Robert Plant admitted Led Zeppelin had borrowed from one blues legend. They weren’t the only ones

Robert Plant acknowledged that Led Zeppelin drew heavily on blues singer Lead Belly, whose songs and style helped shape the band’s music. The article presents this influence as part of a wider debate over borrowing and originality, noting that Led Zeppelin faced accusations of plagiarism while also developing a distinctive sound.

In a 2021 BBC Radio 6 Music Christmas broadcast, Plant said the band had “leant on” Lead Belly’s songs and suggested the singer himself had adapted music brought to the United States from Britain and Ireland. Plant cited Led Zeppelin’s version of the traditional song “Gallows Pole” on *Led Zeppelin III*, and recommended listeners hear Lead Belly perform “In the Pines” and “Black Betty”. The article also notes that later albums such as *Houses of the Holy* and *Physical Graffiti* showcased more of the band’s own ideas.