Few guitarists can rival the legacy of Jimmy Page. As the creative force behind Led Zeppelin, he defined an era, crafting riffs and solos that reshaped the rock landscape. Before his rise to stardom, Page honed his skills as a session musician, embedding his signature style into countless recordings and proving his technical mastery long before forming one of history’s most iconic bands.
Page’s influence is undeniable, inspiring generations of musicians. However, despite his monumental contributions, Page himself has never been shy about celebrating other guitarists who shaped his sound and paved the way for modern rock.
When reflecting on the guitarists of his generation, Page has highlighted a tight-knit group of British legends. “Out of all the guitarists to come out of the 1960s, Beck, Clapton, Lee, Townshend and I are still having a go. That says something,” Page once remarked. The names he lists—Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Alvin Lee, Pete Townshend, and himself—represent the heart of Britain’s rock revolution.
Page elaborated on his contemporaries’ regional ties: “Beck, Clapton and I were sort of the Richmond/Croydon type clan, and Alvin Lee… I don’t know where he came from, Leicester or something like that. So he was never in with it a lot. And Townshend, Townshend was from Middlesex. He used to go down to the clubs and watch the other guitarists.”
Praising Unlikely Heroes
While Page’s peers left an indelible mark on rock music, his admiration extends beyond the obvious icons. Page has often praised less mainstream players, revealing a deep appreciation for their unique contributions. He notably singled out Clarence White, the late virtuoso of The Byrds, as a personal favorite. “Clarence White was absolutely brilliant,” Page once shared.
Other lesser-known influences include Amos Garrett, the guitarist behind Maria Muldaur’s Midnight at the Oasis. “He’s Les Paul-oriented, and Les Paul is the one, really. We wouldn’t be anywhere if he hadn’t invented the electric guitar,” Page acknowledged. He also hailed Elliot Randall, who played the iconic solo on Steely Dan’s Reelin’ in the Years, and expressed a fondness for the American band Little Feat, calling them his favorite group from across the Atlantic.
The Hendrix Standard
Despite his admiration for many guitarists, Page reserves the highest praise for one undeniable legend: Jimi Hendrix. Often cited as the greatest guitarist of all time, Hendrix revolutionized the instrument with unparalleled technical skill and boundless creativity.
In a 1975 interview with Rolling Stone, Page was emphatic: “We’ve lost the best guitarist any of us ever had, and that was Hendrix.” This sentiment underscores the respect and awe Hendrix commanded among his peers.
Strangely, Page and Hendrix never truly crossed paths. Page recalled a brief encounter at a New York club called Salvation: “He was there, but he was totally out of it. He didn’t really know who anybody was — he was barely conscious. Somebody was just kind of holding him up.” The meeting, though fleeting and bittersweet, left Page lamenting the missed opportunity to witness Hendrix’s genius firsthand. “I heard his records, naturally, but it would’ve been a thrill to see how he worked things out on stage. That’s quite another ballgame.”
Legacy and Reverence
Though Jimmy Page never saw Hendrix perform live, his reverence for the late guitarist remains unshaken. Page’s own contributions to rock are immense, yet he humbly acknowledges Hendrix as the pinnacle of guitar artistry.
As Page aptly summarized, every guitarist brings something unique to the table. His own journey, from session player to rock god, proves the power of individuality and innovation. Yet, for all his achievements, even Jimmy Page bows to the enduring legacy of Jimi Hendrix, the greatest guitarist the world has ever known.
