Robert Plant Recommends Female Singer for Led Zeppelin Album Collaboration
In a recent revelation, Robert Plant suggested a unique collaboration that could have altered the course of rock history. The iconic frontman of Led Zeppelin expressed interest in having Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks contribute vocals to a Led Zeppelin album during a discussion in 1977. This proposition came at a time when Nicks was at the pinnacle of her career, following the release of Fleetwood Mac’s blockbuster album, “Rumours.”
Stevie Nicks – A Rock Legend
By 1977, Stevie Nicks had achieved significant acclaim as one of the leading female vocalists in rock music. The album “Rumours” included hit singles such as:
- “Go Your Own Way”
- “Don’t Stop”
- “You Make Loving Fun”
- “Dreams”
Nicks’ vibrant style and powerful voice made her a standout artist during this era. This is precisely why Plant believed her collaboration would enrich Led Zeppelin’s musical landscape.
The Invitation to Collaborate
During an interview with Mark Ginsberg of Interview Magazine in July 1977, Plant reflected on his musical influences and named Nicks among them. He mentioned, “That little lady ought to come and sing on one of our albums.” Plant emphasized that if Nicks were to join Led Zeppelin, it would be as a collaborator rather than a guest, ensuring her artistic contributions were meaningful.
Led Zeppelin’s Peak Era
At this time, Led Zeppelin was riding high on the success of their platinum-selling album “Presence.” They engaged in extensive touring, particularly in North America, where they set attendance records. Notably, they drew a crowd of 76,229 at Silverdome arena on April 30, 1977.
Plant’s Hope for a Light-Hearted Collaboration
Plant envisioned any collaboration with Nicks as a light-hearted endeavor, distinguishing it from the band’s more serious work. He noted, “I can’t see any serious turn one way or another. We just enjoy playing with each other.” Plant’s sentiments highlighted the camaraderie he felt within the band, indicating a preference for spontaneous collaboration rather than formal arrangements.
A What-If Scenario
Unfortunately, the collaboration between Robert Plant and Stevie Nicks never materialized. Had it happened, the results might have resonated similarly to Plant’s acclaimed album “Raising Sand,” where he teamed with country artist Alison Krauss. This leaves fans contemplating how a Led Zeppelin album featuring Nicks would have sounded, potentially enriching the rock genre with her unique vocal flair.
As the legacy of Led Zeppelin continues, the missed opportunity for this collaboration remains a fascinating chapter in rock music history.
