Prepare for a rendition of “Stairway to Heaven” that might just be the most heart-stirring version you’ll ever encounter. However, it’s not performed by the legendary Led Zeppelin, but by Heart’s dynamic duo. Both Led Zeppelin and Heart carved their names into 1970s rock history with their monumental success.
In 2012, the legacy of Led Zeppelin was celebrated at the highest level when President Barack Obama presented them with the Kennedy Center Honors, a prestigious acknowledgment awarded to those who have significantly enriched American cultural life. This accolade places them among legends like Frank Sinatra, Joni Mitchell, or Ella Fitzgerald.
Led Zeppelin’s influence on rock cannot be overstated; they shaped the genre and inspired a wide array of artists across the musical spectrum, from Def Leppard and Metallica to Alice Cooper, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Madonna, and Lady Gaga,
Meanwhile, Heart broke barriers as the first rock band fronted entirely by women to achieve widespread success, leaving an indelible mark on the music world with hits like “These Dreams,” “Crazy On You,” and “All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You.”
At the Kennedy Center gala in 2012, a tribute to Led Zeppelin’s monumental influence on music was marked by a breathtaking performance. Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, alongside Jason Bonham, the son of Zeppelin’s late drummer John Bonham, delivered a rendition of “Stairway to Heaven” that was nothing short of mesmerizing. Performing such an iconic song in the presence of the original band members, not to mention a distinguished audience including the President, must have been a daunting task for the band.
The sheer pressure simply wasn’t a problem for Heart, as their performance was met with awe and admiration. Yet, it was the emotional response from Led Zeppelin themselves that nearly stole the show. Robert Plant was visibly moved, tears in his eyes, while the band shared looks of nostalgic appreciation.
Especially, a poignant tribute to John Bonham came when the gospel choir accompanying Heart donned black bowler hats, a nod to the drummer who passed away in 1980, leaving Jason Bonham to finish the song with a mix of tears and flawless rhythm.
The audience’s reaction was unanimous—a thunderous standing ovation, with many caught up in the moment, singing and swaying along. Led Zeppelin’s music had a way broader impact than they could have ever imagined. Plant later shared his disbelief and reflection on the song’s significance to him personally, marveling at the distance between the young man who wrote it and the person he had become.
“When I saw Heart perform Stairway To Heaven, I just couldn’t believe that song had anything to do with this 64-year-old man that was sitting next to John Paul Jones. I thought to myself, ‘This is me… How did this happen?’” The acclaimed performer expressed.
Ann and Nancy Wilson later confessed their apprehension about performing such a revered song. The feedback they received from Led Zeppelin themselves was overwhelmingly positive, providing a sense of relief and honor. Robert Plant’s acknowledgment of their rendition as a rare success among many attempts to cover the song, along with Jimmy Page’s praise for Nancy’s musicianship, was the highest praise they could have hoped for.