On January 9, 1944 one of the most influential musical talents of my life began
his journey in the world. Since my early teens, Jimmy Page has taken the number one slot in my choice of greatest guitarists. His sloppy, laid-back, yet deliberately precise style is like none other. I was introduced to Jimmy Page in reverse. My love affair began when I devoured his work with Led Zeppelin. From that point, I wanted to know everything about his contributions which took me back to his days as a session player with The Kinks, The Who, The Rolling Stones and Joe Cocker as well as his brief stint with The Yardbirds. In college, every January was a tribute to the legend with a ‘Happy Birthday Jimmy Page Party’. Kegs were slurped dry as the music was adored and all were invited to share the love of one of the greatest musicians that ever lived. Today, I have my Jimmy Page doll hanging in my office and although I have met John Paul Jones and interviewed Robert Plant, Jimmy has eluded my grasp. Oh, maybe someday we shall meet, but until then, I will continue to love the art.
Today’s playlist includes contributions by Jimmy Page that you may not be aware of. Next time you hear these songs, I guarantee, Jimmy will come to mind. Enjoy some of the lesser seen video interviews and live performances as well.
So happy to celebrate the big day with you! And, Jimmy…I love you (in a non-stalker-type way).
Playlist–Happy Birthday Jimmy Page (Listen)
“Sunshine Superman”-Donovan (co-lead)
“She Came In Through The Bathroom Window”-Joe Cocker (Lead guitar)
“I Can’t Explain”-The Who (rhythm guitar, *controversy over final version*)
“Heart of Stone”-Rolling Stones (recorded in 1964, this alternate version appears on Metamorphosis, 1975)
“Downtown”-Petula Clark
“Beck’s Bolero”-Jeff Beck (Also features Keith Moon, John Paul Jones, Nicky Hopkins)
“White Summer”-The Yardbirds (performed live with “Black Mountain Side” during Led Zeppelin shows)
“Is It True”-Brenda Lee
“Prison Blues”-Jimmy Page
“Tribute To Elmore”-Jimmy Page/Eric Clapton
“Radioactive”-The Firm
“Baby Please Don’t Go”-Van Morrison & Them
“As Tears Go By”-Marianne Faithful
“One Hit To The Body”-Rolling Stones (Lead guitar)