Jimmy Page

James Patrick Page was born on January 9, 1944 in Heston, Middlesex, England. His parents' names were James Page and Patricia Elizabeth Gaffikin.

Jimmy Page joined the hip British band called the Yardbirds in 1966. But after a bad concert in 1968, they decided to break up, leaving Jimmy with the name of the band.

From the ashes of the Yardbirds arose Led Zeppelin. Jimmy decided to call up John Paul Jones, a session musician at the time, and ask him to be in his band. He also called John Bonham and Robert Plant, who were playing together in a band called Hobbstweedle. Originally called the New Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin formed in 1968.

Through his years with Zeppelin, Jimmy was the best guitarist out there. Though slightly sloppy, he was undeniably great. His solos in "Good Times, Bad Times", "Celebration Day", and the classic "Stairway to Heaven" changed rock guitar playing.

Zeppelin disbanded in 1980 after the tragic death of John Bonham at Jimmy's house. After the breakup, Jimmy went on to play with numerous bands, in benefit concerts, and even formed another band of his own. They were called The Firm with Bad Company's Paul Rodgers as their singer.

Jimmy's main guitars were his '58 Telecaster, '59 Les Paul, '59 DC Danelectro, and his ever-famous SG doubleneck. In the early Zep years, he used his telecaster, but then switched to his Les Paul in 1969. His Danelectro was used on "White Summer Black Mountainside", "In My Time of Dying", and "Kashmir". The doubleneck was used on stage for "The Rain Song" and "Stairway to Heaven".

This probably goes without saying, but  Jimmy Page was the best guitarist in rock history. He completely redefined guitar playing.