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Jeff Beck

About Jeff Beck

Jeff Beck rose to prominence as a member of the rock band The Yardbirds and later as the frontman of the Jeff Beck Group and Beck, Bogert & Appice. The British guitarist fronted an instrumental style with a focus on innovative sound, with a series of album releases that spanned blues rock, hard rock, jazz-fusion, as well as a blend of guitar-rock and electronica.  

Cited as “one of the most influential lead guitarists in rock” by Rolling Stone magazine, Beck recorded three successful solo albums ‘Blow By Blow’ (1975), ‘Wired’ (1976) and ‘There and Back’ (1980). He also featured on tracks such as Bon Jovi’s ‘Blaze of Glory’, Kate Bush’s ‘You’re the One’, and Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘A Thousand Shades’ and collaborated with artists like Rod Stewart, Stanley Clarke, and Graham Gouldman of 10cc.  

Beck earned worldwide critical acclaim throughout his music career, including winning eight Grammy Awards, six of those for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. In 2014, he received the British Academy’s Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music. Beck has also been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice – first for The Yardbirds (1992) and second as a solo artist (2009). 

Jeff Beck stands on stage playing an electric guitar under bright orange and yellow lights. The stage is filled with lighting rigs and equipment.

Where was Jeff Beck from?

Jeff Beck was born and raised in Wallington, Surrey, England.   

Who were Jeff Beck’s influences?

Beck cited his major influences as Les Paul, the Shadows, Roy Buchanan, Steve Cropper, Lonnie Mack, and Cliff Gallup, to name a few.  

What was Jeff Beck’s biggest hit?

‘Freeway Jam’ was among Jeff Beck’s most famous songs, notably for its guitar solo. The track was written by Max Middleton, his former Jeff Beck Band keyboardist who helped shape his first two solo albums.  

What albums did Jeff Beck release?

Throughout his music career, including with The Yardbirds, Jeff Beck Group, and Beck, Bogert & Appice, Jeff Beck has released: ‘Truth’ (1968), ‘Beck-Ola’ (1969), ‘Rough and Ready’ (1971), ‘Jeff Beck Group’ (1972), ‘Beck, Bogert & Appice’ (1973), ‘Blow by Blow’ (1975), ‘Wired’ (1976), ‘There and Back’ (1980), ‘Flash’ (1985), ‘Jeff Beck’s Guitar Shop’ (1989), ‘Crazy Legs’ (1993), ‘Who Else!’ (1999), ‘You Had It Coming’ (2001), ‘Jeff’ (2003), ‘Emotion & Commotion’ (2010), ‘Loud Haller’ (2016), and ‘18’ (2022).