One of the most popular rock groups of the 1970s, Led Zeppelin combined strong roots in blues (see entry under 1920s— Music in volume 2) music with a harder-edged rock and roll (see entry under 1950s—Music in volume 3) sound. This combination set the stage for the development of heavy metal (see entry under 1980s—Music in volume 5) music. More than this, they brought new elements into rock music, including British folk, Celtic mythology, and mysticism. A series of popular albums and phenomenally successful tours made Led Zeppelin a major presence in rock music during the 1970s.

The group's origins were not in the 1970s but in the blues-rock revival in Britain during the late 1960s. Guitarist Jimmy Page (1944–) was a member of the popular group the Yardbirds just before they broke up. He recruited singer Robert Plant (1948–), bassist John Paul Jones (1946–), and drummer John Bonham (1948–1980). Together...