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Born: August 20, 1948 - W. Bromwich, Staffordshire, U.K.

Robert Plant's interest in music began at an early age, entering the club scene at age fifteen. American blues artists such as Robert Johnson, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters and many more fascinated Plant as he studied their music incessantly. Rock & Roll pioneers such as Elvis and Gene Vincent were also great influences.

He played with various groups in the 1960s such as The Crawling King Snakes, Listen, Hobbstweedle, The Band of Joy (with John Bonham), which concentrated mainly on the blues. In 1967, he released several solo singles on CBS, but it was a far cry from his true capabilities.

Rare demos from the Band of Joy era reveal a glimpse of what the future held. After a session with Alexis Korner in 1968, Plant would soon be asked to join Led Zeppelin, and recommended Bonham as well.

His style varies through the years as does his influences. Through Led Zeppelin, Plant was able to explore a variety of styles including heavy rock, folk, blues, Indian and Celtic. The quintesential rock vocalist and frontman, often immitated but never duplicated.

�www.led-zeppelin.com

Born: John Baldwin (real name) - January 3, 1946 in Sidcup, Kent U.K.

The most underrated musician on the planet, John Paul Jones' credentials are staggering. His enormous contribution to music history traces back to his sessions days, working as a bass/keyboard player, arranger and musical director. The list of artists he was involved with features a wide range of British talent such as: Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, Donovan, Jeff Beck, Herman's Hermits and many more. Occasionally, he would see his future band-mate, Jimmy Page, as they teamed up on several sessions including Jeff Beck ("Truth") and The Yardbirds ("Little Games"). He was the first to be recruited by Page who was looking to form a new band, as Jones was growing tired of the session scene.
Toronto - August 1969

The magical chemistry of Led Zeppelin was created between ALL four members; (Jones' contributions seem go unacknowledged lately.) Although he was given the cold shoulder for the current Page/Plant "reunion", Jones appears happier (and better off) playing with the likes of Diamanda Galas and other such diverse artists. One of the elements that made Led Zeppelin so great was their constant musical development and progress that was evident with each album. Perhaps Jones is the only remaining member that has continued to progress and experiment with new styles and directions, without concern for commercial or critical success.
1969
His first tour since the demise of Led Zeppelin (in 1980) occurred with Diamanda Galas in late 1994. Fans lucky enough to have seen this fantastic tour witnessed a rare opportunity to experience Jones' performance in a small venue. He has also worked with Heart on the "The Road Home" album (1995) and performed with them in August 1994 in the "Back Stage" club in Seattle.

In September 1999, the first-ever solo album by Jones was released with rave reviews. Zooma, an instrumental exercise once again expanded the limits of today's music which he first described to me as "Roaring and Powerful", in its early stages. A wide range of sounds, styles and textures comprise this brilliant project, which he carried through on a solo tour soon after. His critically acclaimed live performances gave the world a chance to experience his extraordinary talent and a left the audience with a greater understanding of his enormous contributions to music: past, present and future.

�www.led-zeppelin.com