November 1968: Led Zeppelin Sign with Atlantic Records

The date was November 23, 1968. That's when Atlantic Records issued a press release heralding the label's latest signing: Led Zeppelin. Once the band's notorious manager, Peter Grant, secured a whopping $143,000 advance contract for his boys, Atlantic issued the following press release:

"ATLANTIC RECORDS SIGNS ENGLAND’S HOT NEW GROUP, LED ZEPPELIN, IN ONE OF THE BIGGEST DEALS OF THE YEAR

Atlantic Records has signed the hot new English group, Led Zeppelin, to a long term, exclusive recording contract. Although the exact terms of the deal are secret, it can be disclosed that it is one of the most substantial deals Atlantic has ever made. Agreement for the group’s services was made between Jerry Wexler, Executive Vice President of Atlantic Records, Peter Grant, manager of the group.

Led Zeppelin consists of four of the most exciting musicians performing in Britain today. They are Jimmy Page, leader of the group and lead guitarist; John Paul Jones, bassist, pianist, organist, arranger; John Bonham, drums; and Robert Plant, lead vocal and harmonica.

The pulsations surrounding Led Zeppelin have intensified ever since the group recorded its first (and as yet unreleased) album, which was produced by Jimmy Page, just a month ago in London. Top English and American rock musicians who have heard the tracks have called Led Zeppelin the next group to reach heights achieved by Cream and Hendrix. This Led Zeppelin LP will be released by Atlantic early in January."

Peter Grant, Jimmy Page and Atlantic Records' Ahmet Ertegun are seen in the accompanying photo signing the band's recording contract on November 11, 1968.

See the contract below, courtesy of LedZeppelin.com