The singers Robert Plant calls “incredible”
While Led Zeppelin’s foundation was undeniably rooted in the blues, Robert Plant has musical influences that span a broad and diverse spectrum. Ranging from folk to psychedelic pop, Plant has always remained keen on staying abreast of the latest musical trends when he isn’t delving into crates of vinyl records in search of hidden gems and overlooked classics.
Throughout the years, Plant’s record collection has become a treasure trove of musical inspiration. His eclectic tastes spanned from blues legend Howlin’ Wolf to post-punk icon Robert Smith, creating a far-reaching pool of influences. By the time he had solidified his place as one of rock music’s most exceptional vocalists, Plant had drawn from decades of artists to shape his own unique style.
Plant’s musical preferences extend far beyond the mainstream. He finds richness in deeper cuts and lesser-known artists, which significantly shaped his musical identity. Even as he and Led Zeppelin were conquering the world, Plant remained attuned to emerging sounds. It was this keen ear that led him to discover the British folk duo Maddy Prior and June Tabor, collectively known as the Silly Sisters.
“Two remarkable British singers: June Tabor and Maddy Prior taken from the album Silly Sisters. An album that covers the subjects: work, religion, sexual relations, humour, tragedy, and the absurd,” Plant told the BBC Radio 6 show 6 Music’s Festive Takeover back in 2021. “But ‘The Grey Funnel Line’ is the name of the song, it relates to the life of a sailor in the royal navy, the battleship, just incredible singers.”
‘The Lost Queen of New Orleans Soul’ Betty Harris also had a profound impact on Plant. To understand the origins of the distinctive caterwauls and yelps that characterise Plant’s signature vocal style, you need only examine classic artists like Harris. When he played her track ‘There’s a Break in the Road’ on Music’s Festive Takeover, Plant told listeners: “Get that, that’s the amazing Betty Harris”.
Plant added that her sound had pioneered the funk genre: “That’s basically the beginning, I think, of The Meters, who are just master funk exponents,” he said. “So if you get an opportunity, you check her out on Soul Jazz records, there is a remarkable album called The Lost Queen of New Orleans Soul.”
Similarly to Harris, The Meters did not achieve widespread commercial success despite their significant influence on various funk bands. Still, the Meters have received four Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominations, while Harris, after a series of Billboard hits in the 1960s, appeared to recede into obscurity.
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