Jimmy+Page

home Jimmy Page, James Patrick Page, was born on January 9, 1944 in Heston, Middlesex, London England. Jimmy picked up his first guitar at age 12, and took a few lessons, but the majority of his learning was by himself. Page left school when he was 14 to pursue music, and joined a band called 'The Crusaders'. He toured with this band for two years, but became ill with glandular fever and had to stop touring. While he was ill, he decided to enroll in college so that he could concentrate on his other love, painting. Page would play on stage, just jamming for fun, and one day Mike Leander of Decca Records saw him, and gave him studio work as a session guitarist. Page ended up doing session work for bands such as "The Who' and 'The Kinks'. Page was then hired in 1965 by the Rolling Stones manager to act as a house producer and A&R man for the new label immediate record, which also allowed him to play on more tracks such as Eric Clapton.

In 1964, Jimmy Page was approached by the Yardbirds to replace Eric Clapton, but declined as Clapton was a good friend of his. Years later he was offered another spot on the Yardbirds lineup to play bass, and accepted, only to later become one of their twin guitarists, along side Beck. After some line-up changes were made, the name Yardbrids turned into 'the New Yardbirds'. This was the original line-up of Led Zepplin, as that became their name after suggestions from the band members. Pages guitar style that he portrayed in this band got his recognition to a maximum. He was world-known for his unique guitar style. His solo in the song 'Stairway to Heaven' has been voted by readers of various guitar magazines as the greatest guitar solo of all time, and Creem Magazine named him guitarist of the year five years in a row in the 1970's. The band went on to sell out at venues world wide, but the band broke up in 1980 due to the death of their drummer.

After Led Zepplin, Page went on to record many more songs with different artists, and he had many more projects. In 1985, the surviving members of Led Zepplin reunited for the Live Aid concert. The next year, Page temporarily reunited with the Yardbirds, and the next several years he played in different groups temporarily, showing himself at concerts.

In 2006, Led Zepplin were inducted into the UK music hall of fame. The following year on December 10, 2007 the surviving members of Led Zepplin reunited at another show, this time at a charity concert in London. On June 20, 2008 Page was awarded an honoury doctrate by the University of Surrey, to recognize his services in the music industry. This is a significant sign of how well recognitized Jimmy Page is for his guitar playing. He is thought of by many to be the greatest guitarist, and his unique set of skills makes him a pioneer of the guitar. Watch Jimmy Page Video: Jimmy Page - Stairway to Heaven Solo