The Story of How Donovan, Jeff Beck, and Keith Moon Helped Form Led Zeppelin

Though Led Zeppelin wasn’t a supergroup in a technical sense, they were associated with and derived from various well-known groups and artists. In 1965, Jimmy Page joined The Yardbirds alongside Jeff Beck, who left the group shortly after. Before them, Eric Clapton was a member of The Yardbirds for one release in 1964. In 1966, Jimmy Page contributed lead guitar to Donovan’s hit “Sunshine Superman”. Future Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones became a session musician in 1964. He performed on countless records from 1964 to 1968. Jones handled the string arrangement on The Rolling Stones’ “She’s A Rainbow”, contributed bass to Donovan’s “Sunshine Superman” and “Mellow Yellow”, and worked with former Yardbirds guitarist Jeff Beck. Additionally, Jones handled the arrangement of Donovan’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man” while also contributing bass to the track.

Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham has been mistakenly credited for the drums on “Hurdy Gurdy Man”. Additionally, Jimmy Page has also been mistakenly credited on the track. Both of these rumors have been debunked. Nonetheless, Jones and Page’s paths crossed multiple times throughout the 1960s, both working with Donovan. John Bonham and lead singer Robert Plant’s paths crossed in 1966 when Bonham joined A Way Of Life. Plant was their lead singer, and though Bonham’s time with the group was brief, the two stayed in touch. In 1968, Plant was singing with Obs-Tweedle when Jimmy Page reached out to him. Page was looking for a new lead singer, as The Yardbirds had disbanded. Initially, Terry Reid was sought out, but he declined to start a band with Page. Instead, Reid recommended Robert Plant.

Jeff Beck Features Future Members of Led Zeppelin, Named by Keith Moon

In 1968, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page met up. Initially, Page was impressed with Plant’s cover of Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody To Love”. The two shared a love of blues and folk music and decided to work together. Originally, the group was to be named “The New Yardbirds.”

Back in 1966, Jeff Beck recorded a solo instrumental titled “Beck’s Bolero”. The track featured John Paul Jones on bass, Jimmy Page and Beck on guitars, Keith Moon of the Who on drums, and legendary pianist Nicky Hopkins. They briefly considered forming a supergroup, with Keith Moon jokingly stating they should name themselves “Lead Zeppelin.” Ultimately, the supergroup never formed as all members were too busy.

Two years later, after crossing paths many more times, Jones read about Page’s upcoming new group in a magazine. Page was set on starting a new band following The Yardbirds’ breakup, and the new group he formed was gaining attention already. John Paul Jones called Page, and soon after, joined the new group. Before this, Plant had called John Bonham to join the band. Bonham had received offers from other groups and artists, including Joe Cocker, but ultimately decided to join with Page and Plant. With John Paul Jones reaching out to Page, the four members were set in place. Led Zeppelin was born, lifting the name Moon wanted to use for their potential supergroup in 1966.

Led Zeppelin Forms and Dominates the 1970s

Their self-titled debut album in 1969 is one of the most successful debut albums of all time. It’s credited with helping create heavy metal and shifting the direction of hard rock going into the 1970s. From 1969 to 1982, Led Zeppelin released nine studio albums, though the band broke up in 1980. They are among the best-selling bands of all time, and one of the most influential rock groups in history.