Sunday, January 3: Happy Birthday John Paul Jones

Happy Birthday to John Paul Jones who turns 70 today (Jan. 3).

Best known as the bassist, keyboardist, and co-songwriter for Led Zeppelin, Jones has since developed a solo career. He was a member of Them Crooked Vultures with Josh Homme and Dave Grohl. That band has since went on hiatus. Many rock bassists have been influenced by John Paul Jones including John Deacon of Queen, Geddy Lee from Rush, Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Krist Novoselic of Nirvana, and Steve Harris of Iron Maiden. John Paul Jones has been ranked by many publications among the greatest rock bassists of all time.

Led Zeppelin formed out of London, England in 1968 with Jones along with guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, and drummer John Bonham. The band is widely considered to be one of the most successful, innovative, and influential groups in rock history. Check out the official Led Zeppelin website here.