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Rock and Roll (Led Zeppelin)

Rock and Roll is a song by British rock band Led Zeppelin, which was released as the second off track of their untitled fourth album in 1971.

The song begins with a drum intro by Led Zeppelin percussionist John Bonham then joined by bandmates John Paul Jones on bass and Jimmy Page on guitar. Vocalist Robert Plant wails away, as the song harkens back to the early days of rock and roll and the influence of rock's godfathers - Little Richard, Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly - a change of pace from the band's symphonic and macabre style of heavy metal music. Piano virtuoso and Rolling Stones road manager Ian Stewart ("Stu") plays the piano parts.

The bridge of the song is highlighted by a blistering guitar solo by Page, and builds to a fever pitch culminating in a extended drum solo by Bonham at the song's apex. Of all the song's in the band's catalogue, it is probably of their best known songs, along with Stairway to Heaven.

The song has been covered by Heart and Van Halen, among others. In 2004, General Motors used "Rock and Roll" in commercials for their Cadillac line of automobiles.


Rock and Roll

Last updated: 05-23-2005 14:29:48