John Paul Jones, The Unsung Hero and Jack of All Music Trades
John Paul Jones, (born John Baldwin, who would later change his name for better stage appeal) along with John Bonham, were the back bone of Led Zeppelin. Throughout his career in Led Zeppelin, he did more than just groove on the bass. The keyboard, synthesizer, mandolin, and effects were all thanks to Mr. Jones. But Led Zeppelin wasn’t the only band he worked with and rock wasn’t always his game.
The accomplished bassist would find new fame while working with Paul McCartney on his film “Give My Regards To Broad Street”, as the Bass Player on the soundtrack. He would also worked with Dusty Springfield’s “Dusty…. Definitely” in 1968. He also played in Cat Steven’s album “Matthew And Son”, and also recorded with Jeff Beck earlier and later in both musician’s careers.
John also had a talent for musical arrangements. John Paul Jones can be credited with the string arrangement of “She’s A Rainbow” from the Rolling Stones. A song written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards; the guys reached out to John to help add a lighter side to the song. He is also responsible for R.E.M.’s orchestral arrangements on their album Automatic For The People in collaboration with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
