John Paul Jones (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Paul Jones
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Jones playing bass guitar in 2010
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | John Baldwin |
| Born | 3 January 1946 Sidcup, Kent, England |
| Genres | Rock |
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| Instruments |
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| Years active | 1961–present |
John Paul Jones (born John Baldwin on January 3, 1946) is an English musician, songwriter, and record producer. He is most famous for being the bassist and keyboardist for the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin. Before forming the band with guitarist Jimmy Page in 1968, Jones was already a talented musician who arranged music for other artists.
After Led Zeppelin broke up in 1980, Jones began a solo career. He has worked with many different musicians and even formed a new band called Them Crooked Vultures with Dave Grohl and Josh Homme. In 1995, he was welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Led Zeppelin.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
John Baldwin was born in Sidcup, Kent, England. Music was a big part of his family life. His father, Joe Baldwin, was a pianist and arranger for big bands, and his mother was also a musician. The family often toured England together, performing as a musical comedy act.
Jones started playing the piano at age six. His musical tastes were wide, ranging from blues and jazz to classical music. Because his parents traveled a lot for work, he was sent to a boarding school in London where he studied music seriously. By age 14, he was already the choirmaster and organist at his local church. That same year, he got his first bass guitar.
Career
Working as a Session Musician
A session musician is someone hired to play on other artists' recordings. At 15, Jones joined his first band, The Deltas. His big break came in 1962 when he was hired to play for Jet Harris and Tony Meehan from the popular group the Shadows.
In 1964, Jones started doing session work for Decca Records. For the next four years, he played on hundreds of recordings for famous artists. Some of these included the Rolling Stones, Donovan, Cat Stevens, and Rod Stewart. He was in high demand not just for his bass playing, but also for playing keyboards and arranging music.
It was during this time that a friend, Andrew Loog Oldham, suggested he use the stage name John Paul Jones. The name came from a movie poster Oldham had seen in France.
Joining Led Zeppelin
While working as a session musician, Jones often met guitarist Jimmy Page. Page was also a very experienced session player. In 1968, Page's band, the Yardbirds, broke up. He needed to form a new group to play some scheduled shows.
Jones heard about the open spot from his wife and asked Page if he could join. Page was thrilled to have him. They soon found singer Robert Plant and drummer John Bonham to complete the band. They first called themselves the "New Yardbirds" but soon became known as Led Zeppelin.
His Role in the Band
Jones was a key part of Led Zeppelin's sound. He created some of the band's most famous bass lines, like in the songs "Ramble On" and "The Lemon Song". He and drummer John Bonham were the band's rhythm section. They shared a love for funk and soul music, which gave the band a unique and powerful groove.
But Jones was more than just a bassist. His skills on the keyboards gave the band a much wider musical range. He played the beautiful Mellotron on "The Rain Song" and the funky Clavinet on "Trampled Under Foot". During live shows, his keyboard solo in the song "No Quarter" could last for up to 30 minutes.
He also played many other instruments, including the mandolin, recorder, and even a special triple-necked guitar.
Life on the Road
While Led Zeppelin was known for its wild reputation, Jones was often seen as the quiet and reserved member. He has said he enjoyed his time on the road but was just more private about it.
He preferred to explore the cities the band visited. "I once read the Beatles did a whole tour of America and never left their hotel rooms," he said in an interview. "And I thought, 'I can't see the point of travelling around the world and not seeing anything.'"
By 1973, the constant touring was tiring. Jones thought about leaving the band to be with his family. However, the band's manager, Peter Grant, convinced him to stay.
Life After Led Zeppelin
Working with Other Artists
Led Zeppelin ended in 1980 after the death of drummer John Bonham. Jones moved to the countryside to raise his family and took a break from music.
He later returned and began working with a wide variety of artists. He collaborated with R.E.M., Foo Fighters, Peter Gabriel, and many others. In 1985, he wrote the music for the movie Scream for Help. He also appeared at the Live Aid concert with Page and Plant.
Solo Projects and New Bands
In 1999, Jones released his first solo album, Zooma. He followed it up with The Thunderthief in 2001 and toured to support both albums.
In 2009, he formed a new band called Them Crooked Vultures with Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters and Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age. The band released a successful album and toured around the world.
Jones has continued to be involved in many interesting musical projects. He has produced albums for other bands, composed music for operas, and performed with musicians from different genres, from rock to bluegrass.
Legacy
John Paul Jones is considered one of the greatest and most important bass players in rock history. His talent as a keyboardist and music arranger also set him apart.
Many famous bassists, like Geddy Lee of Rush and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, have named him as a major influence. In 2020, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him number 14 on its list of the "50 Greatest Bassists of All Time." His work with Led Zeppelin and beyond has left a lasting mark on the world of music.
Personal Life
Jones married his wife, Maureen, in 1967. They have three daughters and live in west London.
Discography
Solo Albums
- Zooma (1999)
- The Thunderthief (2001)
With Led Zeppelin
- Led Zeppelin (1969)
- Led Zeppelin II (1969)
- Led Zeppelin III (1970)
- Led Zeppelin IV (1971)
- Houses of the Holy (1973)
- Physical Graffiti (1975)
- Presence (1976)
- In Through the Out Door (1979)
- Coda (1982)
With Them Crooked Vultures
- Them Crooked Vultures (2009)
Images for kids
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Jones playing a lap steel guitar on stage in 2009
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Jones playing bass in Them Crooked Vultures, 2009
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Jones performing in 2022
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See also
In Spanish: John Paul Jones para niños
