Relf started playing in bands around the summer of 1956 as a singer, guitarist, and harmonica player. His blues harp was a key part of the Yardbirds' sound and success, according to many, and his vocals may have been as important a contribution to the band, as that of their three lead guitaristsEric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page—who were augmented by bassist Paul Samwell-Smith, guitarist/bassist Chris Dreja, and drummer Jim McCarty. Relf co-wrote many of the original Yardbirds songs, later showing a leaning towards acoustic/folk music as the sixties unfolded. He also sang an early version of "Dazed and Confused" in live Yardbirds concerts, after hearing musician Jake Holmes perform the song, which was later recorded by the band's successor group Led Zeppelin. His debut solo single, "Mr. Zero", peaked at No. 50 in the UK Singles Chart in May 1966. After the Yardbirds broke up in July 1968, Relf formed the acousticduo Together, with fellow Yardbird Jim McCarty, followed immediately by Renaissance. After leaving Renaissance in 1970, he started producing other artists: Steamhammer, folk-rock band Hunter Muskett, the acoustic world music groupAmber, psychedelic band Saturnalia, and blues-rock band Medicine Head. In 1974, he formed progressive/rock group Armageddon. Their self-titled debut, Armageddon, was recorded in England and released in the United States on A&M Records. The album's original liner notes used the term "supergroup"; their personnel included drummer Bobby Caldwell, guitarist Martin Pugh, and bassist Louis Cennamo.
In 1966, he married April Liversidge. They had two sons, Danny and Jason. Relf died in the basement of his home in 1976 at age 33 from electrocution while playing an electric guitar. Relf had several health problems throughout his life, including emphysema and asthma, which may have contributed to his inability to survive the electric shock. At the time, it is said that Relf was in the process of putting back together the original Renaissance line-up, which would eventually be called Illusion. He was buried in Richmond Cemetery. Though most sources mistakenly list May 14 as Keith's date of death, on the official death certificate he was declared dead on May 12, 1976 at West Middlesex Hospital.
Legacy
Relf's posthumous 1992 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction with the Yardbirds was represented by his widow April, and sons Danny and Jay.
Solo singles discography
Most of Relf's recordings were released under the name of the group he was in at the time. However, an early attempt was made to establish him as a solo musician and two singles came out under his own name in 1966.
"Mr. Zero" / "Knowing" – UK Columbia DB7920 / U.S. Epic 10044
"Shapes In My Mind" / "Blue Sands" – UK Columbia DB8084 / US Epic 10110
A further single appeared in 1989:
"Together Now" / "All The Fallen Angels" – MCCM 89 002
