Jimmy Page Biography

Musician. Born James Patrick Page on January 9, 1944 in Heston, England. Page got his start as a professional guitarist as a teenager in the early 1960s, filling in as a session musician in London. In 1966, he joined the Yardbirds, a band featuring vocalist Keith Relf, bassist Chris Dreja and drummer Jim McCarty. After the band split in 1968, Page formed the New Yardbirds, which eventually became Led Zeppelin.

The most popular hard rock group of the 1970s, Led Zeppelin sold tens of millions of albums worldwide before breaking up in 1980. Page's propulsive riffs established the framework for a myriad of tracks, including Whole Lotta Love, Rock 'N' Roll and Achilles Last Stand, all now established as rock classics. The success of the band made Page a leader among rock guitarists. He went on to form another group called the Firm in 1984. But after two successful albums, the Firm disbanded, and Page was free to pursue a solo career.

In 1988, Page released his solo debut, Outrider, which featured former Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant and drummer Jason Bonham, the son of late Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. Page formed yet another group in 1993 with former Whitesnake vocalist David Coverdale called Coverdale/Page, but after releasing one album, the duo went their separate ways.

In 1998, Page reunited with Plant for Walking Into Clarksdale. And in 1999, he teamed with The Black Crowes for a concert in England that led to a highly praised U.S. tour with the band. The concerts were produced into a live album called Jimmy Page and the Black Crowes Live at the Greek the following year.

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