10 John Paul Jones Facts You May Have Not Known
John Paul Jones is often considered the quiet member of Led Zeppelin, but that doesn’t mean he was any less important to the band’s success. By quiet, I mean, he was just as wild on tours as his bandmates but mainly kept it to himself.
While Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Bonham-Bonzo took center stage with their eccentric personalities, Jones preferred to let his music do the talking. He was the band’s secret weapon – virtuoso bassist, keyboardist, producer and arranger who shaped their iconic sound.
Here are 10 interesting facts about the multi-talented maestro.
1. Started playing music at a preschool age
Music was in Jones’ blood from the start. His father, Joe, was a pianist and arranger for big bands and played with Ambrose and His Orchestra. His mother was also involved in the music industry.
With such a musical household, it’s no surprise that by age 6, he was learning piano under his father’s guidance. However, he didn’t pick up the bass guitar until he was 14.
2. Together with his wife since 1967
The love life of John Paul Jones mirrors his career: steady, passionate, and loyal.
He married his wife, Maureen, in 1967, and the two have been together ever since, raising three daughters. Their long-lasting relationship is a rare feat in the rock and roll world, proving that true love can survive even the chaotic lifestyle of a touring musician.
3. Was influenced by blues, jazz and classical music legends
Jones was exposed to a variety of musical genres growing up, which helped shape his unique style. He was influenced by blues legends like Big Bill Broonzy, jazz great Charles Mingus, and classical composer Sergei Rachmaninoff.
He was fortunate to grow up with a father who could play and teach him both classical and contemporary music. The one who inspired him to switch from piano to bass was Chicago legend Phil Upchurch.
4. His real name is John Baldwin
Many fans might not know that John Paul Jones isn’t his real name. He was born John Baldwin on January 3, 1946. He adopted his stage name while working as a session musician for Decca Records from 1964 to 1968.
Looking for a more artistic-sounding name, he took the suggestion of Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, who recommended the name “John Paul Jones” after a 1959 movie of the same name.
5. Has two solo albums to his name
Though Led Zeppelin dominates his legacy, his musical repertoire extends beyond the band.
He has released two solo studio albums ‘Zooma’ (1999) and ‘The Thunderthief’ (2001). In addition, he collaborated with avant-garde artist Diamanda Galás on the album ‘The Sporting Life’ (1994) and composed the soundtrack for the 1984 film ‘Scream for Help’, which features Jimmy Page on two tracks.
6. He is part of a rock supergroup
No, I don’t mean Led Zeppelin, even though they are the ultimate supergroup. John Paul Jones also played in an actual supergroup – Them Crooked Vultures.
The band consists of Jones on bass and keyboards, Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters and Nirvana on drums, and Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age on vocals and guitar. Their self-titled debut album peaked at No.12 on the US Billboard 200 chart and earned the band a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance.
7. Accomplished arranger, producer and composer
John Paul Jones isn’t just an multi-instrumentalist – he’s a master arranger, record producer, and composer who has worked with an impressive range of artists.
Before Led Zeppelin, he arranged and played on records for The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, and Donovan. Post-Zeppelin, he collaborated with bands like R.E.M. and Heart. He has even dabbled in film composition, working on several movie scores.
8. Set a hotel room on fire by falling asleep
The Zeppelin song “Royal Orleans” (from Presence) is based on a wild and true JPJ story.
Namely, in New Orleans, the band met up with a group of transvestites and John somehow ended up smoking a joint with the transvestite named Stephanie in his hotel room and fell asleep. When he woke up, he found himself surrounded by firefighters because the room was on fire.
Jones has denied any cheating accusations but admits to the bizarre incident.
9. Wanted to quit Led Zeppelin in the mid 1970s
The band’s grueling tours took their toll, and by the mid-1970s, John Paul Jones seriously considered quitting the band because he missed his family.
He wasn’t the only one struggling – John Bonham also found it difficult to be away from his loved ones. At one point, Jones even asked manager Peter Grant if he could leave, but in the end, he stuck it out because he didn’t want the band to fall apart.
10. One of the most influential bassists of all time
John Paul Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest bassists in rock history by fans, magazines, and fellow musicians. His innovative playing style, and ability to seamlessly blend blues, rock, and funk have inspired countless musicians.
Bassists such as John Deacon (Queen), Geddy Lee (Rush), Steve Harris (Iron Maiden), Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith), Gene Simmons (KISS), Krist Novoselic (Nirvana), Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), and many others have cited him as an influence.
Final Thoughts
The contributions of Led Zeppelin‘s quiet and humble virtuoso to both the band and the music industry are undeniable. From his incredible bass lines and multi-instrumental prowess to his work as an arranger and producer, John Paul Jones remains one of the most respected musicians in rock and roll history.
Whether working behind the scenes or in the spotlight, his legacy continues to inspire many new generations of musicians and fans.