Jimmy Page was already displaying promise as a musician at an early age before he rose to prominence as the master axman of the storied Led Zeppelin. He participated in a BBC talent competition, but when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, he provided an unexpected response.
He said that he wanted to be a scientist and find a cure for cancer. He didn’t find the cure for cancer but was a game-changer in the rock world. He influenced countless musicians and changed the course of rock history. Page’s innovative use of distortion, feedback, and other effects revolutionized the sound of the electric guitar.
Later on, he stated that moment was, “very embarrassing. When you’ve had a whole lifetime full of music. There are certain things that sort of come up and haunt you, and that is one of them… but it’s got a charm about it.” This happened all the way back in 1958.
Born on January 9, 1944, in Heston, England, Page was introduced to music at an early age. He began playing the guitar at the age of 12 and was influenced by rock and roll pioneers such as Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly.
The guitarist started out in London as a studio session player. But Page wasn’t just any session musician; he was among the best in the field and one of London’s most sought-after session guitarists, along with Big Jim Sullivan. In 1966, Page joined the Yardbirds, a popular blues-rock band. He played bass for a short time before switching to lead guitar. Page’s innovative guitar work helped to define the band’s sound and set them apart from other groups of the era. However, the Yardbirds disbanded in 1968, and Page decided to form his own band, which eventually became Led Zeppelin.
Being a pioneer in the blue and hard rock scene since the 1960s, the English guitarist, songwriter, and record producer is now regarded as one of the greatest and most important guitarists of all time.
