Today marks the birthday of the late Keith Relf, who would have been 69 years old. Relf, who died May 14, 1976, was the lead singer of the amazingYardbirds, the great 60s British group who paved the way for Led Zeppelin a few years later.

The band spawned THREE guitar players throughout it’s history, all who became legends in their own right: first Eric Clapton, then Jeff Beck, and, finally, one Jimmy Page, who wound up spearheading Zeppelin.

Relf dabbled in many musical groups and genres after The Yardbirds broke up in 1968. He was in the acoustic duo Together, the progressive rock band Renaissance, and finally the hard rock group Armageddon. Keith Relf tragically died on May 14, 1976, a victim of a very Spinal Tap-style rock death, as he was electrocuted while playing his guitar.

Check out here below the great “I’m A Man,” which became a sonic blues staple for years to come afterwards, showcasing great vocals by Relf AND nice harp work by him as well. The video also features Jimmy Page on the guitar and it’s a mind-bender. If you think you don’t know this song, trust me, you do!

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