Introduction to John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones is one of the most influential yet underrated members of Led Zeppelin. As the band’s bassist, keyboardist, and multi-instrumentalist, Jones was essential in creating Led Zeppelin’s eclectic sound by bringing in diverse influences from folk, funk, blues, and progressive rock. Though vocalist Robert Plant and guitarist Jimmy Page often got more attention, Jones acted as the musical glue that held many of Led Zeppelin’s songs together. His skill on both bass and keyboards gave the band unique arrangements and textures, going beyond just guitar rock. Jones also co-wrote some of Led Zeppelin’s most iconic tracks, working closely with Page on songwriting. Without his contributions as an arranger, versatile musician, and songwriter, Led Zeppelin’s catalogue of legendary songs would likely sound very different. This article will dive into Jones’ musical journey, from his beginnings as a session player to his irreplaceable role in one of rock’s greatest bands.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
John Paul Jones was born John Baldwin on January 3, 1946 in Sidcup, Kent, England. From a young age, he was surrounded by music in his family home. His father was a pianist and arranger for big bands and his mother was a singer. Jones became interested in music as a small child and started learning piano at the age of 6.
By his early teens, Jones had also picked up the bass guitar and was playing in local bands around Surrey with his friends. He was largely self-taught and learned by playing along to records. Some of Jones’ early musical influences at this time included jazz legends like John Coltrane and Charles Mingus.
In school, Jones studied music formally at institutions like Bromley Technical High School. He honed his musical theory, composition skills, and proficiency on multiple instruments during his studies. By his mid-teens, Jones was already carving out a career as a session musician.
Session Musician
Before joining Led Zeppelin, John Paul Jones was an in-demand session musician in the 1960s, playing on numerous recordings for popular artists of the time. Though only in his early 20s, Jones’ prodigious talent allowed him to work with many of the biggest names in British rock and pop music.
Some of the notable acts Jones recorded and performed with as a session player included The Rolling Stones, Herman’s Hermits, Donovan, Jeff Beck, Cat Stevens, Rod Stewart, Shirley Bassey, Lulu, and more. His versatility on bass, guitar, keyboards, and other instruments made him an invaluable player to have in the studio. Jones was able to adeptly switch between genres like rock, pop, jazz, and rhythm and blues.
In particular, Jones’ work with The Rolling Stones on songs like "She’s a Rainbow" and "We Love You" in 1967-68 raised his profile and reputation even further. His creative bass parts brought texture and groove to The Stones’ recordings. Jones was also starting to be recognized for his arranging skills during his session work, taking raw song ideas and helping build them into full productions.
By 1968, Jones was one of the top call session bassists in England. His experience in the studio and as a musical director for recording artists would prove invaluable when he joined up with Jimmy Page and began the first sessions for Led Zeppelin. Even as he achieved greater fame with Zeppelin, Jones continued periodically doing session work, including playing on records by Paul McCartney and Joan Armatrading in the 1970s.
Forming Led Zeppelin in 1968
In mid-1968, Jimmy Page was looking to start a new band after The Yardbirds disbanded. He connected with John Paul Jones, who he knew from his session work in the 1960s. Jones was brought in as the bassist and keyboardist for Page’s new project, initially dubbed the "New Yardbirds."
Along with drummer John Bonham and vocalist Robert Plant, the group played their first show under that name in September 1968. However, they soon decided to change the name to avoid confusion with The Yardbirds. The legend goes that Keith Moon and John Entwistle of The Who suggested the new name "Lead Zeppelin" after hearing the heavy sound of Page’s new band. They dropped the ‘a’ to differentiate it from the actual zeppelin aircrafts.
With the name Led Zeppelin solidified, the band quickly recorded their acclaimed self-titled debut album in late 1968 and embarked on their first American tour in December. This marked the official beginning of the Led Zeppelin era, with Jones providing the crucial rhythmic foundation on bass and contributing arrangements on multiple instruments. His musical chemistry with Page and the rest of the band was apparent from the start.
Multi-Instrumentalist and Arranger
As a multi-instrumentalist, John Paul Jones brought diverse skills and influences to Led Zeppelin’s sound. Though best known as the band’s bassist, he was proficient on several instruments that became part of the band’s signature style.
On bass, Jones anchored the rhythm section with drummer John Bonham. His melodic basslines on songs like "Ramble On" and "The Lemon Song" demonstrate his dexterity and musicality on the instrument. He drew inspiration from jazz and Motown bass playing while forging his own blues and rock style.
However, Jones refused to be pigeonholed solely as a bassist. He frequently played keyboards, especially organ and synthesizers. His Hammond organ parts added texture to Led Zeppelin songs like "Your Time Is Gonna Come." He later adopted synthesizers in the 1970s on albums like Houses of the Holy, using them for effects and atmospheric tones.
Jones also contributed mandolin parts to Led Zeppelin songs with folk influences, like "Battle of Evermore" and "Going to California." His prowess on the mandolin dated back to his youth when he learned it as his first instrument. Jones’ diverse talents enabled the band to draw from a rich musical palette in their songwriting and arrangements.
As Led Zeppelin’s uncredited arranger, Jones had an integral role in shaping their orchestrations. He took Jimmy Page’s raw ideas and helped translate them into the layered, multi-instrumental arrangements that became a Zeppelin trademark. His contributions were essential in establishing Led Zeppelin’s groundbreaking, eclectic sound.
Iconic Songs Co-Written by John Paul Jones
As the multi-instrumentalist and arranger for Led Zeppelin, John Paul Jones contributed his songwriting talents and instrumental skills to many of the band’s most popular and enduring songs. He frequently collaborated with guitarist Jimmy Page on composing Led Zeppelin’s iconic tracks, while also bringing his own musical influences into the mix. Here are some of the top songs that John Paul Jones helped co-write during his time with Led Zeppelin:
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"Ramble On" – This energetic folk-rock track from Led Zeppelin II highlights Jones’ songwriting credits along with Jimmy Page. Jones’ melodic bassline and keyboard work help propel the song, which also features his backing vocals in the chorus. The lyrics take inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings novels.
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"What Is and What Should Never Be" – Appearing on Led Zeppelin II, this melodic hard rock track was co-written by Page and Jones. Jones’ firm bassline and keyboards provide a lush musical bed for Robert Plant’s mystical lyrics. The song became a concert staple and fan favorite of the band.
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"Black Dog" – The opening track of Led Zeppelin IV, "Black Dog" exemplifies Jones’ ability to bring in funk and blues influences into the band’s hard rock sound. His syncopated bassline is one of his most famous, locking in tightly with drummer John Bonham.
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"Misty Mountain Hop" – Jones brings in folk rock elements again on this Led Zeppelin IV track, playing a mandolin melody and getting a co-writing credit with Page. His versatile musicianship expanded the band’s sonic palette.
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"No Quarter" – This sprawling song from Houses of the Holy highlights Jones on keyboards, which he played live on stage. His baroque-inspired piano intro and synth atmospherics helped make "No Quarter" a classic Zeppelin epic.
Jones left his mark all over Led Zeppelin’s catalog, contributing not just unforgettable basslines but also instrumental arrangements that shaped the band’s signature sound. His songwriting partnership with Jimmy Page spawned some of classic rock’s most celebrated tracks.
Live Performances and Concerts
Led Zeppelin were renowned for their larger-than-life live performances, where John Paul Jones thrived as a multi-instrumentalist. Equipped with his bass, keyboards, and mandolin, Jones commanded the stage alongside Page, Plant, and Bonham during the band’s concerts in the late 1960s and 1970s.
Some of Led Zeppelin’s most iconic concerts include their 1969 show at Royal Albert Hall in London, promoting their second album. Fans were amazed by the band’s onstage energy as they played hits like "Dazed and Confused" and debuted new songs. Jones dazzled on bass, keys, and mandolin at various points throughout the set.
The band’s 1973 three night stand at Madison Square Garden in New York has also gone down in rock history. Their marathon shows demonstrated Led Zeppelin’s tight musicianship and onstage chemistry. Jones effortlessly switched between instruments, providing stellar basslines, textured keys, and mandolin licks.
During their live performances, Jones gelled perfectly with his bandmates – locking in with Bonham’s drums, duelling with Page’s guitar, and supporting Plant’s soaring vocals. Along with his prodigious talent, Jones had an understated onstage charisma that balanced the spectacle of Led Zeppelin’s concerts. From small clubs to sold out stadiums, Jones was an integral part of the magic that made Led Zeppelin such an impactful live act.
Relationship with Bandmates
Led Zeppelin was known for the strong musical chemistry and bond between its four members – Jones, Page, Plant, and Bonham. Despite coming from different backgrounds, the four formed a tight brotherhood during the band’s rise to fame.
Jones shared a particularly close collaborative relationship with guitarist Jimmy Page. As the band’s main songwriters, Page and Jones spent countless hours working together on arrangements and crafting Zeppelin’s iconic songs. Though their personalities were quite different – Page more outgoing and eccentric, Jones more reserved and introspective – they had tremendous mutual respect and appreciation for each other’s musical talents.
The rhythm section of Jones and drummer John Bonham formed a formidable backbone in Led Zeppelin. The two locked in with each other musically and understood how to groove together. Jones had great admiration for Bonham’s powerful, driving drumming style. Offstage, the two shared similar quiet, dry witted personalities. Sadly, Bonham’s untimely death in 1980 ended Jones’ long partnership with the legendary drummer.
Jones also gelled well with vocalist Robert Plant and enjoyed the humor and warm camaraderie Plant brought to the band. However, the two occasionally clashed over musical ideas as Plant became more involved in songwriting and arranging. These tensions were usually resolved quickly, though, and there remained a deep friendship between them. Despite their massive success, the four band members remained close and bonded over their extraordinary shared experiences.
Post-Zeppelin Career
After Led Zeppelin disbanded following the death of drummer John Bonham in 1980, Jones pursued a variety of musical projects as a solo artist, producer, and arranger. He released his debut solo album, Zooma, in 1999 which showcased his talents on bass, guitar, keyboards and vocals. The instrumental album blended progressive rock, world music and ambient influences.
In the 1980s and ’90s, Jones produced records for artists like Diamanda Galás, Heart, Ben E. King and The Mission U.K. His production and arranging skills were sought out by many. He also composed film scores for movies like Labyrinth, The Secret Adventures of Tom Thumb, and Scream for Help.
Throughout the 1990s, Jones occasionally reunited with former Led Zeppelin bandmates Robert Plant and Jimmy Page for special one-off performances. This included playing at the 40th anniversary of Atlantic Records in 1988 and appearing at the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert in 2007, which sparked talks of a reunion tour. While a full tour never materialized, these sporadic reunions showcased Jones’ enduring musical bond with his former bandmates.
Even after achieving legendary status with Led Zeppelin, Jones continued pursuing music projects that showcased his diverse talents. Whether producing for other artists, scoring films, or recording his own albums, Jones demonstrated his passion for creating music until the present day.
Legacy and Influence
John Paul Jones left an indelible mark on rock music through his work with Led Zeppelin. Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rock bands of all time, Led Zeppelin has sold over 300 million albums worldwide. As a founding member and key songwriter, Jones played an integral role in creating the band’s pioneering sound and huge commercial success.
Over the years, Jones has received tremendous acclaim from critics and fellow musicians for his bass playing, songwriting, and arranging abilities. He is consistently ranked among the top rock bassists of all time. In an interview with Bass Player magazine, Metallica’s bassist Robert Trujillo praised Jones’ melodic bass lines and called him “an inspiration.” Jones’ use of unusual tunings and chordal, contrapuntal bass parts influenced many subsequent hard rock and heavy metal bassists.
As part of Led Zeppelin, Jones was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. The band received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 as well. In 2006, Jones was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame along with the other members of Led Zeppelin. Queen Elizabeth II appointed him an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2009 for his contributions to music.
Over 50 years since their debut, Led Zeppelin’s music continues to endure. Their catalog of songs has become part of the classic rock canon, and they remain one of the most popular and influential bands among contemporary artists. As an original member, Jones anchored the rhythm section and added brilliant textures to create the band’s timeless sound, leaving a lasting impact on rock music.