Robert Plant (b. 1948)

Talk to Robert Plant

Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI

Biography

Robert Anthony Plant is an English singer and songwriter. He was the lead singer and lyricist of the rock band Led Zeppelin from its founding in 1968 until their break-up in 1980. Since then, he has had a successful solo career, sometimes collaborating with other artists such as Alison Krauss. Regarded by many as one of the greatest singers in rock music, he is known for his flamboyant persona, raw stage performances and his powerful, wide-ranging voice.

In Their Own Words (5)

Do you remember mama, when I knocked upon your door?I said you had the nerve to tell me you didn't want me no more, yeah.I open my front door, I hear my back door slam.You know I must have one of them new fangled, new fangled back doors man.

Since I've Been Loving You , 1970

I don't know how I'm gonna tell you,I can't play with you no more.I don't know how I'm gonna do what mama told m,My friend, the boy next door.

That's the Way , 1970

So now you'd better stop and rebuild all your ruins,For peace and trust can win the day despite of all your losing.

Immigrant Song , 1970

Babe, baby, baby, I'm gonna leave you.I said baby, you know I'm gonna leave you.I'll leave you when the summertime,Leave you when the summer comes a rollin'Leave you when the summer comes along.

Babe I'm Gonna Leave You, written by Page, Plant, and Anne Bredon , 1969

Ah, ah,We come from the land of the ice and snow,From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.The hammer of the gods, we'll drive our ships to new lands,To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!On we sweep with threshing oar,Our only goal will be the western shore.

Immigrant Song , 1970

Timeline

The story of Robert Plant, told in moments.

1968 Event

Jimmy Page invited him to join the reformed Yardbirds, which quickly became Led Zeppelin. Plant was 20. The band recorded their debut album in 30 hours. It hit No. 10 on the Billboard 200.

What was it like recording an album in thirty hours? Did you feel Zeppelin was special from the first session? Was Jimmy Page's invitation the moment everything changed?

1971 Event

Led Zeppelin IV was released. "Stairway to Heaven" became the most requested FM radio song in history, though it was never released as a single. The album has sold over 37 million copies worldwide.

Does 'Stairway to Heaven' being the most requested song ever feel like a blessing or a burden? Why was it never released as a single? What does 37 million copies of one album mean to you?

1982 Event

Released Pictures at Eleven, his first solo album after Led Zeppelin disbanded following John Bonham's death in 1980. It reached the top ten in the US. Plant refused to simply repeat the Zeppelin formula. He kept moving.

Was refusing to repeat the Zeppelin formula courage or stubbornness? How did Bonham's death change what music meant to you? Did solo work feel lonely after Led Zeppelin?

2009 Event

Raising Sand, his collaboration with bluegrass artist Alison Krauss, won the Grammy for Album of the Year. "Please Read the Letter" won Record of the Year. Plant was 60. Rolling Stone readers voted him the greatest lead singer of all time in 2011.

What made the collaboration with Alison Krauss work so beautifully? Did the Grammy for Album of the Year at sixty surprise you? Is reinvention a choice or a compulsion?