John Paul Jones (musician)

John Paul Jones (born John Baldwin on 3 January 1946), in Sidcup, Kent) is an English musician and record producer, and was known for being the bassist, the keyboardist, backing vocalist, and the mandolin player for rock band Led Zeppelin.

John Paul Jones
Jones with a mandolin
Background information
Birth name	John Baldwin
Also known as	John Paul Jones
Born	(1946-01-03) 3 January 1946 (age 79) Sidcup, Kent, England
Genres	Hard rock, Heavy metal, Folk rock, Blues-rock, Instrumental rock
Occupation(s)	Musician, Songwriter, Arranger
Instruments	Bass Guitar, Keyboards, Mandolin, Cello
Years active	1960 – present
Labels	Discipline Global Mobile, Atlantic, Swan Song
Website	www.johnpauljones.com

Early Years

John started playing the Piano when he was six years old. His father, Joe Baldwin was his teacher. When he was 15 Jones joined his first band called The Deltas. In 1962 Jones joined a band called The Shadows. The Shadows had one hit song called Diamonds, which an artist named Jimmy Page had helped write.

Led Zeppelin

During his time with The Shadows Jones was seen by Jimmy Page. When Jimmy was forming his new band, Jones' wife suggested he ask Jimmy about the new band. Jimmy was very glad that Jones had asked, and the two formed a duo.^[1] Soon after singer Robert Plant and drummer John Bonham joined them forming a Quartet. At first, the group was called The New Yardbirds, but the name was soon changed to Led Zeppelin.