3 Songs Written but Not Originally Performed by Jimmy Page

If you know Jimmy Page, you know Led Zeppelin. The British-born classic rock group was his idea. The lead guitarist and songwriter got the players together, from Robert Plant to John Paul Jones to John Bonham, and set history on fire (musically speaking) as a result.

Videos by American Songwriter

But not every song Page ever composed has gone to the “Stairway to Heaven” performers. Here below, we wanted to explore three songs, in fact, that went elsewhere. A trio of tracks written by Page for other groups he wasn’t even playing in at the time. Indeed, these are three classic rock songs written but not originally performed by Jimmy Page.

[RELATED: 3 Songs for People Who Say They Don’t Like Led Zeppelin]

“Beck’s Bolero” by Jeff Beck (Single, 1967)

There is some intrigue around this instrumental track, which was released by the great guitarist Jeff Beck in 1967 as a standalone rock single. The recording for the tune brought together a who’s who of artists, including Page, drummer Keith Moon of The Who, John Paul Jones, and Nicky Hopkins. In its own way, it was Page’s first attempt at forming what would become Led Zeppelin. But after the creative part, there was a disagreement about how the track came together. It’s credited to Page but Beck says he had a lot to do with it, too. And several people claim to have produced the song.

“You Don’t Believe Me” by Pretty Things from Get the Picture? (1965)

This bright and jangly song from the British-born band Pretty Things was the debut single from the group’s 1965 sophomore album Get the Picture? That LP was the follow-up album after the group’s successful self-titled debut record. Page co-wrote the lead song, which itself is a dedication that he will always be true to his love. But she doesn’t believe him. Sings Pretty Things lead vocalist Phil May,

You don’t believe me
When I say I love you, babe
You don’t believe
The things I say to you, babe
To make you understand
That’s all I ask you to do
Don’t keep me from your heart

“The Last Mile” by Nico (Single, 1965)

Another jangly track, this song from the German-born singer Nico was one of her first releases. In 1965, Nico met Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones. He recorded her first single and the B-side of the release, “The Last Mile,” which was produced by Page. From there Nico’s career grew. She met Bob Dylan and other people in the industry and she eventually released a number of studio and live albums. On this tune, she sings about showing your true colors, offering,

Rivers were made for flowing
So why not let them flow?
People were made for showing
So why not let them show?

Show a little laughter
Show a little smile
‘Cause we’ve started on the last mile

Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images