John Paul Jones the bassist for Led Zeppelin turns 67 today. Jones will be best known for his career with the legendary Led Zeppelin. He was their bassist, keyboardist and co-songwriter with Led Zeppelin. He also plays guitar, koto, lap steel guitars, mandolin, autoharp, violin, ukulele, sitar, cello, continuum and recorder. Is there anything he can’t play?

Jones was the member of Led Zeppelin who had the lowest profile. He is the one who you never read those crazy stories about. Jones says he had as much fun as anyone on the road with Led Zeppelin but he did things quietly and stayed out of the headlines. His bass playing has influenced many others over the years.

Jones was born John Paul Baldwin. His father Joe Baldwin had been a pianist and arranger for big bands in the 40’s and 50’s. Before Led Zeppelin John Paul Jones was a much in demand session player. He crossed paths with Jimmy Page during those years.  Led Zeppelin started as “The New Yardbirds” but soon changed the name to Led Zeppelin and the rest as they say is history.

After Led Zeppelin broke up Jones began his collaboration with a dozens of artists. He has continued over the years to keep a low profile. I don’t think Jimmy Page or Robert Plant could walk down the street unnoticed but John Paul Jones would be able to pull it off.