The Untold Story of Jimmy Page and Peter Grant's Search for a Vocalist

As the music scene in the 1960s began to flourish, the legendary guitarist Jimmy Page was searching for a vocalist to join his visionary new band, ‘The New Yardbirds’. This article delves into the tale of how he and Peter Grant, the band’s manager, tried to sign up notable figures like Steve Marriott and Terry Reid, only to have them pass because of previous commitments. Ultimately, their search led them to the Birmingham vocalist, Robert Plant, who would go on to become one of the most celebrated frontmen in rock music.

Steve Marriott: A Near Miss

Steve Marriott, a founding member of The Small Faces, was one of the names floated as a potential vocalist for the new group. However, Marriott turned the offer down, being already committed to helping form Humble Pie, another talented band. Marriott had a significant impact on the music scene, but his decision to stay with Humble Pie missed making him a key figure in the legendary band that would become Led Zeppelin.

Terry Reid: The Closest to Success

The story of the search for the new vocalist takes a more intriguing turn with the involvement of Terry Reid. In 1968, Terry Reid was considered one of the finest blues-rocker voices in the industry. Jimmy Page, with his ambitious plans for the reformed Yardbirds, approached Reid to join the project. Reid, however, was bound by an existing solo contract. While disappointed, he was keen to help Page find the right vocalist. Hence, he recommended a younger, up-and-coming artist named Robert Plant.

The Impact of Historical Decisions

Reid's suggestion of Robert Plant was significant. Had Page not had to decline due to his contractual obligations, it's possible the lineage of rock history might have followed a different path. The recommendation of Robert Plant was a pivotal moment. According to Page, who referred to Reid as 'Superlungs', Plant's vocal ability was already well-known to him. Plant, known for his powerful and distinctive voice, was already gaining attention in the Birmingham music scene, where Page and other Yardbirds had performed frequently.

The Formative Years

The connection between Page and Plant could be traced to their various performances in Birmingham. Bonham, the drummer Page suggested to Reid, was already a member of the band, having previously played with the Yardbirds. Together, they formed the foundation for what would become one of the most influential and popular bands in rock history, Led Zeppelin.

Conclusion

In the annals of rock history, the search for the right vocalist often determines the trajectory of a band. Had Steve Marriott or Terry Reid accepted the offer, the narrative of Led Zeppelin might have been drastically different. The emergence of Robert Plant, as recommended by Reid, marked a pivotal moment that would forever change the course of rock music. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of the decisions made in the early stages of a band's formation and the impact those decisions can have.

Key Takeaways:

Steve Marriott's refusal to join the new band led to the formation of Humble Pie. Terry Reid's recommendation of Robert Plant was crucial, leading to the formation of Led Zeppelin. Robert Plant's powerful voice played a central role in defining the sound of Led Zeppelin.

References

1. Anonymous. 'Terry Reid - A VB Artist'. Vapourbulb Magazine.

2. Steve Marriott biographer. 'Marriott - The Making of a Legend'. The Small Faces Official Website.

3. Jimmy Page and Robert Plant interviews. Classic Rock Revisited Archive.