You can’t give up something you really believe in
for financial reasons. If you die by the roadside – so be it. But at least you know you’ve tried. Ten minutes in the music scene was the equal of one hundred years
outside of it.
Robert Plant
Birthday call-out to Robert Plant, celebrating his 72nd year today! The rock icon is an English rock singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the rock band Led Zeppelin. Robert Plant often played harmonica for Led Zeppelin. Played in a band called Hobbstweeble prior to Led Zeppelin, and the ‘Honeydrippers’ after Led Zeppelin.
When selecting the singer for his new band, Jimmy Page first asked British singer Terry Reid, who also later turned down Deep Purple’s offer. The second candidate was Steve Marriot from the Small Faces, but he refused. Only then did Jimmy Page think of Robert Plant as an option. Plant was at first referred to by Jimmy Page as “the young guy with the powerful voice.”
John Bonham joined Led Zeppelin because of Plant’s recommendation. Plant’s band Led Zeppelin broke up in 1980 following the death of drummer John Bonham.
They rank Robert Plant and Jimmy Page the 3rd best musical duo by rock.com. Robert Plant and Jimmy Page reunited in 1988 for the album “Now And Zen.”
Robert Plant also had a successful solo singing career. Plant’s first solo album was called Pictures At Eleven. It was released in 1982. Charlie Jones, Robert Plant’s bass player for solo tours, is married to his daughter Carmen.
Led Zeppelin and Elvis Presley became friendly in the 1970s. They met frequently and Led Zeppelin attended at least two Elvis concerts, sitting front row center. Robert Plant warmed up his voice with slow Elvis songs. Elvis Presley once teased him about not owning his own plane – Elvis asked where Led Zeppelin got the jet. “We rented it from Caesar’s Palace,” said Plant. “I own mine” replied Elvis.
Robert Plant once donated $10,000 to a radio station in Oregon that promised to never play “Stairway to Heaven” again. Robert Plant wrote the lyrics for “Stairway to Heaven.” Robert Plant has denied the fact that “Stairway to Heaven” has satanic messages when played backward.
While Plant was touring with Led Zeppelin in the US, his son, Karac, died from a stomach virus on June 26, 1977. He suffered a breakdown following the death of his five-year-old son Karac.
The Led Zeppelin hit “All of My Love” and Plant’s solo hit “I Believe” are dedicated to Karac.
National Public Radio (NPR) cited Robert Plant as one of the 50 great voices. NPR lists singers who have made their mark internationally and across recorded history.
Robert Plant received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 and the Polar Music Prize in 2006.
In 1995 they inducted Led Zeppelin into the UK Music Hall of Fame for their outstanding contribution to British music and integral part of British music culture.
He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of Led Zeppelin).
