Rock and Roll (Led Zeppelin song)

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	To oppose or discuss a nomination, please go to CZ:Proposed for deletion and follow the instructions. For the monthly nomination lists, see Category:Articles for deletion. Rock and Roll Image:Rrsingle1972.jpg]] 1972 German single Appears on Led Zeppelin IV Published by Superhype Music Registration ASCAP 480093727 Release date 21 February 1972 Recorded January 1971 at Headley Grange, Hampshire with the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio. Mixed at Island Studios, London; Olympic Studios, London. Genre Hard rock, Rock music Language English Length 3 minutes 40 seconds Composer Jimmy Page]], Robert Plant]], John Paul Jones (musician) Label Atlantic Records]] Producer Jimmy Page Engineer Andy Johns 'Rock and Roll' is a song by England|English]] rock and roll|rock]] band Led Zeppelin]], which was first released as the second track from Led Zeppelin IV]] in 1971. Overview Befitting its title, the song is based on one of the most popular structures in rock and roll, the Twelve bar blues|12 bar blues]] progression (in A). 'Rock and Roll' stands as one of the best-known songs in the band's catalogue. Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page]] has said that this song came to be written as a spontaneous jam session, whilst the band were trying (and failing) to finish the track 'Four Sticks]]'. Drummer John Bonham]] was playing a medley of songs, which included a rendition of 'Keep a Knockin'' and Page then added a guitar riff. The tapes were rolling and fifteen minutes later the basis of the song was down. The song also included Ian Stewart (musician)|Ian Stewart]] on piano who dropped in for the jam. ‘ It actually ground to a halt after about 12 bars, but it was enough to know that there was enough of a number there to keep working on it. Robert Plant ’ —Robert [Plant]]] even came in singing on it straight away. 'Rock and Roll' is one of the few Led Zeppelin songs where all four members share the composer credit. Live performances 'Rock and Roll' was a key component of the band's set list at Led Zeppelin concerts]] from 1971 on. Initially, Plant referred it on stage as 'It's Been A Long Time', which is the first line of the song. In 1972 it was elevated to the opening number of all concert performances and it retained this status until 1975. For the band's Led Zeppelin North American Tour 1977|1977 concert tour of the United States]], it became part of a medley encore (concert)|encore]] with 'Whole Lotta Love]]', and during Knebworth 1979|1979]] and Tour Over Europe 1980|1980]] it became an encore in its own right. When performing the song live, singer Robert Plant usually switched the second verse with the third. A live performance of the song from Madison Square Garden]] in July 1973 was recorded for the band's concert film The Song Remains the Same]] and The Song Remains the Same (album)|accompanying soundtrack album]]. There is also a June 1972 live recording of 'Rock and Roll' which has been captured on the album How the West Was Won (album)|How the West Was Won]]. In 1985 Page, Plant and Jones reunited and performed the song at the Live Aid]] concert at JFK Stadium]], Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]], as part of the Led Zeppelin set. 'Rock and Roll' was also performed as the final encore at Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert|Led Zeppelin's reunion show]] at the The O2 arena (London)|O2 Arena]], London]] on 10 December 2007. On 7 June 2008, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones joined Foo Fighters]] front man Dave Grohl]] and drummer Taylor Hawkins]] on stage at Wembley stadium to perform 'Rock and Roll,' along with 'Ramble On]]'. Cultural influence In 2006, Bowl Games of America used 'Rock and Roll' as the finale for the Gator Bowl]] halftime show. (The song was performed by 28 high school marching bands]], with over 2,500 players.) The song is currently used by New York Mets first baseman Frank Corbisiere as a walk-up song, along with 'La La Land' by Demi Lovato. Accolades Publication Country Accolade Year Rank Dave Marsh]] United States 'The 1001 Greatest Singles Ever Made' 1989 424 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] United States 'The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll]]' 1994 * Radio Caroline]] United Kingdom 'Top 500 Tracks' 1999 21 VH1]] United States 'The 100 Greatest Rock Songs of All Time' 2000 66 Q]] United Kingdom 'The 50 Most Exciting Tunes Ever..' 2002 17 Q United Kingdom 'The 1001 Best Songs Ever' 2003 201 DigitalDreamDoor United States 'The 100 Greatest Recordings From 1971' 2007 17 (*) designates unordered lists. Chart positions Chart (1972) Peak position US Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart 47 US Cash Box Top 100 Singles Chart 42 US Record World 100 Top Pops 38 Canadian RPM Top 100 Chart 38 Japanese Singles Chart 34 German Singles Chart 13 Spanish Singles Chart 14 Australian Kent Music Report]] Singles Chart 51 Credits Personnel Musicians: Jimmy Page – electric guitar, producer, remastering, digital remastering Robert Plant – vocals John Paul Jones – bass guitar John Bonham - drums, percussion Additional musicians: Ian Stewart - piano Production: Peter Grant]] – executive producer Andy Johns - engineer, mixing Joe Sidore - original CD mastering engineer (mid-1980s) George Marino - remastered CD engineer (1990) References