The album was recorded in September and October 1968 at Olympic Studios , London , shortly after the band 's formation . It contains a mix of original material worked out in the first rehearsals , and remakes and rearrangements of contemporary blues and folk songs . The sessions took place before the group had secured a recording contract and were paid for directly , and took 36 hours and less than £ 2,000 to complete . It was self-produced by Jimmy Page , the group 's founder , leader , and guitarist . He was joined on the album by band members Robert Plant ( lead vocals , harmonica ) , John Paul Jones ( bass , keyboards ) , and John Bonham ( drums ) . Percussionist Viram Jasani appears as a guest on one track . The album was mixed by Glyn Johns , and the iconic album cover showing the Hindenburg disaster was designed by George Hardie
Hindenburg disaster
Hindenburg disaster
Led Zeppelin (album)