| "Rock and Roll" | ||
|---|---|---|
| ||
| Song by Led Zeppelin | ||
From the album 
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| Album released | November 8 1971 | |
| Recorded | December 1970 | |
| Genre | Hard Rock | |
| Song Length | 3:40 | |
| Record label | Atlantic | |
| Producer | Jimmy Page | |
| Album Listing
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| Black Dog (Track 1) | Rock and Roll (Track 2) | The Battle of Evermore (Track 3) |
"Rock and Roll" is a song by English rock band Led Zeppelin, which was first released as the second track of their untitled fourth album in 1971. As the title suggests, the song is based on one of the most popular structures in rock and roll, the 12 bar blues progression (in A). "Rock and Roll" stands as one of the best-known songs in the band's catalogue.
The song begins with a drum powerful intro by Led Zeppelin percussionist John Bonham then joined by bandmates John Paul Jones on bass and Jimmy Page on guitar, playing a driving riff in 12 bar style. Vocalist Robert Plant comes in as the song switches to a similar, but more simplified version of the 12 bar melody. Guest musician and Rolling Stones road manager Ian Stewart ("Stu") comes in at the final and 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 final drum break by Bonham at the song's conclusion.
The song's simple lyrics express the singer's loneliness and wishes to dance and be back in the arms of his "baby". The blues-based lyrics stand in contrast to the energetic, celebratory delivery and fast tempo of the tune.
The song has been covered by Heart, Van Halen, and Jerry Lee Lewis (on his 2005 album Last Man Standing) among others. In 2005, AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson joined Velvet Revolver on stage during a concert and performed "Rock and Roll" with the band in an on-stage jam.
In 2004, General Motors used "Rock and Roll" in a series of television commercials for their Cadillac line of automobiles.
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 total.)
The beginning drum beat is inspired from "Keep A-Knockin'" by Little Richard, or perhaps by the identical drum line from "Something Else" by Eddie Cochran.
