Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks *DayOne Reacts* 

Robert Plant is the singer, Jimmy Page is the guitar player, John Paul Jones is bass player and John Bonham is the drummer. For me this song seriously rode the groove of Bonham's drumming...R.I.P. Bonzo! Keep going on with the Zep reactions...many many great songs!

Four of the GREATEST musicians to ever walk the earth... Robert Plant vocals harmonica, Jimmy Page guitar, John Bonham drums and the genius John Paul Jones bass guitar and keyboard.

Wow, you are on a roll with this one, dear lady, one of the best, hypnotic, blues rock jams ever. Robert Plant is killer on the harmonica and the band just settles in this atmospheric heavy groove that does me every time. For more of their amazing chops, try Since I've Been Loving You Live, from the Song Remains the Same soundtrack. Watch that video and be amazed! Enjoy. 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶

Imagine sitting around a cable spool table in a dank dark smoky basement listening to this while wearing bell bottom low rise jeans. That was me. 😎😂

Robert Plant also plays the harmonica. I listened to the original recorded by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929 and it's quite good.

Just like the Beatles you can't go wrong with this group.

John Bonhams drums breathe more life into this tune than any crazy solo's could ever do!

"When The Levee Breaks" finishes off side two of Led Zeppelin's fourth album. Time to flip the record over and listen to it again from the beginning! Dig how the shuffle in the bridge disrupts the hypnotic charge of the minor dirge that drives most of the song with some major chord carnage -- "Oh, don't it make you feel bad \ When you're trying to find your way home \ You don't know which way to go \ If you're going down south, they got no work to do \ If you're going north to Chicago\ Ah, ah, ah, hey" ... The video showcases fire, but the song is about water. Back in the day the record cover was what there was visually to accompany the music. That album featured runes, robes, and lanterns in keeping with "Stairway to Heaven" and "The Battle of Evermore". "When the Levee Breaks" was recorded by Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie in 1929. That version is heartfelt but very old time in style and recording quality. The contrast between the versions -- more than forty years apart -- is like that between a lonely 40 watt light bulb lighting up a porch on a dark night and an electrified-amplified-neon lit boulevard packed with people grooving to the vibe.

Watching You Swerve to This Masterpiece - while Championing The Mouth Harp in Your Movements was Sublime. Thanks 💕💕💕💕💕

I so enjoy watching you groove along to this great blues rock jam. Even better hearing you say how you are becoming a Led Zeppelin fan. They were such an important part of my youth.

Everything they do is magnificent!! Robert Plant sings and the harmonica!!

You would absolutely adore the harmonica in Led Zeppelin- You shook me. Even better.

The way you feel after you are one Led Zeppelin song after another and after another the way you feel it takes you to a different place and I think that's what's called getting the Led Out

Angela, having grown up with this music, I really appreciate your reactions. I get to feel the new vibes through you! Thank you for that!

This is soooooo good! How amazing would it have been to see these guys in concert... I envy those who have.

The greatest drumming sound of any track ever, period.

That opening drum beat has to be one of the best of all time. Led Zeppelin 4 (or Zoso) is a great album. This is the very last song on it. Great way to end an LP listening spree. Other great songs of this album are "Black Dog", "Rock and Roll" , "Misty Mountain Hop" and of course "Stairway to Heaven". Although you can't go wrong with any track on the album.

One of the coolest songs ever recorded , thanks Angela!

Robert Plant is the lead vocalist and also plays the harmonica. I'm so glad you're becoming a Led Zeppelin fan! I remember when I was discovering their music and how they became my favorite band at the time. Such talented musicians, and they weren't afraid to break new ground often.

Keep the Zeppelin coming - you won't be sorry. This is probably my favorite Led Zeppelin song - Jimmy talked about the entry way stairwell that had a new drum kit set up where they were making the album at Hedley Grange and that huge sound of those heavy drums changed the way drummers thought about recording forever.

You know you've made it when you have your own JET !!!

I Think You Will Love This Classic My Music Lovin' Sister,, Led Zeppelin "Going To California"

Glad you enjoyed this track! Keep going down that Led Zeppelin rabbit hole! Check out Ten Years Gone! I’m sure it will hit you emotionally!✌️

This is the most enigmatic drum track of the century.

There is no going back now Princess. You are now a Zephead! Enjoy your journey.

Hi! Anybody listening to Led Zeppelin that has some kind of musical preference, will eventually become a Led Zep fan. Welcome to the family! /Ulf

[What is and what should never be] by Led Zeppelin Is probably my favorite Led Zeppelin song if I was to ever claim one as being there all good it's hard to tell which one's better

I've never thought much about having a favorite song, because with so much to enjoy, it seems pointless. But when that thought does enter my head, this is definitely one of the first songs I think of!

I knew you'd love Zep from your first reaction so long ago to Since I've Been Loving You which almost brought you to tears. The drum patterns from this song were some of the most sampled in early hip hop. Singer Robert Plant also plays the harmonica. Guitarist Jimmy Page created the band and produced all their albums. Multi-instrumentalist John Paul Jones played bass, keys, and mandolin, and John "Bonzo" Bonham was their legendary drummer. As you read, this song is a reworking of the original song recorded in 1929 by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy about the flood of the Mississippi Delta in 1927. It was part of the Great Migration which saw more African Americans come North for better opportunities ("go to Chicago"). There was a lot of production on this song. Bonzo's drums were set up in the entrance hall of this great estate building they were staying in and recording their album from. They had mics placed around and hanging above the drum kit to help get that amazing sound while also feeding it through a Binson Echorec and compressing the final product. Jimmy uses a slide to help give the guitar that stretchy sound and he and Jonesy used a modal structure to give the droning tone. Reverse echo was added to the harmonica and various effects were added to the vocals. If all this weren't enough, the vocals stayed at the same speed, however the instruments were slowed a half step in production to further assist with the sludgy, back water blues style sound. This song is a groove, it's menacing, it hits hard, almost bludgeoning you with intensity while the circular drone carves furrows in your brain. Masterpiece. Their music is seductive...one step too far and you'll be down the rabbit hole - welcome!!

As I recall, you reacted to Stairway to Heaven live version. That's good but the guitar work of studio version (on same album as this song) is perfection and more polished. Studio version was the hit and perhaps the greatest song of the rock era. I suggest, therefore, that you react to studio version of Stairway to Heaven. btw, the version of Levee that you played here is the original best I can tell

My favorite rock band!!! Thanks Angela!!!

enjoy THAT rabbit hole . welcome to the zeppelin family

The harmonica is fantastic!

KUDOS to you , for Knowing that You heard a Harmonica!! You would be Surprised just How Many Reactors have No Idea that's a Harmonica, being Played by The Lead Singer Robert Plant! He Did the Vocals first, then went back later to Record the Harmonica parts! Great Reaction Dear!

It warms my heart to hear you say you are becoming a Led Zeppelin fan . you add class and beauty to our fan club for sure . only about 100 or so songs to catch up . welcome

Another great reaction! Ty for sharing LZ. Hugs. Mark

Great, great song...it references the Great Flood (it's still referred to in that manner down here) that occurred in 1927 in the Mississippi Delta (I've lived in the Delta most of my teen/adult years). The owners of these huge farms were afraid the field hands & sharecroppers would leave so they lined them up on the levees in "relief camps" at gunpoint to try to keep them from leaving. A lot of African-Americans DID leave in the Great Migration/Exodus and settled in Chicago...one reason Chicago has such a "Southern/blues" influence. Memphis Minnie was living in Walls, Mississippi at the time (my ex-wife is a bit of a Memphis Minnie fanatic & has multiple books on her) which is about 8 miles from where I live atm. It's actually what prompted the series of levees that are on the Mississippi River right now. I'm NOT proud of my state but the Delta has a pull on me I can't describe. It's just part of my DNA.

This was written just after the great Mississippi Flood of 1927. Recorded a number of times, still love it. (edit) This song is much better than the original to modern ears, the original by Memphis Minnie (I believe) was a slow blusey number, recorded on 1928 equipment.

So glad you’re a fan. This band was just beginning when I returned from the Nam. Robert and I are the same age and the first album they put out was mine. I spent the years passing by without ever getting tired of them. Oh, and the harmonica was done by the singer,Robert Plant. It’s great to share my band with a new generation.;)

Can A Song Be Haunting While Also Being Beautiful??...For The Answer To That,, Led Zeppelin "No Quarter"

That song is orgasmic - PEACE LOVE n HIPPYNESS ✌💖☮

A Classic With An Important Message From A Legendary Music Icon,, James Taylor "Shower The People" ❤

Hi Angela, Thank God this is Phoneworthy! My Favourite Zep track bar none, The musicianship just the whole vibe really, It was recorded at Headley Grange on Surrey/Hampshire border about 10 miles away from me, They used the back staircase to get the echoey drums & like you say the Harmonica is Sublime Cheers Jim, Surrey X

Robert Plant both sang and played the harmonica on this track.

Robert Plant on harmonica and vocals. Bonham driving the song with thunder drumming. 😎

Robert Plant, the lead singer, is the harmonica player as well. This is also one of the most sampled drum tracks in rock history.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING ME BACK TO MY YOUTH

A Classic Uplifting Smooth Soul Groove,, The Blackbyrds "Walking In Rhythm"..TRUST ME!!

Keep the Zeppelin coming lady! You have ventured down the rabbit hole.

OMG you are reformed into my 60's life

If you loved this song, next try "Kashmir", the studio version. I believe you can't go wrong with that one either!

It was written and first recorded by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929. The original record is a good country/blues tune for the time but sounds quite a bit different from the Zep version since it was just one vocal and 2 guitars recorded on the primitive equipment of the day. It's on RU-vid if you get curious.

One of my FAVORITES! This Zep song came out (late 60s) when I moved to a small 'levee' town in extreme NE LA (after my Mom died) where my Dad still lived. Where I was born, by the way! Researched it and discovered a very much earlier (1920s) version not by Zep!

Robert Plant...vocals/harmonica Jimmy Page...guitarist/Theramin John Bonham...drummer and occasional back up singer John Paul Jones...bass/keyboards/mandolin/synth/anything else needed

From the movie Song Reminds The Same, Concert footage, awesome cool jam yeah 🤘😆🤘🎸🎸🎤🥁🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Requesting Led Zeppelin WHOLE LOTTA LOVE the official video - Thanks

Thanks for the great reaction Angela. On to 35K subs!

Wow!! Another excellent Zeppelin song!!!

The drummer, John Bonham, creates the most interesting time signatures. A lesser band would devolve into chaos. But they're so tight. Very atmospheric song. Sad, reminds me of Katrina.

Robert Plant was the Lead Singer of Led Zeppelin.....Jimmy Page on Lead Guitar....John "Bonzo" Bonham on Drums...John Paul Jones on Bass Guitar

The major chord change and the subsequent riff in this song is the most sublime thing you could listen to in music, actually in any kind of music at any time in history. Although I'm not a huge Zep fan, in my book this masterpiece deserves the top spot in terms of intensity, atmosphere, musicianship and even historical importance.

This song is phone worthy for your playlist. Happy you are becoming a Zeppelin fan!

It’s a terrible storm, the moanful sound of the wind(harp & guitar) The unrelenting pounding if the surf(drums) with cymbal crashing waves And the wind down of the storm like a top losing speed Watch them play this live in 1971 at 19 years old. Album only out for few months Magical night 🎊😎🎸 Song is over 50 years old. Match it with today?

Great song and reaction. Keep it up. Blast from the past. 👍👏

One of FAVS of Zepplin great tune

Yesssssss thank you.........,,....

Love your reactions, you go right to wiggling and dancing and feeling the music. Keep it up. Oh, by the way, your gorgeous as well.

One of the favorite t-shirts 😉, LED Classic Rock, always a pleasure to listen again

This song is a masterpiece in tension. To me it's more Bonzo on the drums that drives it but of course it's all of it together but yeah man that harp is definitely a core element of this song. What an amazing texture that we know from Blues but they interface it with whatever this is so well. It's so hypnotic.

Yep.... the drum intro by Bonham maybe the best Classic Rock drum intro ever, this is a very "bluesy" tune, and.... if you like Robert Plants vocals, you should hear his solo chit....I recommend "29 Palms....Big Log.... In The Mood.... Ship Of Fools"... those 4 alone you'll love....

She is digging ZEP lol too cool

Now you got it. One of rocks greatest grooves! Full stop.

Great show

The Harmonica is played by Robert Plant, the singer.

I remember this song got played a lot after Hurricane Katrina.

Diggin your dancing Angela!

Really need to watch them live. They improvise and take it to whole new level. Live from Madison Square Garden.

It’s the greatest track of all time by the greatest band ever period, what’s not to like?( respect enjoy and spread the word thank you

Nice job👍

Great video choice and great hair just like Robert.

"Stairway to Heaven" - a MUST.

Drum beat infamous. Used by Rick Rubin for the Beastie Boys 'Rhymin and Stealin'. But everything about this track is just delicious. Definitely one of my favorites from Led Zeppelin. Thank you for the reaction.

Rumor is that Paige wanted to call the band the yardbirds 2, and Eric Clapton said that will go over like a Led Balloon. The video might be of the Hindenberg

Don't know when you released this, but the Led Zero members are: Robert Plant on vocals (and harmonica); Jimmy Page on guitar; John Bonham on drums; and John Paul Jones on keyboard/bass. You asked about Queen. Freddie Mercury on vocals and piano; Brian May on guitar; John Deacon on bass; Roger Taylor on drums.

I believe @ 6:20 or there about, I saw Keith Moon next to Bonzo's drum kit. Very cool. Great reaction as always. Thank you.

As Many Are Caught Somewhere On That Stairway To Heaven... Heroes Were Built On This Levee of Heavy Blistering Wave- Gravity Seems To Bust At The Seams With Every Heavy Crash... and Those Monsterous Vocals Carry Heavy In The Wind-

Yep great harmonica work by Robert and yeah his voice late 60's early 70's was the best in the business, epic beats courtesy of Bonzo ... The Harmonica along with the steel guitar was fundamental to much rural and later on electric blues through the last century and probably before, then the genre, the feel, the harmonica was picked up by a group of English musicians in the 60's like Zeppelin, Cream, the Rolling stones and many many more ..... a gorgeous folk song that uses the 'harp' the harmonica is Neil Young - Heart of Gold , the live version is sooo good .... well worth a reaction i think you will love it and, You are Lovely as always 🤩

Don't know if you've reacted to this yet, but if you haven't definitely listen to " You Shook Me ".

Robert (Percy) Plant plays a pretty mean mouth harp. Also featured on a fantastic 'one take' (18 days total, rehearse/record, mix, done) album called Presence while ole Percy was in a wheelchair from recovery of a near fatal car accident. Also, another awesome video is The Song Remains The Same/ The Rain Song (I believe avail)

You should really check out a few tracks on their first album. Great blues tracks. “Babe I’m gonna leave you” “I can’t quit you babe” “How Many more times””You Shook me”. Robert Plant is the lead singer. Jimmy Page on Guitar, John Bonham on drums and John Paul Jones on almost all other instruments. Robert plays harmonica.

I love the harmonica too!

Try Led Zeppelin - Since I've been Loving You - Live at Madison Square Gardens 1973 😉

Led Zeppelin are an amazing blues rock band..Lesotho.🇱🇸🇱🇸💯👊🏾

Now there is some blues for ya.

Good choice. Try Emerson, Lake and Palmer " Still you Turn me On".....or "Lucky Man"...Greg Lake wrote it when he was 12 years old

Listen to "Thank You" and it probably will bring a tear or two!

Fantastic song!

Glad someone appreciates Plant's harmonica!

What a classic !!!!

The singer Robert Plant plays the harmonic. Listen to thier cover of "You Shook Me" Robert Plant plays a hell of a mean harmonica. When Zeppelin covers a song they add the thunder and the wild blues of Jimmy Page on guitar and Robert Plant singing and one of the best drummers ever John Bonham adding the thunder with his drums and John Paul Johns keeping the baseline. As a group the were and are true muscians that play across the spectrum of music.