6 Times Led Zeppelin “Ripped Off” Other Artists

Led Zeppelin is one of the most iconic rock bands, but they’ve faced many accusations over the years of copying other artists’ work. Some of these claims led to legal battles, while others remain more of a mystery. Here’s a look at five Led Zeppelin songs that were accused of ripping off other artists:

Stairway to Heaven
“Stairway to Heaven” is one of Led Zeppelin’s most famous songs, but it hasn’t been without controversy. Robert Plant and Jimmy Page were accused of lifting the opening riff from Spirit’s 1967 song “Taurus” by Randy Wolfe. The case went to court years later, with Wolfe’s estate claiming Zeppelin stole the iconic guitar riff. Though the band denied any wrongdoing, the accusation has stuck with them throughout their career.

Dazed and Confused
Led Zeppelin’s “Dazed and Confused” is another song that’s been at the center of controversy. Jake Holmes, who wrote a song called “Dazed and Confused” in 1967, claims Jimmy Page took the track after hearing Holmes perform it in Greenwich Village. Holmes never received credit, and Page denied even knowing Holmes in interviews. However, the similarities between the two songs are hard to ignore, raising questions about Zeppelin’s influences.

Black Mountain Side
“Black Mountain Side” was heavily inspired by the traditional Irish folk song “Down by Blackwaterside,” which was famously recorded by Scottish musician Bert Jansch. Jansch’s version appears on his album Jack Orion. The arrangement and guitar work in Led Zeppelin’s “Black Mountain Side” bears a striking resemblance to Jansch’s take, though Zeppelin did not initially give him credit. This is another example where the band was accused of borrowing heavily from folk traditions without proper acknowledgment.

Whole Lotta Love
“Whole Lotta Love” from Led Zeppelin II is one of the band’s biggest hits, but it was influenced by blues music, particularly Willie Dixon’s “You Need Love,” recorded by Muddy Waters in 1962. Dixon sued Led Zeppelin for using his lyrics without credit, and in 1985, he won the case. Zeppelin eventually had to include Dixon’s name in the songwriting credits. Robert Plant has admitted his admiration for blues music and acknowledged how deeply the genre influenced the band’s sound.

The Lemon Song
“The Lemon Song,” also from Led Zeppelin II, took heavy inspiration from Howlin’ Wolf’s “Killing Floor.” In early live performances, Zeppelin even played the song under its original name, crediting Howlin’ Wolf. However, when it appeared on the album, the title was changed to “The Lemon Song,” and Wolf was not credited. After legal pressure, the band finally acknowledged Howlin’ Wolf’s contribution to the track.

Babe I’m Gonna Leave You
Led Zeppelin’s version of “Baby I’m Gonna Leave You” was first featured on their debut album in 1969. The song was originally written by folk artist Anne Bredon in the 1950s and later covered by Joan Baez. Zeppelin’s version became much more popular with its mix of acoustic and electric elements. Bredon wasn’t initially credited, but thanks to her son’s intervention, she eventually received the recognition she deserved.