They may be known for their original tracks (and tracks they nicked), but Led Zeppelin has also put out quite a few iconic cover songs. Let’s look at just a few of Led Zeppelin’s wildest covers!
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1. “In My Time Of Dying”
The members of Led Zeppelin were very clear fans of Blind Willie Johnson. Johnson was a major figure in gospel blues throughout the late 1920s. They covered several of his songs, one of which being “In My Time Of Dying” on their 1975 record Physical Graffiti.
Led Zeppelin turned a somber blues song into a whopping 11-minute-long rock opera of sorts. It still sounds like the original, but it’s on an entirely different level. Producer Rick Ruben named “In My Time Of Dying” as his favorite on the record, praising the bassline for being “interesting” and “unexpected”.
2. “Dazed And Confused”
Led Zeppelin’s wildest covers have gotten them into trouble here and there throughout their career. “Dazed And Confused” was once such song. The original tune was created by Jake Holmes, and Led Zeppelin “covered” it in 1967. Although, it wasn’t so much of a cover as it was stolen material. The band released it with different lyrics and vocals, and they didn’t make it very clear that they were covering Holmes’ work.
In the 1980s, Holmes confronted Jimmy Page about the song but was more or less ignored. It took until 2010 for Holmes to file a lawsuit, though the ordeal was settled out of court. Today, the song’s credits don’t even mention that it’s a cover. Instead, it says “Jimmy Page, inspired by Jake Holmes”.
3. “When The Levee Breaks”
Led Zeppelin’s wildest covers are often inspired by the blues and country music. “When The Levee Breaks” was originally a 1920s traditional country tune by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe. Led Zeppelin took on the blues-tinged tune with a cover that appeared on Led Zeppelin IV.
It’s pretty impressive. However, the Zeppelin version loses much of the original song’s storytelling. The original song was written about the Great Mississippi Flood that occurred in 1927. With that context, the song has a very specific meaning that is ultimately lost on Zeppelin’s version. However, one can’t deny that Zeppelin’s reimagining of the song presented an iconic tune to a new generation of listeners.
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