Beyond their hits like “Sunshine of Your Love” and “White Room,” Cream’s influence extended far beyond their music. As a band of exceptional session musicians, they didn’t just create legendary tracks—they set an example that inspired some of the greatest rock acts to follow. For four soon-to-be icons—John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, John Bonham, and Jimmy Page—Cream was proof that elite musicians could come together and rewrite the rules of rock.
This revelation laid the groundwork for Led Zeppelin. The chemistry in their first jam session, where they tore through “Train Kept A-Rollin’” before bursting into laughter, would mark the birth of one of rock’s most celebrated bands. While their undeniable synergy seemed like magic, Zeppelin’s rise was also grounded in the impeccable reputations of its members.
The Roots of Zeppelin
John Bonham and Robert Plant, the youngest members, honed their craft gigging tirelessly, notably as part of the Band of Joy. Though less seasoned than their bandmates, they were already turning heads on the grassroots circuit. Meanwhile, Jones and Page brought heavyweight credentials.
Jones wasn’t just a bassist; he was a musical director, arranger, and session powerhouse, working with Jeff Beck, Cat Stevens, Lulu, and Dusty Springfield—who was instrumental in Jones joining Zeppelin. Among his standout contributions were hits with Donovan, such as “Mellow Yellow” and “Hurdy Gurdy Man.” While the latter has a disputed roster of contributors, Jones is the one confirmed participant.
Jimmy Page, on the other hand, was everywhere in the 1960s. A prolific session guitarist, Page’s credits read like a who’s who of rock and pop. The Who’s “I Can’t Explain,” Joe Cocker’s “With a Little Help From My Friends,” Petula Clark’s “Downtown,” Them’s “Baby Please Don’t Go,” and Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger” all bear his mark. If you’re listening to a classic from the era, odds are, Page’s guitar wizardry is in there somewhere.
Page, Jones, and the Rolling Stones
Page and Jones’ paths regularly overlapped, resulting in memorable collaborations with The Rolling Stones. Jones orchestrated the sumptuous string section on “She’s a Rainbow,” and Page was said to be considered a replacement for Brian Jones amid his drug difficulties.
Though Page didn’t join the Stones, their collaborations continued over the years, resulting in two officially released tracks. The first, “Scarlet,” recorded in 1974 for Goats Head Soup, remained unreleased until 2020. Mick Jagger once dismissed it as “not really a Rolling Stones song,” though its swaggering melody rivals many tracks from that era.
Their second collaboration, “One Hit (To the Body),” featured on 1986’s Dirty Work. While Page’s guitar work elevates the track, it’s a standard Stones affair, lacking the spark expected from two rock legends joining forces.
Cream’s Enduring Influence
While Led Zeppelin’s unparalleled chemistry solidified their place in rock history, it’s impossible to ignore the debt they owed to Cream. By proving that top-tier session musicians could band together and thrive, Cream wasn’t just a band—they were the blueprint for what rock could become. Their legacy endures not just in their music but in the trail they blazed for future icons.
