John Paul Jones

John Baldwin was born on January 3, 1946 in Sidcup, Kent, England. His parents were musicians as well and encouraged him to play the saxophone, but Jonesy wanted to play the bass.

John Paul was a session musician from 1965 to '68, playing on hit songs that became famous all through England. He appeared on albums of artists such as Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, and Donovan.

Always in the shadows of Page and Plant, Jonesy was never really in the spotlight. Not that he minded, he actually did everything he could not to get any publicity. He stayed at separate hotels than the rest of the band and never participated in the drugs and other excesses that Led Zeppelin was known for.

John Paul Jones also has a successful solo career. He has helped produce many albums and movie soundtracks. He sometimes goes on tour with other bands and does benefit concerts.

Jonesy might have been the most talented musician in Led Zeppelin. Managing to play the bass, piano, organ, mandolin, and many other instruments, Jones was incredible. During the later years of Zep, he had a higher rank in the band with his part of the music taking over the albums. In "No Quarter", his keyboard work does all the talking. I think that John Paul Jones had a big impact on musicians and music in general. He showed people that even if you're always not at center stage, you can still be an awesome musician.