Bhappy birthday, Jimmy Page. January 9th the legendary rock guitarist, founder of Led Zeppelin, has turned 80. An important milestone achieved by a star and music icon, a myth that made the history of rock.
Jimmy Page: Life
Born in 1944, Jimmy Page was born in London. He has been developing since he was a child a great love for music, especially the guitar. A student of Big Jim Sullivan, he soon took part in some musical competitions: at 14, in fact, he was in the cast of Search for Starsa program looking for musical talents. Two years after he leaves school to dedicate himself completely to his passion and follow his musical career. A series of meetings begins that will help create his career: come on Rolling Stones to The Who, from Van Morrison to Eric Clapton. Then, in 1966, he joined the Yardbirds.
Success with Led Zeppelin
The years with the Yardbirds are fundamental for Jimmy Page: the guitarist, in fact, begins to experiment with different styles and mix different sounds and techniques, from bowing to feedback and fuzz. The Yardbirds disbanded in 1968. And that’s when Page forms Led Zeppelin with John Bonham, John Paul Jones and Robert Plant. The group immediately conquers the music scene thanks to a mix of rock and folk, blues and some oriental notes. A unique sound that will inspire all heavy metal and hard rock bands. Led Zeppelin released nine studio albums and three live albums. Among the most famous hits are Whole Lotta Love, Stairway to Heaven, Rock and Roll, Kashmir. The group disbanded in 1980.
Since then Jimmy Page has collaborated with various artists, from David Coverdale to the Black Crowes, from Paul Rodgers to Robert Plant.
One of the best guitarists ever
Jimmy Page is considered one of the best guitarists ever. And the titles received prove it. Entered twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in 2005 it was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to music. Two years later he was in third place in the rankings best guitarists of all time compiled by Rolling Stone. In 2010, second place in the classic dei 50 best guitarists of Gibson. In 2012, even Barack Obama awarded him the highest honor given to people who have left their mark on American culture through art.
A life of legend
But the milestone of turning 80 is also an opportunity to remember the extent to which his life played with excess. From relationships with minors to the destruction of hotels, from unconventional sexual practices to a passion for the occult, to alcohol and drug addiction: his life was one hundred percent “sex, drugs and rock’n’roll”.
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