How Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Met: The Birth of Led Zeppelin

Have you ever wondered how legends like Jimmy Page and Robert Plant met? This story takes us back to the early 1960s, where music magic was about to happen. Let's dive into the details of their meeting and how it led to one of the most iconic bands in rock history, Led Zeppelin.

The Early Years

In 1968, guitarist Jimmy Page was on the lookout for a lead singer to form a new band. He had recently returned from America with The Yardbirds, but the band had already disintegrated. Page was determined to find a new vocalist to help him achieve his musical vision.

A Recommendation from Terry Reid

On the recommendation from Terry Reid, a fellow musician and singer, Page set his sights on a young talent. Reid, who was managed by the same agent as Jimmy Page, had previously turned down an opportunity to form a band with Page. However, as Reid was preparing to support The Rolling Stones in America, he suggested that Page could check out a young singer named Robert Plant. Reid suggested that Plant might be a suitable candidate for the new band.

The Meeting at the Teachers Training College

On July 20, 1968, Page, along with his manager Peter Grant and bassist Chris Dreja, drove to a teachers training college in Birmingham. There, they planned to see Robert Plant perform with his band, Hobbstweedle, as recommended by Reid.

The performance was nothing short of impressive. Plant, who was just 19 at the time, showcased his vocal prowess and stage presence. The band closed their set with a cover of The Jefferson Airplane's "Somebody to Love," which left Page intrigued. He even thought something was wrong with Plant, thinking he might be difficult to work with or problematic. However, it was Plant's potential that intrigued Page.

The First Meeting and Impression

Back in London, Plant visited Page at his Pangbourne home. This was the first time they met face-to-face. Plant, now 19, was immediately impressed by Page and his girlfriend, American model Catherine James. To him, it was a sign of America—a place he had only dreamed about visiting.

Both musicians shared a love for the blues and were aligned in their musical vision. It was the song "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" that truly sealed the deal between the two. Plant's performance of the song was what Page needed to see. He noted that Plant's vocal range and emotion were exceptional. Plant, with his impressive harp skills and emotional delivery, was exactly what Page was looking for. Page was also taken by Plant's striking appearance, described by Terry Reid as a "Greek God." It was clear that Page had found his singer.

The Formation of The New Yardbirds

For the time being, Page announced the formation of "The New Yardbirds." The band was committed to playing several European dates that Page and Grant had booked before they could embark on their new journey. During these dates, Plant was the only one who remained from the previous Yardbirds, while John Paul Jones would be brought in as a session musician. Bonzo, the future drummer for Led Zeppelin, was introduced to complete the lineup.

After these shows, the band decided to seek a new name. Inspired by a suggestion from Keith Moon of The Who, they chose "Led Zeppelin." The rest, as they say, is history. The coming together of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant marked the beginning of one of the most influential and legendary bands in rock music.

Conclusion

The meeting between Jimmy Page and Robert Plant was a chance encounter that would change the music world forever. Their combined talents and chemical connection led to the creation of Led Zeppelin, a band that would go on to leave an indelible mark on the rock genre. It's remarkable how a simple recommendation and a performance at a teachers training college could set the stage for such a monumental musical partnership.