Black people and Led Zeppelin – An exploration into a possible connection
The idea of any potential association between black people and Led Zeppelin isn’t one that has been explored at any great length previously. Indeed, many of the members from the band have also publicly addressed the issue, stating that they have little or no connection to the black culture.
However, if we dig a little deeper, there appears to be more to the story. Led Zeppelin have arguably, and controversially, been influenced by African American blues music. They’ve been dubbed ‘the fathers of heavy metal’, thanks to their heartfelt and unique sound, largely derived from blues music.
This initial influence of the blues, combined with the fact that Led Zeppelin used a variety of black artists to help them create their tracks, could be argued as evidence of a possible connection between them and black people.
The band alumni, including singer Robert Plant and drummer John Bonham, have cited many African-American blues artists, such as Robert Johnson, as important influences, while various members of Led Zeppelin have also spoken about their admiration of the blues and its musical style.
Furthermore, the string of iconic albums which the band released interestingly featured a number of covers of African-American blues artists, such as Ma Rainey and Willie Dixon. The appreciation for black culture, which Led Zeppelin exudes through their music, appears to have been a fixture throughout their career.
Additionally, Led Zeppelin was also partially responsible for popularising African-American blues and British Heavy Metal back in the seventies and early eighties. These two genres were widely associated with white audiences, while underrepresentation in the music industry of black musicians, musicians of color, and African American artists, made the influence of Led Zeppelin on black culture an undeniable phenomenon.
It’s true that the majority of Led Zeppelin’s music was never overtly aimed at black people. But, the extensive trajectory which the band took, musically speaking, did capture the imaginations of generations of African American people. It is becoming increasingly clear that whatever the verdict, there is a real connection between Led Zeppelin and black people.
The Impact Led Zeppelin had on Social Norms
Social change is often brought about in small steps, and it’s fair to say that Led Zeppelin could be viewed as having played a small role in this process. Many of their fans were teenagers, who were willing to stand up to those in authority and take risks. They were not as conservative as their parents, and their love of Led Zeppelin’s music helped them to be more open-minded and tolerant.
The mud-slinging, rebellious nature of Led Zeppelin’s lyrics, combined with the difference of sound, created an atmosphere of independence and freedom that shaped their fans’ views on social norms. It was because of melody and lyrics such as these, that Led Zeppelin allowed fans to listen to music and start to re-evaluate the world they live in.
Led Zeppelin have had an influence on popular culture and are still relevant today. This impact wasn’t only in their lyrics but also in the social conventions that were challenged: sexism, racism, and drug abuse were all part of their image.
Within their lifetime, the band was largely seen as innocent, engaging music. However, in retrospect, it is safe to say that there was a clear message emanating from their lyrical content. To youngsters, the message was one of freedom, sexual expression, and complete nonconformity, something which could not have been more at odds with the traditional values of many in their parent’s generation.
Therefore, the strong, unorthodox messages exhibited to the world over can be perceived as one of the initial sparks of wider social change, and a potential connection can be drawn between the band and black people.
The Relationship between Led Zeppelin and the Music Industry
Led Zeppelin launched its career in the early 1970s and created an undeniably unique sound which captured the imaginations of music fans and musicians, alike. Eventually, Led Zeppelin rose to the status of an industry dominator, due to their ability to ‘redefine’ the rock and blues genres.
Their success was groundbreaking and incredibly influential. They shifted the lens of the music industry in the 1970s and shaped the genres that we listen to today. Led Zeppelin also opened the doors to many new wave artists, while their ‘road ethic’ helped others to tour. As such, there is no doubt that Led Zeppelin has influenced the entire music industry.
A large part of the band’s success was their unusual ability to integrate blues and other genres into what eventually became known as ‘heavy metal’. This amalgamation of sounds often used the works of influencers such as Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, and Howlin’ Wolf to craft unique tunes.
Such cover versions of their music meant that many African-American musicians who would not otherwise have received much publicity, began to gain global attention. This in turn created a force of peace and cultural shift.
Led Zeppelin’s valiant efforts in not only promoting but actually making music created from African-American influences was nothing short of revolutionary.
The Effect of Led Zeppelin’s Sound on Black People
The way in which Led Zeppelin transformed blues into the rock genre, and pushed the genre into unprecedented levels of popularity, had a huge impact on African-Americans. It could even be argued that the heavy metal genre, with its involvement of blues musicians, helped to spark the international phenomenon of black culture.
It was this collaboration of heavy metal, blues, and rock, which allowed the band to reach across the divides of geography and colour, and create a ‘universal’ sound which spoke to everyone.
The feeling of connection which was derived from Led Zeppelin’s sound was strong enough to build bridges between the white metal fan communities, and the black music scene. Led Zeppelin’s inclusiveness and revolutionary sound also helped to make its members household names, and aspiring musicians well over a decade after their peak.
Africa was also impacted by the sound of Led Zeppelin. African punk bands, influenced by the British rockers, had a major influence on the music scene in Africa throughout the seventies. Led Zeppelin’s sound was a huge influence on the sound of African punk and even reggae, and this was not lost on the Africans.
Therefore, it is becoming increasingly clear that Led Zeppelin had a large effect on black people, both directly and indirectly. The band’s sound and music was groundbreaking, and it is safe to say that it changed the way we listen to music today.
Led Zeppelin’s Impact on Black Music Scene
The direct influence that Led Zeppelin has had on black music is vast. The heavy metal genre, which the group helped popularise around the world, is now a cornerstone in the contemporary music world.
In addition to this, Led Zeppelin’s early experimentation with African-American music, both in covers and blendings, caused a sort of domino effect. What began as the band’s recognition of the blues has since evolved into an appreciation for rap, soul, and hip hop music.
Robert Plant has even gone on record to express his appreciation for rap and R&B music, calling it one of the most exciting genres of music. This admiration of African-American cultural products has passed from the artists to their fans, and its effects resonate today.
In addition to its influence on genres, Led Zeppelin has also had an indirect effect on the African-American music industry. Working with a variety of African-American producers, session players (including the excellent John Paul Jones) and songwriters, the band managed to hone in on the African-American sound and use it to establish their own.
The connection between the group and the African-American soul scene has equally been both indirect and direct. In retrospect, it’s clear that Led Zeppelin has had a lasting impact on the black music scene. This has been both through their direct influence on genres, and their indirect influence on record labels, producers, songwriters and fans.
