Jeff Beck

Founded in 1967 in London, England, the Jeff Beck Group was a highly influential rock quartet founded by former Yardbirds guitarist Jeff Beck. Blending rhythm and blues, jazz, rock and blues, the original line-up also featured vocalist Rod Stewart and guitarist Ronnie Wood alongside different bassists and drummers. Jeff Beck had been kicked out of the Yardbirds and instead of searching for a new band to join, he decided to form his own. Under the direction of producer Mickie Most, the group released their debut single, “Hi Ho Silver Lining,” which reached number 14 on the singles chart in the UK. The single’s B-side, “Beck’s Bolero,” had been recorded several months earlier and featured an all-star lineup including Jimmy Page (guitar), John Paul Jones (bass), Keith Moon (drums), and Nicky Hopkins (piano). Although the single was well-received and the band was a popular live draw, they were struggling financially. Rock manager Peter Grant believed in the Jeff Beck Group and booked them on a short US tour in 1968. The live shows generated plenty of positive press and the band were suddenly press darlings. They returned to the UK and released the album Truth – which was issued under Jeff Beck’s name – which leaned towards a hard rock sound. More touring helped bring the band’s pioneering sound to a wider audience, as did their second album, Beck-Ola (1969). Although this second album was a success and reached number 14 on the albums chart, Jeff Beck disbanded the group in 1969, shortly before they were due to play Woodstock. In 1970, Jeff Beck decided to form a second version of the group and hired vocalist Alex Ligertwood, keyboardist Max Middleton, bassist Clive Chaman, and drummer Cozy Powell. Moving from the Epic Records label to CBS, this new Jeff Beck Group - now with Bobby Tench replacing short-lived vocalist Ligertwood - released the funk, jazz, and blues-rock influenced Rough and Ready in 1971. The band’s fourth album, The Jeff Beck Group (1972), was produced by Steve Cropper and included reenergized versions of songs penned by Stevie Wonder, Ashford & Simpson, Carl Perkins, Bob Dylan, and Don Nix. After this album, Jeff Beck broke up the group and pursued other solo projects and collaborations, becoming one of rock music’s most respected guitarists. Former keyboardist Nicky Hopkins died on September 6, 1994. Drummer Cozy Powell died on April 5, 1998. Drummer Micky Waller died on April 29, 2008. Bassist Jet Harris died on March 18, 2011. Band leader Jeff Beck died on January 10, 2023, at the age of 78.