_ (Led_Zeppelin)
James Patrick Page was born on January 9, 1944 in Heston, Middlesex. His mother was a doctor's secretary and his father was an industrial personnel officer. He spent his first few years living on his uncle's farm in Northamptionshire, but then his family moved to Epsom, Surrey when he was eight years old. He spent his time as a youth like anyone else, but at age twelve, his life changed forever when he heard Elvis' Baby, Let's Play House. He picked up a Spanish guitar, and after a handful of lessons, he was set. His parents encouraged his obsession with music. At age fifteen, he accepted a position to play in Neil Christian and the Crusaders after Neil spotted him performing in a dance hall in Epsom. He toured for two years until a bout with glandular fever forced him to quit. He then enrolled in an art college in Sutton, Surrey. He attended for 18 months. He was still involved in music and jam sessions were commonplace. Jeff Beck was a frequent guitarist at these sessions. Jimmy had brief stints in various bands, like The Cyril Davies All Stars, Carter Lewis and the Southerners and The Mickey Finn and soon became one of the most sought after session players in London, playing for artists such as Burt Bacharach, PJ Proby, The Who, The Kinks, Herman's Hermits, Donovan, Brenda Lee and Lulu. In 1965, he was approached to join the Yardbirds, but instead recommended Jeff Beck. Also, in 1965, he managed to record his own single, She Just Satisfies, with Keep Moving on the B-Side. Jimmy Page also crossed paths with Eric Clapton at this time, recording a handful of tracks. Getting tired of session work, Jimmy joined the Yardbirds, this time taking the role as the bass guitarist, after previous bassist, Paul Samwell-Smith quit the band. Jimmy switched over to guitar, assuming one half of a dual lead guitarist group with Jeff Beck, when Chris Dreja, the rhythm guitarist, took over on bass.