His staggering dexterity was matched by Plants expressive, beseeching voice, a combination that flourished on Led Zeppelin II. The set vied with Jeff Becks Truth as the definitive statement of heavy blues rock, but Pages meticulous production showed a greater grasp of basic pop dynamics, resulting in a clarity redolent of 50s rock n roll.
Armed with a prestigious recording contract with Atlantic Records, Led Zeppelin toured the USA supporting Vanilla Fudge prior to the release of 1969s explosive debut album, Led Zeppelin, which included several exceptional original songs, including Good Times Bad Times, ∜ommunication Breakdown, ∝azed And Confused - a hangover from the Yardbirds era - and skilled interpretations of R&B standards I Cant Quit You Baby and You Shook Me. He was best known as the heavyweight manager of all UK rock groups, both in size and stature. 5 April 1935, South Norwood, Surrey, England, d. The quartet was guided and managed by Peter Grant (b. The quartet gelled immediately and having completed outstanding commitments under the name New Yardbirds, became Led Zeppelin following an alleged quip by the Whos Keith Moon, who, when assessing their prospects, remarked that they would probably go down like a lead Zeppelin. Wilson opted to remain with Procol Harum. 25 September 1980, Clewer, Windsor, Berkshire, England), when first choice B.J. 20 August 1948, West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England), then frontman of struggling Midlands act Hobstweedle, who in turn introduced drummer John Bonham (b. The singer unselfishly recommended Robert Plant (b. John Baldwin, 3 January 1946, Sidcup, Kent, England bass/keyboards), a respected arranger and session musician, replaced original member Chris Dreja, but hopes to incorporate vocalist Terry Reid floundered on a contractual impasse. This pivotal heavy rock quartet was formed in September 1968 by British guitarist Jimmy Page (James Patrick Page, 9 January 1944, Heston, Middlesex, England) following the demise of his former band, the Yardbirds.