James Patrick Page OBE (born 9 January 1944 in Heston, Middlesex, England) is an English guitarist, songwriter and producer. He first made his name working as a studio session musician in London, before moving into high‑profile group work.
Early career and The Yardbirds
During the mid 1960s Page joined The Yardbirds, playing with them from 1966 until the group's dissolution in 1968. His time with the Yardbirds helped establish him as a leading electric guitarist of the British rock scene.
Led Zeppelin and commercial success
After The Yardbirds ended, Page assembled the musicians who became Led Zeppelin. The band achieved international commercial success and became one of the most influential rock groups of the 20th century.
Critical reputation
Music critics and historians frequently cite Page for his influence on rock guitar playing. Publications and reference sites have described him as among the most important guitarists in rock history, and in 2003 Rolling Stone placed him at number nine on its list of "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time".
Interests outside music
From the early 1970s until the early 1990s Page owned Boleskine House, a property that had once been owned by the occultist Aleister Crowley. Page expressed interest in some of the ceremonial magic and esoteric materials associated with Crowley, a subject that has attracted media attention over the years.
Style and influence
Page is widely praised for his songwriting and for creating memorable guitar riffs. Alongside peers such as Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, he is often singled out as one of rock music's foremost riff writers.
Honours and recognition
Page's contributions to popular music have been formally recognised: he has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice — first in 1992 for his work with The Yardbirds and again in 1995 as a member of Led Zeppelin.