Jimmy Page might be best known as one of the most memorable members of Led Zeppelin. However, he has contributed his musical talents to quite a few other musical outfits through the years; and even composed a song element or two for other musicians. Let’s take a gander at four pre-Zeppelin songs from Jimmy Page that predicted his success with Led Zeppelin!
1. “I’m A Lover Not A Fighter”
The Kinks were the kind of band that didn’t need a lot of help with their music. They’re British pop icons for a reason. However, they did employ the help of Jimmy Page for this 1964 track. Page contributed a pretty stunning string arrangement for “I’m A Lover Not A Fighter” by The Kinks that really made it pop.
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2. “I Pity The Fool”
Hardcore David Bowie fans might be familiar with this deep cut. Once a part of the blues rock outfit The Manish Boys, Bowie and company released their cover of a classic soul-blues song by Bobby Bland titled “I Pity The Fool” back in 1965. Jimmy Page wasn’t an “official” member of the band, but rather worked as a session musician and played the iconic guitar solo on this track. That very Page element really makes the song pop off.
3. “Goldfinger”
When one thinks of anything related to James Bond, one often thinks of the iconic theme song “Goldfinger”. This Shirley Bassey classic has become bigger than the song itself and has woven itself into the lore and legend of the famous spy drama franchise.
Jimmy Page’s involvement with the 1964 song is pretty muddy. Some say that he (along with Vic Flick) was simply present at the sessions for the song’s recording, while others say he contributed a guitar element to the song. Either way, we do know he was involved; and his contribution likely made John Barry’s composition even better.
4. “Baby Please Don’t Go”
This Pre-Zeppelin Jimmy Page classic comes from Van Morrison’s OG band Them, and it’s a well-aged and exciting cover of a blues classic. This song was set to be the band’s next single after their debut record didn’t do so well. While the B-side “Gloria” ended up being more of a success, Page’s contributed rhythm guitar track is easily recognizable and a great addition to the song.
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