When the Levee Breaks

I never knew the backstory of the classic Led Zeppelin track "When the Levee Breaks." But, as I searched for inspiration for this Music Friday, I found it...in a Playing for Change video.

The basic tune traces back to 1929 when blues artists Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie wrote a song about the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. While the original lyrics are mostly intact, Jimmy Page inserted a new guitar riff and, of course, John Bonham added a ferocious drum beat...today, one of the most sampled beats in the world.

Here's the original. Here's Zeppelin. And, here's when Plant and Page reunited for a time.

And, here is John Paul Jones, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi and over 20 musicians from seven countries with a riveting performance of a song written over 90 years ago.

Enjoy....

Comments

[Renee Areng]

We are going to see Tedeschi Trucks next weekend! Can't wait!

[Lee T]

Fascinating historical connection. Thought Plant's voice was so much better, grittier on the version when he and Page reunited. Respect all the way round on this pick starting with Joe & Minnie!