Even in the contemporary music landscape, the legacy of Led Zeppelin remains firmly entrenched among the pantheon of the greatest rock and roll bands. Forged in 1968, the ensemble comprised vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. Their musical odyssey birthed a plethora of successful albums and timeless rock anthems that resonate globally, imprinting an innovative and distinctive sound that has left an indelible mark on the rock genre.
Throughout Led Zeppelin’s illustrious career, the musical prowess of Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones played pivotal roles. Jones, with his masterful command over classic bass lines, and Page, crafting iconic guitar riffs with his innovative techniques, were instrumental in shaping the band’s sonic identity. Formerly session musicians, their union with Led Zeppelin catapulted them to international acclaim as integral members of this iconic rock powerhouse.
Amidst the accolades showered upon these guitar virtuosos for their contributions to Zeppelin, a fascinating revelation emerges – there exists a figure who imparted guitar wisdom to both Page and Jones before the inception of Led Zeppelin. Let’s delve into the identity of this influential mentor.
John McLaughlin: The Unsung Tutor of Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones
John McLaughlin, a virtuoso guitarist, and trailblazer in the realm of jazz fusion, left an indelible mark on several key British musical ensembles in the early 1960s. In a revelatory interview with Dave Lawrence in 2018, McLaughlin disclosed that he had indeed served as a guitar instructor for both Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones before the epoch of Led Zeppelin.
During the interview, Lawrence queried McLaughlin about the veracity of teaching Jimmy Page. Confirming this intriguing detail, the guitarist recalled being 18 years old at the time, while Page was a mere 17. In light of their youth, McLaughlin modestly mentioned imparting some foundational chords to the budding guitar maestro. The guitarist then unveiled his musical collaboration with John Paul Jones in an R&B band named Herbie Goins And The Nightimers, asserting that he had instilled the nuances of harmony in Jones long before the formation of Zeppelin.
Reflecting on his guitar lessons with Jimmy Page, John McLaughlin shared:
“Yeah, but he was like 17 and I was 18. What am I going to teach him? ‘You know this chord, Jimmy?’ Not too much, but we became friends. And all of that gang, John Paul Jones… I was playing with John Paul Jones in an R&B band Herbie Goins And The Nightimers. And I taught him harmony before Zeppelin was even formed.”
The formative years of both Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones bore the influence of John McLaughlin. The interview provides a captivating glimpse into the intersecting paths of these musical luminaries during their early years.