attributed to a number of factors. John Bonham’s drumming on

“When the Levee Breaks” and John Paul Jones’s writing of “Black Dog” certainly enhance the

album’s importance. However, perhaps there is no bigger reason for the album’s success than

Jimmy Page’s finest hour as a composer and guitar player.

On March 5th 1971, almost eight months before the new album’s release date, Led

Zeppelin would play a fresh melody in Belfast, Ireland.39 Utilizing his recently acquired Gibson

EDS-1275, Jimmy Page would launch into one of the most famous songs of all time. Little

36 Tolinski, Brad. "III D-Light." Guitar World Nov. 2011: Pg. 68 37 Hoskyns, Barney. "The Power & The Glory." Uncut July 2006: Pg. 58 38 Hoskyns, Barney. "The Power & The Glory." Uncut July 2006: Pg. 60 39 Welch, Chris. Pg. 78

Wright 17

known to the crowd at the time, they were first audience to witness Led Zeppelin’s epic

“Stairway to Heaven”. The ballad is commonly held in extremely high standards as Jimmy

Page’s (as well as the bands) most influential moment. Weighing in at over 7 minutes long,

“Stairway to Heaven” captures Page’s guitar playing in a thrilling nutshell. From the medieval

styled acoustic intro, to an immortal guitar solo, every second of the song features the heart and

soul of Jimmy Page. “Stairway to Heaven” would become so huge to the point where it’s cultural

impact was almost as big as Led Zeppelin. Not only is the song the most requested composition

ever on the radio, but “Stairway to Heaven” even saw time on the silver screen. 1992 Hollywood

blockbuster Wayne’s World, saw Mike Myers character play the first several notes of “Stairway

to Heaven”; a store clerk stops the song and points to a sign that says “No Stairway To

Heaven”.40 The movie producers threw this scene in as a joke due to the fact that the song had

become so immensely popular, and every guitar player tried to imitate it. Most musical

instrument stores jokingly employ the policy. Thus, proving Stairway’s impact on music and

culture alike.

Countless professional and amateur guitarists cite “Stairway to Heaven” as one of the

reasons they sought to take up guitar in the first place. For example, current Foo Fighters lead

guitarist, and former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl stated, “I first heard Led Zeppelin when I

was about seven or eight. My mom would always tune into the same radio station and I

remember hearing Stairway to Heaven. It was later on that I became totally obsessive”.41 In

particular, Stairway to Heaven’s guitar solo is what drew some in. Commonly hailed as one of

the greatest six-string solos of all time, Jimmy Page blasted out the section with his Fender

40 Stedemic. "May I Help You Riff." YouTube. YouTube, 10 Jan. 2009. Web. 04 May 2016. 41 Rees, Paul. Pg. 2

Wright 18

Telecaster. Instead of using the favored Gibson Les Paul that Joe Walsh had given him, John

Paul Jones suggested that Page try his trusty old Telecaster.42 As a result, history was made. To

further legitimize the everlasting influence of Page’s solo on “Stairway to Heaven”, famous

recording engineer Richard Digby-Smith recalls, “Page just leaned up against the speakers with

his ear pressed against them and rattled out that solo, the epitome of cool”.43

Personally speaking, “Stairway to Heaven” is how I stumbled onto Jimmy Page and Led

Zeppelin. When I first started learning guitar, the song I most anticipated to play was “Stairway

to Heaven”. I can recall spending just over the better part of a year just learning every little

nuance of Jimmy Page’s playing. Much Like Grohl, obsession had overcome me. I desired to

own a Gibson EDS-1275, Marshall Amplifier, and don a custom made dragon suit. While years

of playing have given birth to my own unique style, there is still a part of me that lusts to play

Jimmy Page’s masterpiece; in front of 100,000 screaming fans. Stairway to Heaven’s everlasting

influence on me cannot be understated. There are many friends of mine whom of which feel the

same way about themselves.

Section V: Dancing Days

Throughout the time period of 1972-1977, Led Zeppelin would go on to become the

biggest band in the world. Under Page’s direction, the group released three more albums and

cemented their place atop music’s hierarchy. 1973’s Houses of the Holy, and 1975’s Physical

Graffiti, would both garner mass critical acclaim. 1976’s Presence would still sell successfully

despite poor reviews. During this stretch, Led Zeppelin would set numerous precedents for bands

as well as musical culture in general. Specifically, Led Zeppelin headed the cultural shift towards

42 Tolinski, Brad. Light and Shade: Pg. 147 43 Hoskyns, Barney. "The Power & The Glory." Uncut July 2006: Pg. 62

Wright 19

arena rock with their increased ticket sales and unrivaled live performances.44 Prior to this

change, rock bands became accustomed to performing in small venues such as concert halls or

insignificant music clubs. By the time of the mid-70’s, Led Zeppelin were playing venues such

as Madison Square Garden and the Los Angeles Forum. As an example of the growth, Led

Zeppelin’s 1977 concert at The Pontiac Silver Dome drew in over 77,229 fans; which still holds

the record for the largest single-act audience of all time.45

Also, Led Zeppelin radically redesigned the rock and roll lifestyle during their record

setting outings. Famous fashion designer John Varvatos is one of many that claim Jimmy Page

and Led Zeppelin as ushering in a new “vibe” for rock music.46 It is no secret to anyone that

contemporary rock groups favored money, drugs and partying, but Led Zeppelin pushed the

envelope 10 steps further. While the whole band contributed in various shapes and forms, Jimmy

Page and John Bonham in particular were most notable for Led Zeppelin’s tour antics. As a

result, Jimmy Page was occasionally chained in order to keep him from getting to out of hand.47

Led Zeppelin threw TV’s and couches out of hotel windows as well as participating in various

sexual ventures with female followers. In one incident, Jimmy Page was delivered like room

service to a suite full of willing groupies.48 Most of these notable debaucheries took place at Led

Zeppelin’s favorite celebration location, Los Angeles’s Hyatt House Hotel (The Riot-Hyatt as it

was nicknamed by Led Zeppelin).49 Eventually other rock bands like The Rolling Stones and

44 Rees, Paul. Pg. 70 45 "Led Zeppelin Timeline: April 30th, 1977." Led Zeppelin - Official Website. Web. 05 May

2016 46 Tolinski, Brad. Light and Shade: Pg. 286 47 Fryer, Jane. "Led Zeppelin: The Real Monsters of Rock." 48 Fryer, Jane. "Led Zeppelin: The Real Monsters of Rock." 49 Fortune, James. "It Was Never Quiet at the Riot Hyatt-James Fortune and Led

Zeppelin." James Fortune Photography RSS. Web. 05 May 2016.

Wright 20

The Who tried to dethrone Zeppelin’s status by destroying the same hotel. Fellow guitar player

Keith Richards tried to keep up with Page by also throwing TV’s out of windows. As a result,

rock culture in the 1970’s revolved as much around partying as it did around music.

Despite the off stage antics, Jimmy Page would further exemplify his musical influence.

His contributions on the 1975 composition entitled “Kashmir”, would help Led Zeppelin garner

the reputation as the fathers of heavy metal music; a status in which the band often renounced.50

“Kashmir” is often cited by Page and company as Led Zeppelin’s greatest accomplishment;

despite the success of “Stairway to Heaven”.51 The song spreads it’s roots in the music of

Eastern based societies such as India. Page originally conceived the idea for the music during the

recording sessions for Physical Graffiti. In tuning his guitar to D-A-D-G-A-D, a guitar technique

that Page used previously on Led Zeppelin’s first album, he was able to achieve the far east-

esque tones on “Kashmir”. Musicologist Jimmy Brown has credited Page’s tuning as to why

“Kashmir” achieved it’s epically vast sound.52 Also, much like “Stairway to Heaven”, Page used

an oddball guitar when “Kashmir” was performed live.

Jimmy Page’s Danelectro 3021 electric guitar served as his weapon of choice for

“Kashmir”. The guitar itself was extremely inexpensive and Danelectro guitars in general did not

see much professional use. However, Page’s employment of the Masonite based instrument on

“Kashmir” propelled sales. Eventually Danelectro reissued a replica of Jimmy Page’s original

3021 because its use on “Kashmir” was so influential (I myself am guilty of buying a Danelectro

50 Fast, Susan. "Led Zeppelin." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica,

Web. 05 May 2016. 51 Welch, Chris. Pg. 94 52 Tolinski, Brad. Light and Shade: Pg. 216

Wright 21

just to play “Kashmir”). Max Mobley, an author for the world’s largest sheet music company Hal

Leonard, confirmed yet another example of Page’s impact:

There is an amazing moment in the rock doc It Might Get Loud when Jimmy Page straps

on his Danelectro (an original hybrid of a 3021 double-cut body and another Danelectro with

modifications) and casually goes into that immortal “Kashmir” riff. The tone coming from the

instrument and Jimmy's casual playing is nothing short of stupendous, and it made me eager to

play one.53

Besides impacting guitar players, “Kashmir” would eventually become a staple for a different

sort of string section. Stringed Orchestras favor the song due to it’s arrangement of melodic

overtones. Often times school orchestras, as well as professional ensembles, cover the song with

delight. Specifically, “Kashmir” has been covered by the London Metropolitan Orchestra as well

as the 16 piece Egyptian orchestra that accompanied Jimmy Page and Robert Plant; for their

MTV performance in 1994.54

Section VI: “In My Time of Dying”

“All good things must come to an end” is a quote often applied to the conclusion of

something significant. September 25th, 1980 is remembered as one of those situations where the

famous saying became realistic. After returning from a short European tour, Led Zeppelin would

hold rehearsals in order to prepare for upcoming North American dates. On September 24th, post

rehearsals, John Bonham would be carried off to bed after consuming an excessive amount of

alcohol. The next day, Led Zeppelin’s heart and soul would be found dead of Asphyxiation; in

53 Mobley, Max. "Danelectro '59 Original Electric Guitar Review." Premier Guitar. 28 May

2010. Web. 06 May 2016. 54 Rees, Paul. Pg. 128

Wright 22

the Windsor home of fellow bandmate Jimmy Page.55 No more than a year after the release of

Led Zeppelin’s 1979 album, In Through the Out Door, the band would call it quits. The three

surviving members knew that the band could not carry on without their beloved friend. Hence,

marking the end of an era. Jimmy Page is cited as saying that it was the worst time in his life and

that he was “Knocked Sideways” by the death of John Bonham.56 On top of grieving the loss of

his colleague, Page’s own addictions started to catch up with him. As aforementioned, drugs and

alcohol became staples of the rock culture that Led Zeppelin helped to create. Jimmy Page was

very much a part of that as he developed a nasty heroin/cocaine habit around the time of Led

Zeppelin’s Presence.57 The band’s later years saw Page’s drug problem escalate. As a result,

rumors swirled to as weather or not he would follow in Bonham’s footsteps. Public appearances

in which Jimmy Page looked completely scrawny only added to the speculation. However, Page

would eventually kick his drug habit in 1983 to avoid the same fate as his friend.58

Section VII: “Achilles Last Stand”

Almost 36 years have now passed since the breakup of Led Zeppelin. Jimmy Page still

remains an inspiration post-Zeppelin and has kept himself quite busy. The 1980’s saw Page not

only comprise a movie soundtrack, but form various super groups and release his one and only

solo album, Outrider.59 Also, the decade had Led Zeppelin reunite on two separate occasions.

Jimmy Page and co. would unify at Live Aid in 1985 and at Atlantic Record’s 40th anniversary

celebration in 1988.60 Both concerts were much maligned by Page. In particular, the Live Aid

55 Rees, Paul. Pg. 111 56 Tolinski, Brad. Light and Shade: Pg. 224 57 Rees, Paul. Pg. 139 58 Rees, Paul. Pg. 139 59 Tolinski, Brad. Light and Shade: Pg. 245 60 Welch, Chris. Pg. 19

Wright 23

show failed to meet expectations of fans as well as the three former bandmates. Despite this, Led

Zeppelin’s impact still loomed large. 80’s hairbands like Whitesnake drew huge musical

influences from Led Zeppelin. As aforementioned, the band’s guitarist, John Sykes, had been

seen bowing his guitar. This form of compliment even lead to the formation of tribute bands like

Dread Zeppelin; which became a internationally successful Led Zeppelin cover band.61 Ironically

enough, Jimmy Page would collaborate with Whitesnake’s David Coverdale for a short period in

the 1990s.

The 1990’s were a time of revival for Jimmy Page. While the decade saw Rap and Pop

music as the mainstream forms of music (far from what the 1970’s brought), Page would once

again find his way into the light. 1994 had Jimmy Page reunite with his old pal Robert Plant. The

two would go on to perform a world tour as well as put out a new album. Walking Into

Clarksdale managed to be a huge success reaching number eight in the U.S. and number three in

the U.K.62 The reunited duo would tour up until 1998 all the while delighting a whole new

generation of Led Zeppelin fans. It would be here that Jimmy Page and Robert Plant’s work

would pose influential to other culture’s music as well. On a trip to Morocco, the former Led

Zeppelin bandmates performed with various local Gnaoui street musicians.63 The musical

combination was held in a courtyard with plenty of villagers gathering around to listen.

Eventually the clip would be featured as bonus material on the No Quarter - Unleaded DVD.

Perhaps the 2000’s and 2010’s were Jimmy Page’s most important years since the 1970s.

He partook in a wildly popular documentary about electric guitars, played at the Beijing

61 Welch, Chris. Pg. 19 62 Rees, Paul. Pg. 131 63 Rees, Paul. Pg. 128

Wright 24

Olympics and wrote an extensive autobiography. However, one event helped propel the already

legendary Page into an untouchable status. December 10th, 2007 featured the triumphant return

of Led Zeppelin. The three remaining members, combined with John Bonham’s son Jason,

played 16 songs to an ever ecstatic crowd at London’s O2 Arena.64 2007’s reunion came about

after Atlantic Records founder, Ahmet Ertegun had passed. Ertegun is the one who took a chance

and gave Led Zeppelin their start in 1968.65 As a result, the surviving members of Led Zeppelin

decided on a reunion concert in his memory. A lucky 18,000 plus fans gathered from all over the

world to watch their heroes perform at least one more time (Over 20 million applied for tickets).

Page’s years of influences became compacted into a single evening: The violin bow solo, a

Gibson EDS-1275, “Stairway to Heaven” and “Kashmir”, all present for one night only.

That night launched Jimmy Page back into international spotlight and gave the band

media attention similar to that of their heyday. Also, if the event was not already big enough,

celebrities such as Paul McCartney, Jeff Beck and Oasis were among those who attended.66 Led

Zeppelin’s reunion show prompted a media storm asking for following dates. However, nothing

ever came to fruition as the three remaining musical icons each went their separate ways. 2012

saw the release of the concert as a film called Celebration Day. Similar to their 1976 concert

film, The Song Remains the Same, Celebration Day showed Led Zeppelin in peak form.

Almost 10 years after Led Zeppelin’s last triumph, 2016 still has the band as relevant as

ever. Jimmy Page is largely to thank as his work has stood the test of time. Generation after

generation have made Page’s accomplishments a part of their lives. Some credit the music while

64 "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum." Led Zeppelin Biography. 65 Welch, Chris. Pg. 157 66 Welch, Chris. Pg. 157

Wright 25

others credit the guitar playing as inspiration. Despite the success of his past, Page’s future

remains uncertain. What is Jimmy Page’s next move? Will he head out and make more music?

Or will the future see Page keep the Led Zeppelin legacy alive? No matter what the answer,

Jimmy Page will always hold a place among the musical royalty. His influence has spread over

genres, countries and decades. And that impact does not look to be fading anytime soon.

Section VIII: “Coda”

There is no question that Jimmy Page’s greatest amount of influence came in the form of

Led Zeppelin. As evident throughout this piece, he did so much to impact others during the

period of 1968-1980. From pioneering the use of the bowed guitar, to the composition of some of

“Stairway to Heaven” and “Kashmir”, the short 11 years proved to be a breeding ground of

inspiration and creativity. While the Page’s years following Led Zeppelin may have not been as

influential as those he spent with his former bandmates, it would be others who confirmed his

everlasting impressions. As discussed, well-respected musicians such as Jack White and Dave

Grohl often recognize Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin as reasons they got into music. I myself

credit Page’s work as the basis for my own musical adventures. Without him, I probably would

have never even thought about touching a guitar. And for that, I’m forever grateful.

On a broader scale, who knows where music today would be without the effects of

Jimmy Page. There may have never been bands like Guns & Roses, The Foo Fighters or The

White Stripes. Documentaries like “It Might Get Loud” may have never come to fruition; due to

the fact that the electric guitar could have remained unpopular. Guitar companies such

Danelectro may not even currently exist if not for Page’s use of their products. On top of that,

Jimmy Page’s techniques in the studio provided essential to the way modern music is recorded.

Artists like The Beastie Boys, as well as others, have used recording techniques that Page

Wright 26

pioneered over 40 years ago. Jimmy Page set a standard of cool that almost no other guitarist has

been able to match. While I do not believe he is a part of great man history (as his childhood

contemporaries Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton also have had successful careers), his influence

cannot be understated.

In summation, these are the reasons I chose to cover the life of Jimmy Page. I know there

is not much that has not already been said, but his contributions to music and culture are far too

important to let go by the wayside. While it is tough to cover every aspect of Page’s life, his

broader accomplishments with Led Zeppelin became the basis of my thesis. Plus, my encounter

with Jimmy Page was a great insight that not many writers, biographers or fans in general get to

have. Overall, the life and career of Jimmy Page has been that of legend. At the old age of 72,

Page still musically embodies everything he stood for in the 1970’s. Who knows where the

coming years will take him. Maybe new music is on the rise, or there could be hope of another

Led Zeppelin encounter. No matter the outcome, death cannot rid page of his accolades. Even

after that moment comes, Jimmy Page’s song will forever remain the same.

Wright 27

Citations:

1. Fast, Susan. "Led Zeppelin." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica,

Web. 05 May 2016.

2. Frith, Simon. "Rock - Rock in the 1960s." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia

Britannica, Web. 24 Apr. 2016.

3. Fryer, Jane. "Led Zeppelin: The Real Monsters of Rock." Daily Mail. Associated

Newspapers, 14 Sept. 2007. Web. 05 May 2016.

4. Fortune, James. "It Was Never Quiet at the Riot Hyatt-James Fortune and Led

Zeppelin." James Fortune Photography. Web. 05 May 2016.

5. Guggenheim, David. "Multimedia Reviews. It Might Get Loud." Journal of the Society

for American Music. Web. 20 Apr. 2016.

6. Hoskyns, Barney. "The Power & The Glory." Uncut July 2006: 54-62.

7. "INSTRUMENTS IN DEPTH." Bloomingdale School of Music. Bloomingdale School of

Music, Web. 24 Apr. 2016.

8. It Might Get Loud. David Guggenheim, director. Sony Pictures Classics, 2009

9. Ives, Brian. "Jimmy Page On The Violin Bow: "Whatever Squeaks I Made Sort Of

Intrigued Me"" WCBSFM 1011. 1 Oct. 2012. Web. 24 Apr. 2016.

10. "Led Zeppelin Timeline: April 30th, 1977." Led Zeppelin - Official Website. Web. 05 May

2016

11. Mobley, Max. "Danelectro '59 Original Electric Guitar Review." Premier Guitar. 28 May

2010. Web. 06 May 2016.

12. Page, Jimmy. Jimmy Page. Genesis Publications, 2010. Print.

13. Rees, Paul. "Led Zeppelin." Ed. Mark Blake and Phil Alexander. Comp. Ross Halfin. Q

Magazine Mar. 2003: 1-148.

14. "Rock Chronicles. 1970's: Jimmy Page." Interview by Steve Rosen. Ultimate Guitar. N.p.,

12 Dec. 2007. Web. 08 Feb. 2016.

Wright 28

15. "The Guitar Collection: Jimmy Page’s Gibson EDS-1275 « Guitar Aficionado." Guitar

Aficionado RSS. 16 Nov. 2011. Web. 01 Apr. 2016.

16. "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum." Led Zeppelin Biography. Web. 23 Apr.

2016.

17. Tolinski, Brad. "III D-Light." Guitar World Nov. 2011: 60-79.

18. Tolinski, Brad. Light and Shade: Conversations Wtih Jimmy Page. Broadway Books, 2013.

Print.

19. "Jimmy Page: The Trouser Press Interview." Interview by Dave Schulps. Rock and Roll:

An American Story, Web. 07 Feb. 2016.

20. "Herbert Spencer's Critique of 'Great Man Theory'" Herbert Spencer on Great Man

Theory. Web. 27 Apr. 2016.

21. Stedemic. "May I Help You Riff." YouTube. YouTube, 10 Jan. 2009. Web. 04 May 2016.

22. Welch, Chris. Led Zeppelin: The Ultimate Collection. London: Carlton, 2015. Print.