After their short Scandinavian tour as The New Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin began recording their first LP in October 1968. As an experienced studio musician, Jimmy Page decided on the spot to produce the record himself; this was not only cheaper, but also guaranteed him complete artistic freedom. Only the sound engineer Glyn Johns was involved in the recording sessions at London’s Olympic Sound Studios. Their self-titled debut album was released by Atlantic Records on 12 January 1969 in the USA and on 28 March 1969 in England. The cover photograph of the burning Hindenburg zeppelin was taken by George Hardie, whose career as a cover designer at Hipgnosis began with this project.

Numerous stories surround the first copies with turquoise lettering: only 5,000 were produced before the band’s manager, Peter Grant, decided to withdraw them. They were replaced by covers with orange lettering. Available only in London, these first turquoise edition was sold out in only two days. The fact is: this album, with its blend of heavy blues and rock influences, multi-faceted distorted guitar sounds and thunderous drums, is one of the pivotal records in the evolution of heavy metal. And it is an absolute must-have for any collector of rare records, regardless of the astronomical prices commanded these days for a first pressing with turquoise lettering.

Beyond that, accusations of plagiarism soon followed, as no accurate songwriting credits had been provided. This concerns the songs Dazed And Confused (originally by Jake Holmes), Black Mountain Side (by Anne Briggs), Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You (Anne Bredon) and How Many More Times (Howlin’ Wolf). As these allegations also apply to all their other releases, Led Zeppelin are now referred to as „the greatest cover band of all time“.