Jimmy Page: The 1960s Session Ace Before Zeppelin Took Off
Rockapedia, 2026
Before Jimmy Page became the riff-slinging architect of Led Zeppelin, he was already one of the busiest guitarists in Britain. In the early to mid-1960s, Page was a first-call session player in London, bouncing between studios and laying down parts for pop stars, film scores, and one-off singles, sometimes multiple sessions a day. Much of his work flew under the radar, but it quietly helped shape the sound of the decade. Here’s a relaxed tour through ten notable songs that feature (or are widely credited with featuring) Jimmy Page’s session work.
1. Goldfinger
– John Barry Orchestra (1964)
That sharp, dramatic guitar line cutting through the James Bond theme? That’s Page. His playing added extra bite to John Barry’s iconic arrangement and helped give the song its sleek, dangerous edge.
2. Sunshine Superman
– Donovan (1966)
Page contributed acoustic guitar to this psychedelic classic, working alongside future Zeppelin bandmate John Paul Jones. The track’s dreamy, swirling feel owes a lot to the subtle textures created in that session.
3. Beck’s Bolero
– Jeff Beck (1966)
Not a pop hit, but a legendary studio experiment. Page played rhythm guitar and co-wrote the piece, jamming with Jeff Beck, John Paul Jones, and Keith Moon. It’s often seen as a proto-Led Zeppelin moment.
4. Downtown
– Petula Clark (1964)
This bright, upbeat pop smash featured Page as part of the studio guitar team. His clean, economical playing helped give the song its polished, radio-friendly sparkle.
5. To Sir, With Love
– Lulu (1967)
Page’s understated guitar work blends seamlessly into this elegant, emotional track. It’s a great example of how he served the song rather than stealing the spotlight.
6. It’s Not Unusual
– Tom Jones (1965)
One of Tom Jones’ earliest hits, this track benefited from Page’s crisp rhythm guitar. The playing is tight and confident, helping drive the song’s infectious swing.
7. As Tears Go By
– Marianne Faithfull (1964)
Jimmy Page played acoustic guitar on this delicate Rolling Stones, penned ballad. His gentle, precise strumming helped give the song its graceful, melancholic feel, proving he could be just as effective with subtlety as with volume.
8. You Really Got Me
– The Kinks (1964)
One of the most debated session stories in rock history. Page has said he played rhythm guitar on the track, while Dave Davies handled the famous fuzzed-out riff. Either way, Page was in the room for a defining moment in rock.
9. Friday on My Mind
– The Easybeats (1966)
Page reportedly added guitar to this punchy, international hit. The track’s driving feel and sharp attack fit perfectly with his session-era style.
10. Hurdy Gurdy Man
– Donovan (1968)
Long surrounded by rumor, Page is often mentioned as contributing guitar to this heavy, hypnotic track. Whether myth or memory, the song’s proto-hard-rock sound feels very much in his wheelhouse.
Session To Zeppelin
By the time Jimmy Page formed Led Zeppelin in 1968, he had already played on hundreds of recordings and mastered every studio trick in the book. Those years as a session guitarist didn’t just pay the bills, they gave him the skills, confidence, and sonic imagination that would soon change rock music forever.
Image: theBeat.ie
