Did you know Led Zeppelin’s sound has ties to an…..

Did you know Led Zeppelin’s sound has ties to an Arkansas blues legend?

The highly anticipated documentary Becoming Led Zeppelin, directed by Bernard MacMahon and Allison McGourty, takes fans on an immersive journey through the band’s formative years. Covering their careers before they met and culminating with the release of Led Zeppelin II, the film showcases how the group ascended to rock superstardom.

Audiences have embraced the documentary with overwhelming enthusiasm. On Rotten Tomatoes, Becoming Led Zeppelin holds a “Verified Hot” rating of 96%, a testament to its compelling storytelling and rare behind-the-scenes insights. Blending interviews with band members and archival live footage, the film also explores the influences that shaped Led Zeppelin’s signature sound—including legendary blues musicians with ties to Arkansas.

Sonny Boy Williamson II: A Blues Icon Who Inspired Zeppelin

One of the film’s standout moments comes when the band reflects on their early musical inspirations, particularly blues legend Sonny Boy Williamson II. The documentary features rare footage of Williamson performing “Keep It To Yourself”, highlighting his influence on the band’s sound.

Led Zeppelin paid tribute to Williamson on their 1969 album Led Zeppelin II with the song “Bring It On Home”, a nod to his version released in 1966 on Checker Records. Williamson’s impact on blues and rock is undeniable, and his Arkansas roots run deep.

According to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas, Williamson, alongside fellow Arkansas-born musician Robert Lockwood Jr., helped create the influential blues radio program King Biscuit Time on KFFA 1360 AM in Helena. Launched in 1941, the show became the longest-running daily radio broadcast in American history, shaping generations of musicians—including Led Zeppelin.

Howlin’ Wolf: Another Arkansas Blues Connection

Led Zeppelin’s ties to Arkansas blues don’t stop with Williamson. The documentary also highlights Howlin’ Wolf, a blues icon who learned to play harmonica from Sonny Boy Williamson while living in Arkansas.

Howlin’ Wolf’s influence is evident on Led Zeppelin II as well. The album’s track “The Lemon Song” borrows from Wolf’s “Killing Floor”, earning him a songwriting credit. His raw, powerful vocal delivery and deep blues roots were a major inspiration for Robert Plant’s singing style.

Tesla: Arkansas Rockers Honoring Led Zeppelin

Another connection between Led Zeppelin and Arkansas comes through Tesla, the hard rock band known for their blues-infused sound. Tesla’s lead vocalist Jeff Keith, born in Texarkana, Arkansas, has long been a Zeppelin fan, and his band paid tribute by covering “Thank You” on their 2007 album Real to Reel.

Led Zeppelin and Arkansas: A Live Music Connection

While Led Zeppelin never performed in Arkansas, frontman Robert Plant has graced the state with his presence multiple times. He played a solo show at Barton Coliseum in 1988, returned in 1995 with Jimmy Page, and in 2010, he performed at the Robinson Center with the Band of Joy.

Though Arkansas may not have hosted a full Led Zeppelin concert, the state’s deep blues history has left a lasting imprint on the band’s legacy. Becoming Led Zeppelin celebrates these roots, reminding fans that the spirit of blues lives on in the heart of rock ‘n’ roll.