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The guitarist Jimmy Page knew was a genius before anyone else: “Easily the best”
Jimmy Page reportedly recognised the exceptional talent of guitarist Eric Clapton before the wider public did, describing him as “easily the best” player he had heard. The account highlights the mutual respect among leading British guitarists during the 1960s, before Page became globally known through Led Zeppelin.
Page encountered Clapton while both were active on London’s blues scene, where Clapton was developing his reputation with The Yardbirds and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. Page later said Clapton’s command of the instrument stood apart from that of his contemporaries, despite Page himself being an accomplished session musician and later a prominent rock guitarist.
In short
- Jimmy Page considered Eric Clapton an outstanding guitarist early on.
- Their connection developed in London’s 1960s blues scene.
- Page said Clapton was “easily the best”.
Explained simply
Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton are both among Britain's most celebrated guitarists, yet this account concerns Page's assessment of Clapton's abilities during the 1960s, before either achieved international fame. Page reportedly described Clapton as "easily the best" guitarist he had encountered whilst both were working on London's blues scene. The story highlights the relationships and mutual respect between leading musicians of that era.
During the early 1960s, London's blues scene was a vibrant space where musicians developed their craft and influenced one another. Clapton was gaining a reputation through his work with blues-focused bands including The Yardbirds and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. Page himself was an established session musician during this period, playing on recordings for various artists before later forming Led Zeppelin.
The account illustrates that Clapton's distinctive talent was recognised by his peers before the wider public became aware of his abilities. It offers insight into how musicians of the era regarded one another's work and the artistic environment in which they developed. Both would go on to achieve considerable success in rock music in the following decades.
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