The album was recorded in September and October 1968 at Olympic Studios in 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 totalled 36 hours; they were paid for directly by Jimmy Page, the group's founder, leader and guitarist, and Led Zeppelin's manager Peter Grant, costing £1,782 () to complete. They were produced by Page, who as a musician was joined 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 tracks were mixed by Page's childhood friend Glyn Johns, and the iconic album cover showing the Hindenburg disaster was designed by George Hardie.
the album was recorded in september and october 1968 at olympic studios in 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 totalled 36 hours; they were paid for directly by jimmy page the group's founder leader and guitarist and led zeppelin's manager peter grant costing £1782 () to complete they were produced by page who as a musician was joined 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 tracks were mixed by page's childhood friend glyn johns and the iconic album cover showing the hindenburg disaster was designed by george hardie