Today we celebrate the birthday of one of the most iconic guitarists in the history of rock Jimmy Page!
The founder of Led Zeppelin, began his historic career, as a studio session musician in London, and became one of the most sought-after guitarists in the business. Having made his money in the session industry Page wanted to get a look at things as a band member. so when The Yardbirds reached out for a second time he eagerly joined. Initially asked to join the band when Eric Clapton left, Jimmy passed as his session work was to good to walk away from, so he introduced the band to Jeff beck instead, but now that another slot opened, Jimmy would join Beck in 1966. With Beck as a twin axe attack the Yarbirds finally began to flourish financially as a band, as Page brought manager Peter Grant into the fold. The band would go on to fire Beck, which made Jimmy the sole guitarist till the broke up in 1968.
When the Yardbirds broke up, he gained their cancelled tour dates and Jimmy would create a new band to fill them initially dubbed The New Yardbirds until the old band forced them to lose the name and thus Led Zeppelin was born. From 1968 to 1980 Page would blaze a trail across the decade of the 70's that few would match. His innovation and composition would change the face of rock music and inspire generations of musicians for decades after.
Following the death of John Bonham, Zeppelin would come to an end and Page would turn to other projects in its wake, like The Firm, the Honeydrippers, Coverdale–Page, and Page and Plant. Page has also participated in guest performances throughout the years and eventually was a part of the Led Zeppelin reunion and concert film Celebration Day.
Page is widely considered to be one of the greatest and most influential guitarists of all time. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him number three in their list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time", behind Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, and he was ranked number two in Gibson's list of "Top 50 Guitarists of All Time". He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, as a member of The Yardbirds, and as a member of Led Zeppelin.
Happy Birthday Jimmy, you truly are the Hammer of the Gods.