If Jimi Hendrix stands as the single best guitarist in rock music, then Jimmy Page definitively ranks as the single most popular. I'm not sure of the actual figures, but I'd bet that there are more people who claim ownership of at least one Led Zeppelin record than any other band.
One of the huge body of ex-Yardirds who went on to dominate the music scene of the late 60s and early 70s, Page turned the rock world on its heels with the release of the album 'Led Zeppelin' in 1969.
With Zeppelin, he wore many hats: producer, writer, concepualist and leader. The only facet he shared was the limelight, with Robert Plant's raspy, over-the-edge vocals balancing the Zeppelin formula.
Nobody quite makes a Les Paul sound like Page does. He always has that slightly 'honky' sound, as if his toggle switch got stuck in the middle position. In the early 'Zep days, he used his legendary Fender Telecaster--the one with the incredible lead sound--on songs such as How Many More Times, Dazed and Confused and Communication Breakdown.
Page is a true master--his prolific body of work proves his place as one the greats. He has been a vinyl mentor to throngs of guitarists, and stands as a powerful influence on the development of hard rock and heavy metal.
One aside though: I've never seen anyone 'pudge' up the way Page has in middle age. I remember him as being the all skin and bones through the 70s and 80s, then all of a sudden . . . boom. His face especially seems to be twice its old size! I guess all those 'Zep roylaties mean he's eating fairly well these days <g>.
