Did you know that the legendary Jimmy Page, the guitar god of Led Zeppelin, wasn't always shredding on stadium stages? Before he became a rock icon, he was a sought-after session musician, lending his talents to a surprising array of artists. Let's dive into four songs where you can hear the young Page's signature style, showcasing his versatility before he helped define a generation of rock music.
"As Tears Go By" by Marianne Faithfull (1964)
This song, a poignant ballad penned by none other than Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, was initially deemed unsuitable for their raw, blues-infused sound. Enter Marianne Faithfull, a young singer discovered by the Stones' manager, Andrew Loog Oldham. He envisioned her voice perfectly suited for the song.
Jimmy Page graced the recording with his 12-string guitar, adding a delicate touch to the track. Released in the UK in June 1964, it became a hit, reaching No. 9 on the UK charts and No. 22 in the US. The Rolling Stones later recorded their own version, reaching No. 6 in the US in early '66. It's a fascinating example of how Page's skills were already shaping the sound of pop music.
"Baby, Please Don't Go" by Them (1964)
From Belfast, Northern Ireland, came Them, a blues-inspired garage-rock band fronted by a young Van Morrison. Page's guitar work can be heard on several of their early tracks, including a cover of the blues standard, "Baby, Please Don't Go." Released in October 1964, it became Them's breakthrough hit, peaking at No. 10 on the UK singles chart.
Page's contributions weren't limited to this track; he also played on "Mystic Eyes" and "Here Comes The Night," both of which became Top 40 hits in the US. This collaboration highlights Page's ability to adapt to different musical styles, bringing his unique flair to the raw energy of Them's sound.
"Downtown" by Petula Clark (1964)
Petula Clark was already a star in the UK when she achieved massive success in the US with "Downtown." Written by Tony Hatch, the song was released in October 1964 and spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1965, while also reaching No. 2 in the UK.
Jimmy Page was one of several session guitarists who contributed to the song. "Downtown" is a perfect example of Page's versatility, effortlessly blending his skills into a pop arrangement. It's a testament to his talent that he could seamlessly fit into such a diverse range of musical styles.
"I'm Not Sayin'" by Nico (1965)
Nico, a model and actress, decided to embark on a singing career in the mid-1960s. Signed to Andrew Loog Oldham's Immediate Records label, her debut single was a pop rendition of Gordon Lightfoot's "I'm Not Sayin'." Both Brian Jones and Jimmy Page played guitar on the track, with Page also producing the song.
Released in August 1965, the single didn't achieve commercial success. However, it marked a significant moment in Nico's career, leading her to collaborate with Andy Warhol and join The Velvet Underground. This collaboration is a fascinating example of the interconnectedness of the music scene at the time.
So, what do you think? Did any of these collaborations surprise you? Do you have a favorite Jimmy Page session track? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Perhaps you know of other hidden gems featuring the legendary guitarist. Let's discuss!
