RaR26 – Stairway to Heaven
DIRECTIONS:
1. Listen to the recording of the tune by clicking the attached mp3 file. This will open the recording in a new window or tab.
2. Download the file “StairwaytoHeaven.pdf”. Read this and then listen and follow along with the listening guide.
3. Respond to the Rate-A-Record/Questions by clicking on the assignment link and then click on on the button “Write Submission” (to the right of Text Submission) to record your response. Do not use the comments field.
Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin was created from the ashes of the Yardbirds; when the band broke up in 1968 lead guitarist Jimmy Page was left with a handful of touring obligations. Page, one of the most active and successful studio musicians in England in the 1960s (he can be heard on a number of English singles of the era, including “I Can’t Explain” by the Who and Donovan’s “Sunshine Superman”), put together a new group consisting of fellow studio musician and bass player John Paul Jones, drummer John Bonham, and vocalist Robert Plant. Though nearly every popular singer in England was considered for the lead vocalist position (including Rod Stewart!), the relatively unknown Plant was chosen after Page found himself haunted by the singer’s “primeval wail.” The name Led Zeppelin was suggested by the Who’s drummer, Keith Moon, who thought the new group would go over like a lead balloon! Nonetheless, the band succeeded brilliantly, forging electric blues and acid rock into a brand-new rock sound that spawned both hard rock and heavy metal. However, Led Zeppelin was also greatly influenced by Celtic, Indian, and Arabic music; Jimmy Page described the Zeppelin sound as a combination of both light and shade. This sonic ideal is reflected in much hard rock of the 1970s.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:
Everything! haha
Amazing vocal delivery
Ultimate guitar playing
Phenomenal drumming
Celtic sounds (flute, acoustic guitar)
The roller coaster ride that this tune takes you on!
RATE-A-RECORD/QUESTIONS TO ANSWER:
1. Someone might say “This piece defined rock and roll as we know it today.” Do you agree or disagree? Defend your answer.
2. Give it a rating: 0 = Bad, 100 = Awesome. Defend your number.
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APA
300 words