I personally consider Led Zeppelin to be one of the most resilient bands of all time. Their sound has carried through the ages and still appeals to generations after they first burst on the scene when they formed in 1968. I have no doubt that their music will be admired forever more as there is a sort of timeless sense to it.
They influenced countless bands that followed and are one of the most successful rock bands of all time. While already a hit in the U.K. at this point at the time, gaining a fan-base on the "other side of the pond" was a true measure of success at the time and with their debut self-titled album they quickly began their journey to become "the biggest band in the world"
The year was 1969
source
The band had already achieved some level of success in USA prior to the album's release but hadn't officially released a single track there. It was during their first tour that the album hit stores, and while this was a rare move to tour before most people are even aware of who you are, it paid off. The tour was in progress when the album hit music stores on the 12th of January.
While the choice of which song was "best" on their first album, and could be warrant a college thesis attempting to determine which one actually is that, there is no denying that there are a bunch of fantastic songs on that debut that will be forever remembered.
Dazed and Confused remained a fan favorite throughout the ages and still is. This song was particularly looked forward to in live shows since it was a track likely for Led Zeppelin to improvise and "jam" to. Some shows would feature an exact replica of the album version, but others, if the crowd was responsive, would see ad-libbed versions that stretched up to half an hour.
They band also managed to produce most of their second album, simply entitled Led Zeppelin II while on the road. A majority of the material was recorded at various studios throughout North America.
source
They also garnered a reputation for a life of "excess" on the road and I'll leave it up to you to extrapolate what that exactly means. However, i gotta stand back in awe that these guys went on tour not knowing if anyone was going to turn up, become and overnight sensation, released an album at the same time, party like the rockstars that they were, AND record another album (with just as many incredible songs on it) all at the same time.
Although credit goes to Black Sabbath in most people's minds as to who "created" heavy metal, there is no denying that LZ definitely had a hand in that as well.
source
I was negative years old when this album was released, but like most people who went to high school and college in the 80's and 90's it was one of those bands that everyone owned at least one album from.
These guys will be around forever, mimicked, covered, and be influenced by perhaps until people stop listening to music. Personally, I can always listen to Zeppelin and be entertained, even though I have heard all of their songs hundreds of times.
There haven't been many bands that have been as successful as Led Zeppelin and there was never a doubt that this extremely talented group of lads was always going to make it no matter when they decided to release their records in the USA. However that day was today, and it all began today, 51 years ago.