(Two Part Classic Report)

Written by: Jake Beach  

When examining the evolution of rock music, Led Zeppelin's profound impact on the genre is undeniable. They stormed the charts right from their inception. Throughout the 1970s, their creative journey fundamentally transformed rock, leaving a lasting impression on fans everywhere. Even today, their music resonates with new generations, securing their status as one of history's most iconic rock bands.

With Robert Plant's powerful vocals, Jimmy Page's legendary guitar skills, John Paul Jones's musical versatility on bass and keyboards, and John Bonham's exceptional drumming Led Zeppelin cultivated a distinctive sound that masterfully fused blues, folk, and hard rock. This unique blend set them apart and opened new doors in rock music. Soundwave Media dives into the classics this week as we explore Led Zeppelin's legacy.

The band's origins can be traced back to The Yardbirds, a British rock group that brought in the extraordinary session guitarist Jimmy Page to take over for bassist Paul Samwell Smith. Page eventually transitioned to lead guitar, collaborating with the legendary Jeff Beck in a dual-lead setup. After Beck's departure, Page emerged as the sole lead guitarist, solidifying the band into a four-member lineup that released only one full-length album 1967, titled Little Games, along with a few non-album singles and B-sides.

Struggling to achieve the chart success of earlier lineups, Page's version of The Yardbirds disbanded in 1968. This left room for a new musical venture; the sounds of American psychedelia and West Coast singer-songwriters were gaining international prominence. The era of 60s teen pop was waning, giving way to musicians who sought to create artistic experiences through albums. Page began assembling a band in this environment to deliver a heavier, more rebellious fusion of rock, blues, folk, and psychedelia. No one could have predicted the transformative impact this new group would have.

After the Yardbirds played their final gig, Page and bassist, Chris Dreja was authorized to continue using the Yardbirds' name because they had to fulfil the contractual obligation for upcoming Scandinavian concerts. Page first reached out to British blues singer Terry Reid for the role, but Reid turned it down and suggested Robert Plant instead, who was with the Band of Joy and Hobbstweedle. Plant accepted the offer and recommended his former Band of Joy drummer, John Bonham. Meanwhile, John Paul Jones expressed interest in the bass guitarist position at his wife's suggestion, as Dreja had left the project to pursue a photography career. Page had known Jones from their days as session musicians and welcomed him as the final member of the band.

In August 1968, the four of them got together for the first time in a room beneath a record store on Gerrard Street in London. Page proposed they give "Train Kept A-Rollin'" a shot. This jump blues track had been popularized by Johnny Burnette in a rockabilly style and covered by the Yardbirds. Jones remembered, "As soon as I heard John Bonham play, I knew this would be great... We clicked as a team right away."

After touring as the New Yardbirds, the band completed their Scandinavian tour and then entered the studio, where they recorded and mixed their debut album in just nine days. Jimmy Page took on the roles of producer and financier for the project. After the album's completion, the group needed to adopt a new name following a cease-and-desist letter from Dreja, which stated that Page could only use the New Yardbirds name for their Scandinavian shows. The origins of the name Led Zeppelin have been widely discussed. Still, it was undoubtedly inspired by a conversation with Keith Moon and John Entwistle, along with suggestions from Peter Grant regarding its pronunciation.

In November 1968, Grant secured a $143,000 advance contract from Atlantic Records—then the most significant deal for a new band. Atlantic, known for its blues and soul artists, started exploring British progressive rock. Led Zeppelin was signed without the executives even seeing them perform. Their contract granted them complete autonomy over album releases, touring, content, design, promotion, and single selections.

Led Zeppelin's debut album was released in the US on January 13, 1969, reaching number 10 on the Billboard chart, and in the UK on March 31, peaking at number 6. Steve Erlewine noted that its memorable guitar riffs and blend of psychedelic blues, hard rock, and English folk marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of hard rock and heavy metal.

Next, we will explore Led Zeppelin's evolution through the 1970s, examining the creative processes and influences that shaped their sound. We'll also analyze the personal dynamics within the band and their impact on their legendary status. Additionally, we'll highlight their iconic live performances and their enduring cultural and musical influence on generations of musicians and fans. So come back as we continue to explore the story of Led Zeppelin

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