In the world of rock ‘n’ roll, few bands stand as iconic and influential as Led Zeppelin. With their powerful sound and legendary live performances, Led Zeppelin helped define the genre in the late 1960s and early 1970s. One of their more interesting performances, and a lesser-known recording, is their rendition of the classic rock and roll track “Long Tall Sally.” Originally recorded by Little Richard, Led Zeppelin’s cover of this song shows not only their musical prowess but also their deep roots in the blues and early rock ‘n’ roll. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the origins of “Long Tall Sally,” Led Zeppelin’s adaptation of the song, and why it remains a notable example of their connection to rock history.
Origins of “Long Tall Sally”
Before diving into Led Zeppelin’s take, it’s essential to understand the significance of “Long Tall Sally” in the broader context of rock and roll. Written by Robert “Bumps” Blackwell, Enotris Johnson, and Richard Penniman (better known as Little Richard), the song was first recorded and released by Little Richard in 1956. It quickly became one of his biggest hits, climbing to the top of the R&B charts and reaching No. 6 on the Billboard pop chart.
The song itself is a quintessential example of the early rock and roll sound, blending elements of R&B, gospel, and boogie-woogie piano rhythms. Little Richard’s performance on the track is nothing short of electric—his rapid-fire vocals, backed by a driving rhythm, helped establish his reputation as one of the wildest and most energetic performers of the era. “Long Tall Sally” is also notable for its lyrical content, which deals with a love triangle, adding to the rebellious and often taboo nature of early rock music.
For artists coming up in the 1960s, covering Little Richard’s music was almost a rite of passage. His influence stretched across the Atlantic, particularly impacting young British musicians who were hungry to emulate the American rhythm and blues sound.
Led Zeppelin’s Version of “Long Tall Sally”
Led Zeppelin’s affinity for blues and rock ‘n’ roll classics was evident from the beginning of their career. While they are best known for their groundbreaking original compositions, Zeppelin often paid homage to their musical heroes by performing covers in live shows. “Long Tall Sally” was one of those songs that they embraced, especially in their early days when their setlists would include renditions of classic rock and blues numbers alongside their originals.
Led Zeppelin’s rendition of “Long Tall Sally” was notably performed during live concerts, particularly in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Though the band never released an official studio version of the track, several live recordings exist, capturing the raw energy and improvisational style that characterized their performances.
What makes Led Zeppelin’s version of “Long Tall Sally” unique is the way they infused the song with their distinct sound. While the original by Little Richard is a high-energy rock ‘n’ roll track driven by piano and vocals, Zeppelin’s take adds a heavier, more guitar-oriented edge. Jimmy Page’s guitar riffs, coupled with John Bonham’s thunderous drumming, transform the song into something that aligns more closely with the hard rock sound of the 1970s. Robert Plant’s vocal delivery, while clearly inspired by Little Richard’s original performance, brings his signature blend of bluesy wails and rock swagger.
In true Led Zeppelin fashion, their live performances of “Long Tall Sally” often included extended improvisations. The band would stretch out the song with lengthy instrumental jams, highlighting the virtuosity of each member. This was particularly evident in their early live shows when Zeppelin was building their reputation as one of the most powerful and unpredictable live acts in rock history.
The Significance of Led Zeppelin’s Cover
So why is Led Zeppelin’s version of “Long Tall Sally” important, especially when they never released a studio recording of it? The answer lies in understanding the role that covers and live performances played in the band’s career.
First, Led Zeppelin’s decision to perform “Long Tall Sally” speaks to their deep respect for the roots of rock music. While Zeppelin is often associated with the creation of heavy metal and hard rock, their sound was heavily influenced by the blues, early R&B, and rock ‘n’ roll. By covering a song like “Long Tall Sally,” they were paying tribute to the genre’s pioneers, acknowledging that their own music was part of a larger tradition.
Second, Zeppelin’s live interpretation of the song showcases their incredible ability to reimagine and reinterpret familiar material. Rather than simply playing a note-for-note cover of Little Richard’s original, they took the song and made it their own. This speaks to their confidence as musicians and their desire to push boundaries, even when performing someone else’s music.
Finally, the performance of “Long Tall Sally” illustrates one of the key aspects of Led Zeppelin’s legacy—their live shows were legendary not just because of the energy they brought, but because of the spontaneity and unpredictability. Fans never knew what they were going to hear when they attended a Zeppelin concert, and the band’s willingness to throw in a rock ‘n’ roll classic like “Long Tall Sally” only added to the sense of excitement.
Conclusion
Led Zeppelin’s version of “Long Tall Sally” may not be one of their most famous recordings, but it remains an important piece of their live repertoire. The song connects them to the roots of rock and roll while highlighting their unique ability to reinterpret classic material. In many ways, their performance of “Long Tall Sally” encapsulates what made Led Zeppelin such a groundbreaking band—they were steeped in tradition, yet always eager to push the boundaries of what rock music could be.
In an era when live performances were often just as important as studio recordings, Zeppelin’s electrifying take on a Little Richard classic reminds us that some of the best moments in rock history happen on stage, in the heat of the moment, when musicians are free to let loose and explore the music they love. For Zeppelin fans, those live recordings of “Long Tall Sally” offer a glimpse into the band’s deep connection to the rock ‘n’ roll roots that shaped their sound.