Jimmy Page Reveals the Iconic Guitarist Who Shaped 1950s and ’60s Rock Sound
via The Black Crowes / Youtube
Learning from the Greats
Jimmy Page is often named one of the greatest guitarists of all time. While his work with Led Zeppelin helped define the sound of hard rock, his roots go much deeper. Before he pushed the boundaries of guitar playing, Page had a clear foundation in classic rock and roll. That solid background came from watching and learning from earlier musicians who shaped the music of the 1950s and ’60s.
Long before Led Zeppelin took off, Page was already known as a skilled guitarist. His work as a session musician helped build his reputation. He played on many well-known recordings, including The Who’s “I Can’t Explain,” Marianne Faithfull’s “As Tears Go By,” and songs by the Rolling Stones, Shirley Bassey, and Brenda Lee. His talent for blending into different styles and making songs sound better made him one of the most in-demand guitarists of the time.
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The Influence of Duane Eddy
Underneath Page’s wild solos and new ideas was always a strong base in classic rock. One of the biggest influences on him was Duane Eddy. Known for his “twangy” guitar sound, Eddy was a major figure in early rock and roll. He helped shape the pop and radio-friendly sound of the late ’50s and ’60s by mixing blues and rock into something new. This was the sound young Page grew up with, and it left a lasting impression.
When Duane Eddy passed away in 2024, Page was one of the first to honor him. “Duane Eddy twanged the thang in the late ’50s and ’60s and you can hear his character sound appearing throughout the decades of popular music,” he said. For all his fame, Page still spoke like a true fan when remembering Eddy’s music.
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From Fan to Friend
One moment that stood out for Page was the first time he saw Duane Eddy perform. “I first saw him perform at the Granada in Kingston in November 1963 and topping the bill that evening was Gene Vincent,” Page recalled. For the young guitarist, seeing his idol live was unforgettable.
Later, when Page became famous himself, he had the chance to spend time with Eddy. They didn’t just talk music they shared real moments. One such time was during a Les Paul tribute. “Duane was hosting a tribute programme to Les Paul and we discussed the massive pioneering contribution that Les had presented to the world,” Page said.
Even after decades of success, Page never forgot where his love for music started. To him, Duane Eddy wasn’t just a legend he was the reason he picked up a guitar in the first place.
