How this LEGENDARY Band Created The Most CARNAL Rock Classic Of The 70s | Professor of Rock

The incredulous story of Led Zeppelin’s 1970s masterpiece Black Dog from their classic album IV. Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bohnam created a track that was extremely difficult to play and was named after a stray animal. Along with story behind the symbols on the iconic album cover.
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​#70s #Rock #Story
Hey music junkies and vinyl junkies Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest 80s songs of all time for the music community and vinyl community with music history video essay's. If you’ve ever owned records, cassettes and CD’s at different times in you life or still do this is your place Subscribe below right now to be a part of our daily celebration of the rock era with exclusive stories from straight from the artists and click on our patreon link in the description to see our brand new show there.
We’re gonna get this feature started- by “waking up the army of guitars.”That’s the way the great Jimmy Page described the way he warmed up his guitar to open one of the greatest tracks of the Rock Era…. “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin. The intro is a crosscutting, electronic tonal- that Zeppelin engineer Andy Johns thought would sound REALLY cool…. if they could pull it off.
As stated in the 2018 book Led Zeppelin All the Songs- the experimental lead-in for “Black Dog,” and the down & dirty guitar grind that embodies the track, was a salute to Neil Young and Crazy Horse’s "Cinnamon Girl.” The guitar work on “Black Dog” is raw and messy- more indicative of early Zeppelin songs, that transported you to a dark, smokey, bar-room, where an unknown band played the BEST blues rock you had ever heard.
Page always prioritized feel and emotion over pitch perfection.
Jimmy's bends on the solo in “Black Dog” are noticeably sharp, and he is ahead of the beat of the song several times during the main riff, which gives that section an aura of danger:
Jimmy found achieved that strange flavor by running his guitar through a Leslie speaker- producing a jolting effect, like the sudden arrival of an Unidentified Flying Object into a clear blue sky.
“Black Dog”…4 minutes and 57 seconds of untamed rock n’ roll libido, was positioned as the first cut on the revered Led Zeppelin IV LP- released in 1971. The inception of “Black Dog” was birthed by bassist John Paul Jones, who should get A TON of credit for how this classic song came to life.
Jones created the main score, with spinning riffs, and tricky rhythm patterns. It wasn’t John Paul’s practice to write a complete musical arrangement for Zeppelin track, but he did for “Black Dog.”Jones composed the music after a band rehearsal at Jimmy’s house, while riding on a train. His father, who was a pianist & arranger during the Big Band Era, showed John a notation technique, so his son could learn how to write 'on the fly.'

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: With Zeppelin in mind, if you could see any band from the 60s, 70s or 80s in concert at their peak living or dead, who would it be?

[@Jezballz]

The Shaggs:-)

[@lucmcdowell1167]

AC/DC in the 70s Bon Scott era

[@misterwombat]

Rush: "Exit Stage Left" and "R40"

[@augustosolari7721]

Queen

[@SmudgerUK69]

The Jimi Hendrix Experience. I was lucky enough to see Zeppelin 3 times, but never got the chance to catch Jimi.

[@DJAvalonArizona]

My son was 3. We were at a gas station inside getting a drink & snack. This songs opening riff started playing. He tugged on this lady’s clothes next to him, before I could tell him to stop, he said, “this song is called BLACK DOG by Led Zeppelin”. She cracked up 😆 and was amazed. I was too, actually. Proud papa moment. 😄

[@ProfessorofRock]

I love that. You're raising him right. Thanks for sharing Steve!

[@vaskylark]

That's so cute! I am a mom of six and on Halloween I was sitting outside with candy bucket and blasting tunes. This two or maybe three year old came up to me and said, "Why you play Iron Man (Black Sabbath). Why you play Iron Man!" he was all excited and it was so cute! Then I realized why when his father passed by me and commented on the good music haha

[@andypammenter8528]

Yep, times like that make you proud, when my now grown up son was about 3years old, I had gone into the kitchen while the quiz "university challenge" was on TV. The question, "who played guitar for the rock band Led Zeppelin?" was asked. I heard my little boy shouting out, "he said jimmi Hendrix dad, he should have said Jimmy Page!" I brought my boy up well too :-)

[@rgkavendek]

A lot of COOL parents here!!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻Keep on doing what you’re doing because you’re doing it RIGHT!!!

[@OldManRoo]

What an awesome memory! Thanks for sharing:)

[@missesmew]

My daughter just passed away a month ago. I turned her on to the greatest band of all time and she had this tattooed on her sleeve. RIP Hannah

[@elib7311]

I know your pain. I am sorry for what you are enduring. ❤

[@missesmew]

@@elib7311 thank you, it gets easier over time but it’s one of those things in life that most people will eventually come across. Appreciate every boring moment in this world. We only get one.

[@mojojeinxs9960]

Awe so sorry losing a child is the worst pain. Played Led Zeppelin at my sister's death bed. Fond memories of us driving in her big caddy listening to Zeppelin. I remember her saying turn that music down they're going to kick out of here. Last thing she said to me.

[@socorrocarrasco5883]

Here's to Hannah, friend.

[@Guitarplayer724]

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family. ❤

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

I was introduced to Zeppelin IV by my father. It was one of the few albums outside of the 50’s and 60’s or country music that he would listen to. When I asked him why that was he said you can’t deny perfection son, its just there. I’ve often thought of that over the years since. I miss my dad very much and its sometimes difficult to listen to the music that reminds of him so much. Cheers

[@wendyladybug355laurie4]

Please Take Comfort In The Knowledge That You Will Be REUNITED WITH YOUR DAD IN OUR HEAVENLY FATHER'S GLORIOUS KINGDOM!!!! MANY PRAYER'SNLUV 👼👼✝️✝️🙏🙏🕊️🕊️💝💝🌠🌠

[@trimetrodon]

@@wendyladybug355laurie4 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGjTnGafntODeKc

[@lawsoncoates8334]

In my personal opinion this album, from beginning to end, is the greatest pure rock and roll album of all time. An album that starts off with Black Dog, finishes with When the Levee Breaks, and has Stairway to Heaven sandwiched right in the middle. OMG it’s rock and roll Ecstasy. The album is mysterious and haunting yet beautiful. It’s musical perfection.

[@anthonyiannozzi6777]

I have trouble deciding between the 4th album and Physical Grafitti as the best. Gotta have both as the best. Zeppelin 1 is pretty damn good too.

[@bishlap]

I still have the greatest memories of my 1st Zep experience and that was LED ZEPPELIN 1... I know (discovered later) that most of the songs were based on other performers tunes, although Zeppelin's twist on those songs put them into outer space. There's still nothing that compares w/ the variety of music on that Album.

[@colincampbell4261]

Stairway to heaven is over indullgent crap!

[@paulmouriski3773]

physical graffiti is the best side 1 or 2 either one could be the best but definetly the best double album

[@rileyvonbevern4652]

@@colincampbell4261 that is definitely part of the fun n flair. The albumn is so ocer indulgement yet once i start i cant stop. Hedonism in an album

[@DukesMusic84]

Led Zeppelin at their peak was a force of nature unlike anything we've seen since. They were just fantastic

[@DR-qf9th]

They "are" fantastic 🎸🎶👍💫🤸

[@LydiaStarz]

Imagine my luck when at 18 in '78 when Zeppelin played the Silverdome, 1/4 mile from my house!! It was as if all the planets had alligned for this to happen where and when it did. I was on the concourse in a mix of 80,000 other enthralled fans! Fantastic show!!! And my childhood best friend and pyschic twin got us the tickets, no easy task.

[@joeyank2451]

Yes they were

[@mattress6898]

To me they peaked and stayed there. I live ITTOD. The next album was supposed to go back to heavy rock.....what could've been.

[@Neonmirrorblack]

Like Sabbath, they were huge influences for most hard rock and metal bands that came after. Both Big Wreck and especially Soundgarden took heavy inspiration from both.

[@lucmcdowell1167]

My dad used to live in Nashville, his first ever dog was a Black Dog he found homeless on the streets, he named him Zeppelin because of this song. He was the first ever dog I knew growing up and I’m a proud Led Zeppelin fan

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you so much for sharing that story. Amen.

[@Noel_13]

Awesome name for a dog. As the Professor said, thank you for sharing your story. Have a fantastic day.

[@stanphillips7277]

I love it! You're Dad sounds cool , loves Zeppelin and takes in a homeless dog. Too cool! I'm with the Professor and N.D. in saying thanks for sharing that story!✌️🐕‍🦺🎸

[@kombotmarine1304]

I'm in Nashville tons of music people here

[@marciashiraishi5891]

My dad lived in London for a few years and knew Zep early on. When Led Zeppelin IV was released he was living in Tokyo and was 15 years old, when they performed in Japan my dad and his older brother followed them in all cities, including the concert in honor of the victims of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima (city of our ancestors). Many years later, when I was born, he still listened to his songs every day. I was born and raised listening to and loving Led Zeppelin, it's impossible to dissociate them from my life. My dad adopted a black dog because of this song. I have four British short hair kittens named Jimmy, Jonesy, Bonzo and Rob in their honor ❤️❤️❤️

[@ronbo11]

This is s very cool story - love that you named your quartet of cats after the members of Led Zeppelin. Your father is a true fan and taught you very well! I have an internet friend named Tomoko who is friends with Jimmy, Robert and especially Jeff Beck (she is a member of the Jeff Beck Facebook group and was in my, now defunct, Jeff Beck Appreciation Society on Yahoo Groups). She's met them all and has so many pictures and stories about them.

[@robertacolarette1594]

I love your story.

[@bratwurst19]

LOL!

[@missing1102]

I understand the idea of it being impossible to separate one's life. It's just part of me ans my kids. I cannot imagine seeing those shows on Japan. I love the acoustic sets. These are the best musicians of the 20th century. Oh my bird is named Percy .

[@marciashiraishi5891]

@@missing1102 Nice! My cat Rob is very chatty!

[@christysbutterfly1612]

When my oldest son was around 10, he decided he wanted to play the bass. I introduced him to Led Zeppelin, Black Dog and told him playing the bass needs to sound like it.. luckily he worked hard practicing and can play any Led Zeppelin song with ease. Music is life in our family and I'm so proud my children and grandchildren embrace it.

[@AFloodofSolaceJohnWhigham]

What a story!! Wow.

[@mattjones7226]

I play bass too. JPJ is one of my many influences. Zeppelin is a great band to learn bass to. So many styles on all those albums. Tell him to keep on keeping on.

[@AFloodofSolaceJohnWhigham]

@@mattjones7226 that’s right!!!

[@teresacandeloro5687]

One of the greatest gifts we can give our kids is music!!

[@christysbutterfly1612]

@@mattjones7226 He's big into PRIMUS, seen them play several times and he said he hopes to be as good as them one day. He started his music journey playing the upright bass in grade school, its his true passion. But the bass guitar has really opened his mind. Children need music programs in school badly. Especially music theory!

[@TitanicHorseRacingLover]

About what you said early on about John Paul Jones, I think he was a genius. I always thought he was underappreciated.

[@geraldfriend256]

John Paul Jones was their secret ingredient.Best multi-instrumentalist in the group, vangaurd of live and recorded bass tone, bad@$$ extraordinare.Two words; Ramble On.That bass part is an orchestra by itself a la James Jamerson.It's a yes.

[@theother1281]

Is a genius.

[@captainjefferies9047]

@@geraldfriend256 Bonham was much better than Jones.

[@geraldfriend256]

@@captainjefferies9047 Uh Ok?

[@theodoredavidmooney5703]

@@geraldfriend256 Caraselambra is a gem!

[@rekitnilc]

Say what you want about zep, their music becomes more spectacular with each passing year.

[@georgemathie8123]

Hard to believe that led Zeppelin 4 is now 50 years old and to me it's still a timeless fusion of hard rock, blues, folk and the powerful combination of all the members together to create an album that sounds like it came out yesterday

[@ProfessorofRock]

50 years!

[@katieedsallreamy4756]

Battle of Evermore is my favorite off that album

[@georgemathie8123]

@@katieedsallreamy4756 that's a good one and a very good album track to

[@ThePaulv12]

My favorite song on the album is Rock and Roll. If only the album didn't have Stairway on it though. God how I loathe that song not because its a bad song - in fact it's a great song but I say after hearing it 50,0000x I'VE HAD ENOUGH!

[@georgemathie8123]

@@ThePaulv12 I totally agree with you I can think of many better epic songs that deserve much more airplay for example wishbone ash's 1972 masterpiece time was and sometime world Andy Powell is an awesome player

[@fivestring65ify]

Black Dog has one of the coolest riiffs ever created. Every guitar and bass player should learn this riff. As a fellow bass player, to find out that JPJ came up with this monster riff thrills me.

[@gardengatesopen]

Zeppelin never needed "The Charts" we all knew who the BEST was!! Still is! Their concerts always sold out in record time. We couldn't get enough of them. Every guy in a band wanted to BE them, every girl wanted them too. They just had "IT". In SPADES!! And they can still transport me to those young years. I saw them in concert. It was a dream come true. Zeppelin is a life changer.

[@WeaponsEducation]

Robert Plant purchased the album cover photo at a low cost flea market type store in England. He mentioned it in one of his interviews.

[@wildsmiley]

Thought it was an antique store in Bristol. But that is basically right. People think Zeppelin was being purposely mysterious with their album artwork. A lot of the time though, they just picked out or thought up something that looked cool.

[@raydelrosario2366]

that portrait should be auctioned....imagine that?

[@benjohnson1670]

if you rotate the picture you can see a face. It's not great, but it is there.

[@ColtraneTaylor]

The album cover was recreated by Duran Duran for their video Out of my Mind from 1998. Simon Le Bon is dressed as the old man.

[@michaelk5507]

It was an antique shop in Reading which isn't far from Page's home at the time in Goring, further up the River Thames.

[@floreszoe4577]

I remember how many times this band kept me and my Jr. Medics from going crazy in combat by both losing our selves and staying grounded over the screams of the wounded and the unnatural state of exhaustion mentally and physically and still saving lives. Thank you Led Zeppelin for helping us keep helping others…

[@kariannestudeman1909]

The mid 70's was a magical time for modern music, with Rock/Pop/Motown/Country all learning from one another and pushing the lines of music for that time, I lived it! it was wonderful.

[@92mrsrdb]

So did I!! It was a truly magical time to be alive 💫

[@geraldfriend256]

No lie.1967 til about 1980 or so was the golden age to me.

[@candicewitzkoske3155]

Epic time!

[@crnel]

I saw Heart in the late 2000s at Harvey’s in Lake Tahoe, and the group played an impeccable cover of Black Dog as an encore. Ann Wilson’s voice fit Robert Plant’s voice to perfection!

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

Ann is an amazing vocalist !

[@joenewman6494]

I saw Heart in 1976 in Mobile,Alabama they aways played one or two Zepplin songs in all their concerts.

[@crnel]

@@joenewman6494 That's awesome!

[@piscesman54]

One thing that always struck me about Zeppelin was their ability to always top your expectations. After ZepIII, I didn't know what to expect. A friend of mine gave me ZepIV for my birthday and the first time I put in on my turntable and heard Black Dog, I could only exclaim: "Damn, they did it again." When Stairway hit the speakers, I was blown away, transported into another world. I must've worn that album out in a matter of weeks.

[@markgeiger9404]

Led Zeppelin is the most complete band ever. Every member of the band is legendary.

[@theycallmethedude.]

This! 👆 🎤🎸🥁🎹🤘🤘

[@amotzbarakben-israel2691]

you never heard Black Sabbath, - Rush, - Cream, - Beck, Bogart and Appacie, - Mountain,....Zepp was a rip-off blues band

[@markgeiger9404]

@@amotzbarakben-israel2691 None of those were as complete as Zeppelin. You have your opinion and that’s cool, so now I’ll give you mine on the bands listed. Sabbath - Ozzy is nowhere near the vocalist of Plant. Their drummer is meh. Cream - perfect complete band, tiny lifespan and catalog. Rush - great band but I can only take so much of geddy and they aren’t the best song writers. The others you listed are lol The Beatles and VH are the only two comparably complete bands.

[@kakman1958]

Black Dog represents my youth. LZ4 arrived just as I was going into high school and my entire high school years were soundtracked by Led Zeppelin. I'm now mid 60s and hearing the intro to Black Dog still stops me dead. What great memories.

[@pauledwards3055]

I saw Led Zeppelin in 1979 at knebworth . Imagine my surprise after buying a double DVD of live performances I saw 5 secs of myself at 17 in the crowd. I’ll be 60 this year but still remember that performance with complete clarity. I’m glad I was just old enough to see them play. The best rock band ever!

[@miketan3398]

When it came out in 1971, it was mind blowing, it was epic, it was earth shattering....every musician I knew at the time was in awe....they sealed the deal as the greatest hard driving rock band of all time.

[@michaelszczys8316]

Actually, what I remember of 1971 it was just another hot album of tons of other hot albums of that time. There was just SO MUCH GOOD STUFF back in early 70s

[@miketan3398]

@@michaelszczys8316 The music releases at that time were groundbreaking....LZ 4 was a step above as album sales at the time suggest....the point you make, and I will agree, it was the best time to be alive from a musical perspective....the offerings were legendary and we were blessed to have lived through it all.

[@hangedman821]

@@miketan3398 Here's my wee story of discovering Led Zep. I was at the Glasgow Apollo about to see AC/DC perform for the first time with Brian Johnston. Just before the gig started "Black Dog" and "Rock and Roll" were played. I asked the guys next to me who was playing......I was only 15 at the time.....seeing AC/DC myself as none of my friends had heard of them. They were all bikers and told me it was Led Zep.......those songs blew my mind.......bought the album right after. Only other song that stopped me in my tracks on first hearing was "Song to the Siren" by "This Mortal Coil". My favourite group is still The Stranglers though..........their early stuff was immense. Peace to the world!

[@karentarr8930]

There has never been and never will be another band as great as Led Zeppelin, rock on forever

[@jameshumphrey2345]

Interesting way they pulled off the weird time signature shifts in between each verse and the “Oh, yeah” passages. Page and Jones, shifting to the dominant chord E, did three repetitions of a 9/8 figure full of rapid eighth notes, then used a 5/8 sequence to ramp back up to the main 4/4 riff in A, seamlessly rejoining Bonham. Here’s the trick: 9/8 + 9/8 + 9/8 + 5/8 = 32/8, and that sum also can be divided into four measures of straight 4/4. So while Jones and Page were janking off in a weird rhythm, Bonzo had to maintain concentration on a straight four-beat figure. This required tremendous trust to rejoin in the exact same place four measures later. Brilliant compositional trick. An echo of the same technique can be heard on “Kashmir.”

[@AFloodofSolaceJohnWhigham]

Interesting technical breakdown of the meter of this song. Very well done. Thanks for the information.

[@ALong-fo5so]

Yep I remember the first time I tried to play the riff and it threw me for a loop when the drums were going a straight 4/4 but the guitar was going elsewhere. I thought wow that was weird before I finally figured out the guitar part. But it’s fun to play. Thanks for the breakdown.

[@AFloodofSolaceJohnWhigham]

@@ALong-fo5so I bet!!!

[@andrewplumb6544]

Check out Yoyoka Soma doing a red hot KZbin drum cover of a live Led Zep version and having a ball, she's just rising 12 and a World top 500 drummer. You'll be impressed. Then check out her catalogue

[@992ras]

It’s just just Called counter measure at some point a 9/8 and 5/8 will match to a 4/4 but most of the time it’s counter measure where it’s sounds off. You don’t add measure to make up measure is what you did it’s not 32 over 8 because John is most likely playing more of blues time signature of 12/8 vs a 16/8 which will match a 9/8. Stuff like 7/8,5/8,6/8 played with more standard of 3/4 or 4/4 is still just counter measure and will match at points it’s very standard in avant grade Rock and Jazz.

[@margibres]

I really enjoyed this episode, thank you! When I was a little girl, 50 years ago, and first heard Black Dog I clung to my radio, mesmerized at what I was hearing. Every time since I remember that and feel the same way. No song, music or voice has ever stayed with me that way. I listen to Led Zeppelin every day, they are a part of me.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

Helene here, not hubby at left. I love Plants voice. Even his speaking voice. I could listen to him talk for hours….and have done so through interviews and his podcasts. Amazing and complex man. If you love his voice, check out his solo career and his collaborations with Allison Krauss.

[@margibres]

@@w.geoffreyspaulding6588 Hi Helene, oh yes, me too. Robert Plant is a treasure and I was so blessed to see him twice 3 years ago. What a dream come true that was. He is amazing in all he does.

[@teresaboone7298]

Songbird, They are a part of me as well! I listen to them daily just as you do. I love every member of the group and NOBODY could replace ANY of them. It's as if they were born to be together! With that being said, Jimmy will always be my favorite. He is so talented! Not just as a musician but as a producer, etc etc... I STILL love Robert, JPJ and of course Bonzo!

[@gismo55]

I was 16 years old when Led Zeppelin 4 came out. Total mind blower even for an already rabid Zep fan. The album cover, the 4 symbols were all so mysterious and intriguing! I wore out several lp's trying to learn all the guitar parts. The entire record is pure sonic heaven and BRILLIANT writing and performance!!! ♥♥♥♥

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing. I think we all have a Zep IV story. It's just on of those great albums we all experienced in a certain way and at a certain time.

[@lynnmcclure1103]

@@ProfessorofRock I've got one! About three years after LZ 4 was released, my brothers (identical twins, deceased) had found, from where I don't know, a small poster with the lyrics to "Stairway to Heaven" There I was, reading and singing along at 9 years old.. I turned around to see both brothers watching.. one of my favorite memories..

[@MrJpj2010]

Led Zeppelin IV was in my parents' awesome album collection. I remember listening to it for the first time around 10 years old and was hooked. My folks had to buy me head phones because they couldn't keep me from turning the stereo up to "11". ;) Since that introduction to Zep, they've been my favorite band.

[@jasonwhite7452]

Congrats on 400K Professor! Can’t wait to Celebrate that Million!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Jason. We are pretty excited about the journey to 1 million.

[@jimmagnus1200]

This channel should have many millions of subscribers. Someday it will.

[@eleniprovia7667]

It is a wonderful channel, it deserves more subscribers! Professor is amazing, always delivers top notch content.

[@jasonwhite7452]

I talk about the channel all the time and constantly get the same generic response. Oh that’s cool,that’s pretty cool ..I’ll check it yeah wow. Or my favorite That’s because you’re stuck in the 80s! Indeed I am! I think he should have business cards made up! We’ll spread the word like religious pamphlets!

[@Tomkrup97]

It's a Celebration Day ;)

[@seeingimages]

In 1971, I was 7 years old and the oldest child in my family. To learn what the "big kids" were up to, I had to consult the older brothers of my friends who had older brothers. I remember the day my friend's older brother put Led Zeppelin IV on the record player. My parents were visiting his parents and we were upstairs and we started manically jumping on his bed when the song came on. I remember the energy of the music and then replaying of the song. Very strange to think of now at age 57, but also amusing.

[@pewsterbaby]

I sold Zeppelin bootlegs in NYC for 15 years ('87-'02). I had 90 of 'em. I remember when all the soundboards and film footage leaked out bit-by-bit in the late 80's. We pounced on it. Best time of my life. I usually hesitate when coming across Zep history clips on You Tube (I'm a snob, I confess) but I saw your 20 minute time and knew you'd come through. You can turn a phrase. You carry the torch well, my friend.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you. Zeppelin is sacred music. That's for sure.

[@melanieday1362]

Who needs to build a time machine when we can listen to music like this that never gets old it has the power to fill you up with so many different feelings and it does make you sweat make you groove!!!!!!

[@michaelszczys8316]

After over 40 years listening to Achilles Last Stand still messes up my nervous system and makes me sweat.

[@FatherAndTeacherTV]

That band is amazing! That song is almost otherworldly. So talented, that group. Truly, one of the most legendary bands ever to do it. Very few rock singers could ever be on Plant's level.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving my friend.

[@FatherAndTeacherTV]

@@ProfessorofRock You too, brother!

[@kxrv6629]

Transcendent

[@ColtraneTaylor]

Jack Russell, a singer who beats Robert Plant at his own game and one of the very greatest hard rock singers. And within the entire rock genre there are numerous singers that rival Plant from Justin Hayward to Eric Burdon to Robin Gibb to Paul McCartney and so on.

[@samr.england613]

Give a good listen to "Four Sticks". Talk about magical! Plants screeching howling lyrics, and pages echoing acoustic change-up. The song evokes images of Misty ocean cliffs and dark forests.

[@chriso3780]

Black Dog changed my life. . I've been obsessed with Led Zeppelin since I heard this back in 1987. . The greatest band of all time:)

[@stephenhanft1226]

Led Zeppelin are classic rock royalty. To a generation of kids in the 1970s, they were considered the greatest rock band in the world. Led Zeppelin IV is the album that solidified that status. It is their masterpiece. On songs like Black Dog, they really show off their incredible musicianship talents.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

They are considered the greatest ever rock band even by many who were born much later.

[@barbaratatton3855]

BBE best band ever

[@samr.england613]

They are the greatest rock band in rock and roll history. The who, is it right up there with them

[@joeyank2451]

Yes They Are The Greatest

[@melvingardner5282]

Yes they are..they’re British after all!! 😀🇬🇧

[@AnthonyP73]

It's a life-changing album, for me the end of an era for Zep. Listening all the way through is an incredible journey.

[@padmakshkhandelwal1832]

That riff is so damn complex, it took me 3 years to wrap my head around it, yet so fricking cooool! Plant is absolutely epic on this track, JPJ is wonderful and Bonzo, he holds the grooves so tight on Black Dog unlike many others where it is tight(ofc it's LED ZEPPELIN and Bohnam) and then the monstrous or at times just brilliant drum fills. What a badass track, what a swagger, what a band! Love it to death.

[@victorancelmo2549]

hold up 3 years?!?! it took me an afternoon. and im 16 and self taught💀

[@padmakshkhandelwal1832]

@@victorancelmo2549 Yes, I am from India and rock is never played anywhere here, so the only way to listen was on my music apps and it took me time to get into Led Zeppelin and it took me over me more time to appreciate their musical prowess.

[@victorancelmo2549]

@@padmakshkhandelwal1832 ah thats a reasonable responce, too bad you guys dont get enough rock music, hope you can get more accessibility to it in the upcoming future 🤘🏼

[@padmakshkhandelwal1832]

@@victorancelmo2549 I hope so, but currently it seems very unlikely, unfortunately. The music here is downgraded to trash, hate to admit it but that's really what it seems.

[@cameranmanner4701]

The main guitar riff seemed cool when I was a kid. The only issue with me is how it repeats back to the beginning. Ending of riff sounded sloppy as it transitioned back to the beginning. It was probably due to the shifting time signatures.

[@juliemanarin4127]

Zeppelin...simply the greatest band in history!

[@gilbertvaldez5585]

You're beautiful too.

[@douglasbuck2359]

Agreed!

[@johnpearson4899]

Let's not get too excited. They were pretty darn good but.....

[@coolstyling]

Not even close.

[@donreinke5863]

NOT....EVEN.....CLOSE. They had ONE song that was groundbreaking in the late 1960s--PERIOD.

[@tomcusack884]

The sustain as Jimmy and John quit playing with the amplifiers pumping out the declining sound of the still vibrating strings as Robert is singing is brilliant. Then Bonzo would pound the skins and away we go again. Wow--just wow. Thanks Professor. Keep up the good work. I didn't know JPJ was the creator of the classic. Or the title coming from a stray dog.

[@fivestring65ify]

Yes, that's one of the best parts of the song.

[@michaelszczys8316]

I call ' Whole Lotta Love ' the ' start - up ' tune because it sounds like something starting up, over and over again.

[@islebob5417]

Still gives me chills listening to the opening vocals. Hands down the most artful Rock song ever recorded. Even the crude sounding electronics played into this masterpiece. Thanks for this video PoR.

[@rongreen4231]

Led Zeppelin's music is from a higher plane of existence. They unlocked a door and magic poured through it. Bands I wish I'd seen? Too many, Black Sabbath, Yes, The Guess Who, Bob Seger, Skynrd, Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, Def Leppard, Ratt, Cinderella, Whitesnake, Warrant, Motley Crue, and more

[@ReligionOfSacrifice]

RUSH is my favorite, but Led Zeppelin is my second and so I feel ya buddy in that they were like magic more than music.

[@RFXLR]

Not only is this song a testament to songwriting it’s also a testament to the way it’s performed. If there’s no feel, there’s no song!

[@fivestring65ify]

You perfectly explained the magic of classic rock. That feel is what makes it so great.

[@markmiwurdz202]

Thank you for this Professor. Some years ago after a live gig in a pub, I had a conversation with the band's drummer and I asked him about this song. He said (and by this time I'd had maybe a bit too much to drink) something like "There's 3/4 and 4/4 rhythm patterns running along side each other in "Black Dog", and they only meet at every 12 bars". OK, so I'm not a musician but maybe that's why it sounds so good, all driven along by the unsurpassed drumming of the late great John Bonham RIP. Keep up your good work Prof. You and yours stay safe and well.

[@thetruthhurts6652]

For me Black Dog and Highway Star are the best hard rock album openers of all time. LZ4 was the peak of their career. Just can’t top an album like that.

[@LQOTW]

I love them both, too!

[@bumzigan]

For me LZ and Deep Purple were two of the most important bands in the history of rock. They both came at their music from different directions and yet they were similar in genre. LZ4 and Machine Head were also very important albums that could be played front to back and every track a winner. Both albums very different in song writing, production, and musical approach yet equal in their greatness. This is what made music so great during the 70s.

[@paulb4604]

Great feature. Black Dog is one of my favorite Zep songs. I knew the story of the black lab but I didn't know some of the inspirations for the song, such as Cinamon Girl. Zep never needed to hit #1 on the billboard charts because their music is so iconic that everyone knows a Zep song when they hear it. I don't remember who it was that said it, but I once heard a musician say that for the 30 or so years after Zep, every rock band ever was directly influenced by them. I think it's impossible to overstate Zep's influence on rock music still to this day.

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

Besides The ZEP, Pink Floyd. Two of the greatest bands of the rock era. In my opinion. Great review!!

[@omapam7956]

This album is probably why I have tinnitus now. Love when it is played on the radio. My truck has great Bose speakers...I haven't blown them yet but it's not from lack of trying, lol.

[@boogama1]

That outro guitar solo and backing rhythm part is just one of the best things I've ever heard. Every note so tasty and perfect. Untouchable.

[@JoseSalazar-pl7mn]

When I talk to younger people about Led Zeppelin who are not familiar with their music, I always start with this song because I talk about how Bohnam and how as a drummer he’s part of the band as an additional musician and not just their to keep a simple beat like in other rock bands.

[@stephencunningham6557]

Very few bands have that chemistry. Led Zep one of them, pure primal power and creativity. Unbeatable in a rock band.

[@johnworrall9286]

For me, it must have been about 1996 when I was searching for some good rock and roll music to listen to. Never really took to Oasis who were massive at the time so I put on my brother's LZ IV vinyl to finally find out what all the fuss is about. Of course, it opens with Black Dog and strike one I was sold, never been so convinced of any other music before. Absolutely blown away. I knew that this was the kind of stuff I was after from that first listen.

[@scottburton9701]

Even though Led Zeppelin wasn't a singles oriented group,"Black Dog" did fairly well on the Billboard "Hot 100" peaking at # 15 in early 1972-Great song!

[@OldManRoo]

Oh, boy! Thanks for bringing back the memories. This song, and the rest of Led Zeppelin IV, just lit my world as a young teenager. I've never grown out of it.

[@McRick2000]

The first time I heard Blackdog I was 14, in the back seat of a car speeding through the night. Buddy passed me a joint, turned the volume up all the way and hit play. It was like seeing a new colour, experiencing the fourth dimension in sound.

[@jamesflom6249]

The MIGHTY ZEPPELIN still sells over 1 Million albums a year. Theyve sold OVER 300 Million albums worldwide. They had 8 number one albums in the UK, 6 in the US. Physical Graffiti is still the BEST

[@tsfurlan]

Well, that's just like, your opinion man...

[@LB-br8hn]

@@tsfurlanThe Big Lebowski!🤣

[@anthonyiannozzi6777]

I agree Physical Graffiti is my all time favorite album of any band, not just my favorite Zep album. I would say that Zep 4 was the best on a song for song basis. Not one wasted note, pure gold.

[@erichyde2581]

Professor, this was the best commentary on any band or song I've ever heard. Thanks for the research and personal investment you shared.

[@LTPXQ]

The saddest thing about Zeppelin IV is that I can never hear it again for the first time. I think that's true about the first five albums. Each so different. Each marking out new territory. I remember hearing each for the first time. I had never heard anything like that before. I had the same experience for anything from Hendrix - and Sgt. Peppers and Abbey Rd. The first time - when nothing like that had ever been done. But I want you to know, as I get to explore more of the music - just like you did now - I get to touch that experience again.

[@anabidingdude8079]

I was in a short-lived project playing bass where we learned a set of Zep to perform and "Black Dog" was one of them. We quickly realized we needed a short count (two taps on the high hat) in order for us to all come in at the same time after the a capella vocal, otherwise it was train wreck city every other time. When you play that song right, you know you've accomplished something. It's not Mahavishnu Orchestra or Dream Theater or the like, but it is tricky to pull off right because so much of it is feel, a push-pull of playing both in front and behind the beat at different times. So cool.

[@fivestring65ify]

For this to work, the drummer and bass player have to be locked in. If they can't play off of each other, forget it. You also need what one of the other commenters called an internal clock.

[@davidcarter4247]

To put the three greats, Clapton, Hendrix and Page in terms of ice skating Clapton was perfect precision, Hendrix was dazzling athleticism and Page was like Torvill and Dean at Sarajevo in 1984. It was all about the exquisite brilliance of the whole and not the point scoring moments within. Jimmy Page's leads are always about the whole. In that context feeling is way more important than anything else

[@tenlittleindians]

The first album I ever bought. All these decades later I am realizing I really know how to pick the winners consistently. Sometimes it's taken awhile for the rest of the world catches up with my tastes but they always have.

[@IronSikh44]

Around 1990 I acquired a Rolling Stone magazine “best 100 albums” edition. Zoso was listed as No 1 so I went out and picked up the CD. My buddy and I went straight back to my place and listened to it. I’ll be honest, I couldn’t get into it. I was 16 at the time and listening to a lot of Nirvana and Soundgarden. Fast forward to present day when I’ve listened to Zeppelin a thousand times. They are the best ever, no question in my mind. This album is phenomenal. I don’t always agree with Rolling Stone’s takes but back in ‘90, they nailed it.

[@Krullmatic]

This is one of my favorite songs to play on the guitar. They achieved that offbeat, by Bonham playing in 4 time, and Page playing in 8 time.

[@misterwombat]

Epic t-shirt, Professor! 🤘🏻 Bonzo's drumming truly drives this track. "Thunderous" doesn't really do justice to his work.

[@ProfessorofRock]

No word does.

[@karenvega7089]

Black Dog has always been my favorite LZ song.

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@karenvega7089 In top 5 for sure. Such a gREAT song.

[@davecole2561]

I love that that t-shirt, too!

[@fivestring65ify]

What made Zeppelin so great was the rhythm section. No one played like JPJ and Bonzo.

[@billywilson4908]

Ever had a song where 1 riff or vocal or drum pattern grabs you for no reason but every time you hear it you just love it? With Black Dog for me, strangely it’s the ride cymbal that Bonzo uses in the chorus. I tickles the s*** out of me every time I hear it and I don’t know why. So few bands produce such moments.

[@fivestring65ify]

Yes. I notice that too. When I listen to a song, there's always something that catches my attention. Great comment.

[@cvisenti]

Professor you have the same reverence for this era as I do, amazement at the way all the cosmic tumblers clicked together to give these tracks for all posterity. Endless times I’ve shut off all but minimal lamp light & blasted LZ deep into the night. Getting the backgrounds on legendary tracks was always a top pastime of mine, & your work is tops brother, so thank you & keep rocking

[@terrygoyan3022]

Great timing! I'm just starting Bob Spitz's new book on Led Zeppelin. I only caught them live once but it was a standout concert for me. Something I will never forget, even after all the pot smoked and tequila drank. Thanks Professor, for time traveling us to the best music era ever!

[@Arafingol]

Love your vids. Thank you for all your hard work bringing in a beauty of modern music into a clear perspective. This is by far my favorite. (Although, I would dearly love to see one about their last studio song, “Fool In The Rain”.)

[@joestevens3348]

LZ 4 was my introduction to heavy rock in 1973 and since then I have never stopped loving it. I had all os LZ albulms and many many more when growing up. This was the time ehwn music was created by masters and played by geniuses. Thank you for your contribution to the remembrance and preserbvation of great music.

[@chrisbarnette7137]

I just got to say I love this channel and am glad i came across it. Love the story's and tales from all these legendary bands. Thank you for the content and helping to keep cool tales alive for future fans. Zeppelin is my favorite rock band of all time.

[@CUtigerz97]

Arguments can be made over who is the greatest this that or the other; but when its boiled down down to the money...as he said this album is one of the top ten grossing albums. (If i heard him correctly) still played/loved by every new generation. My 15yo loves them and old Van Halen. Great rock crosses over time. It is iconic!

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great episode Professor! Hard to believe how some of the greatest bands ever didn't have a number one hit! But I guess that's how it goes, alot of my favorite songs of all time didn't make the top 100!

[@nigeh5326]

Zeppelin’s manager Peter Grant didn’t want the band to be a singles band he saw them as something more that a band aiming for number ones. Although they did release a few singles it’s the albums that we know them for.

[@justinthyme5382]

I'm 81 years young, and still rocking mainly in my rocking chair, saw them play Perth early 70s. About the time Deep Purple (mark 2) were touring, DP played the Perth Aquatic centre, and when they did Smoke on the water hundred's of kids were jumping in the water, such marvellous memories 😎🦘🎶🎵🎵🎶PS, RIP Neill Pert. Love the T shirt.

[@Slim-]

Salute

[@rudymarin1901]

I was a 13 year old in 1975, a friend of mine had the 45, that was the first time I heard Led Zeppelin, I didn’t speak English at that time, I didn’t understand the lyrics but it hit me like lightning and I’ve loved Led Zeppelin ever since.

[@Raittway]

Love Led Zeppelin!! One band I wish I could have seen live. I had a boom box in my first car and blasted Zep on it...frequently!! The McCartney album behind you is great! Thanks for this one Adam! 💜

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on!

[@christiandriscoll]

This song was my introduction to led Zeppelin. I'll never forget the night I heard black dog I was on a sleepover at a friend's house that was a year or two older than me and well led Zeppelin was a staple in this household and he played Black dog for me and I made him play it what must have been six times and I bought the cassette shortly thereafter. Love the song great memory

[@PiersLawsonBrown1972]

Black Dog always has a special place in my heart, I vividly remember as a child, the opening of it belting out of a portable stereo as my mum was decorating the house, listening to Led Zep over and over again, magical times. Even though I was only 7 years old, she took me to see them at Knebworth House in 1979 where there headlined a whole weekend of music.

[@johnwhauserman]

That song blow me away, the first time I heard it in 71 and every time since.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

I read/heard in interviews that in Robert Plant’s symbol, the feather represented a writing quill, because he was the lyricist of the band. That’s enough for me…

[@gus4u2c]

Makes sense 👍

[@MyName-pl7zn]

I love it when a band as great as Zep really hits their stride and at the top of their game like this whole album.If you love music you need to subscribe to this channel, no matter your musical taste the professor does all the rock of the 60 through today with a depth and interviews with many of the artists to the soundtrack of your life!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks! We're provably the only channel in existence that goes from Iron Maiden to Neil Sedaka overnight. Ha ha.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@ProfessorofRock absolutely, that's one of the reasons I love it!!

[@Stivi43]

Wow!!! Remembering the mystery of Zep when I was a teenager. Just amazing! Thanks for the perfect description of what I felt listening in amazement 40 years ago 🙏🙏😇😇

[@jamessharier7529]

As a young man in high school I too was mesmerized by this bands proclivity to mesh their sound together like a mosaic, so fluid yet individual in its presentation. That’s what got me hooked

[@gregmize01]

Page is the Riff Master!

[@ProfessorofRock]

He's magical. NO doubt about it.

[@richardpowell3259]

@@ProfessorofRock Its Majick with a K.

[@williambenner5550]

Great job on this classic song and album. I wasn't aware that the mansion/recording studio were this album was mastered was considered haunted.

[@skye7690]

I’m just enthralled with your videos and stories esp about Led Zeppelin. Such important and interesting information, it just transports me. Thank you.

[@projectw.a.a.p.f.t.a.d7762]

Never realized how important a great drummer was as a younger person. What i expected from plant and page never happened and it was a total let down. They're all great but really needed them all for the masterpiece that is Zeppelin. One of my all time fav bands.

[@Skabanis]

These Led Zeppelin chaps have a bright future hope they can continue being amazing!

[@MrSteel7]

Sarcasm or humor ?

[@KattMurr]

I saw both Plant in concert in '88 and The "No Quarter" tour in '96 (?) (I forgot which year)....The Plant concert I saw with my boyfriend and the No Quarter concert I saw with my older sister. Both concerts were amazing! The Plant concert had Page show up unannounced for the last couple songs!! Blew my mind!!!

[@mra2424]

I saw page and plant too. Also page with the black crows.

[@richardpowell3259]

I saw Plant Now and Zen Tour and P & P No Quarter. I had tickets for In Through the Out Door Tour and John passed. When I went to a party growing up in the 70's. I always wore my Zeppelin shirt. That was proof you rocked.

[@Ingens_Scherz]

Congrats on 400k subs Prof. Totally deserved for a channel that brings so much pleasure.

[@jasnonya3005]

Played this album during lunch break at my high school as an elective sorta volunteer class for some of us who were learning about being a dj, sadly I've never followed that passion, but love the classics of rock! I'm 65 so heard much of the music you talk about when it was first released and still crank up those classic tunes and sing along!

[@stevenorcott354]

Zep 4 was great, no doubt, and still processes the single best song ever "Stairway To Heaven"!! Zep 3 is still my favorite album from Led Zepplin!! Sorry, I even have arguments with myself between 3, 4 and Physical Grafitti, but I always come home 🏡!!

[@wildsmiley]

Led Zeppelin III is definitely my favorite. It was when the band first branched out away from just being a loud blues rock band and ultimately, that's one of Zeppelin's biggest strengths that made them special: their eclecticism.

[@bcpme8637]

Home to me has always been Physical Graffiti

[@brentacusmaximus6677]

Thats the way is my favorite of zepp 3 ! And four stixs on zepp 4.

[@tomkruze2749]

I was born in 1970. My father also had all the good Rock on 8track. Use to listen in his old(new at the time) pick up truck. Black Dog well all of LZ4 are my favorite music. Miss those days so bad.

[@music4hire779]

This song really brings back memories because in the early days my band had a hell of a time trying to learn it it has a very smooth groove to it but difficult to put all the different patterns together in perfect timing. We listened to the song repeatedly and read tablets while pulling out hair out trying to get it as a solid performance. We came close to it but still managed to pull it off and the audience loved it. At the time we were thinking of how frustrating it was to Zep composing this work of art. This was a very cool video. Thanks for the memories. Cheers!

[@DodgeDartSongs]

I don’t know if it was calculated on their part or if they were just goofing around, but the mysteries that Zep created-the symbols, the various album cover images, the odd song titles and mythical images in some songs-are, in my opinion, what won them mass attention. It invited the listener to be a participant and even an “insider” if they felt they understood the mystery. Greatest “underground” band of its time.

[@bfish89ryuhayabusa]

"He drew his inspiration for 'Black Dog' from Electric Mud" In fact, this was from John Paul Jones misremembering, as he restated it for years until someone asked him about This Is Howlin Wolf's New Album. The inspiration was the riff from the psychedelic version of "Smokestack Lightning", which Zeppelin used in live performances on occasion as the intro to "Killing Floor". He liked that it went around and around, and you weren't sure where it would end. The turnaround Bonzo was struggling with was the transition from the main riff in E back to A. He kept trying to play the turnaround, and Jones eventually suggested that he play as if there was no turnaround.

[@jasoncampbell3955]

Oddly enough... I think I was a teenager in the 90's when I first heard "Black Dog" (I thought I would have heard it on classic rock stations, which I listened to quite frequently) while on vacation... I heard it blasted from the juke box at Aladdin's Castle arcade in Bally's Hotel in Las Vegas and I thought... What the fuck is this? I was hooked!

[@MsTruthseeker999]

Firstly I love all the information you bring us on your channel so thanks! I was 9 when this album came out and my older sister was 17 and she played it loud every chance she had which I loved. When I was 15 I rediscovered Led Zeppelin which was trippy because not remembering the name of the band from my childhood, when I listened to them again for the 1st time I knew all the words then remembered my sis playing them. Funniest thing was going out dancing at music venues when they'd play this song and watching the people trying to dance to it that hadn't heard it before lol, one of the funniest things ever! :)

[@kellingtonlink956]

It has always been a favourite from the mighty band. Thanks for another brilliantly well thought out review. Cheers!

[@caramanico1]

Writing this and putting it together must have been a supreme challenge, even for such accomplished and creative musicians. It's not heinously difficult to play, but you do need a good internal clock and know a few tricks (for a right handed drummer, start the snare rolls with your left hand).

[@fivestring65ify]

Internal clock. Yep, every good musician has one. Great comment.

[@marciashiraishi5891]

There's a girl who's been playing drums since she was three or four yo. She covered many Zepp Songs and became famous with Good Times Bad Times (8yo) being praised by Robert Plant himself. She was also praised by Jimmy Page. She is now 12 years old and is among the top 500 drummers in the world. She recently played a live version of Black Dog and left people stunned . A lot of people say that “Bonham was reincarnated in a Japanese girl” and she really is amazing. Ian Paice (Deep Purple) said “I feel Bonham in her“. Her name is Yoyoka. I would say her internal clock is a Rolex...

[@scottbayliss3497]

@@marciashiraishi5891 You are spot on! Yoyoka is phenomenal! Her cover of Black dog was from a live version in 1972 which imo was far more difficult to replicate than the studio version.....she is pure class behind the kit!🤙🏼

[@marciashiraishi5891]

@@scottbayliss3497 Yoyoka + Led Zeppelin = a perfect match!

[@bruceclark6520]

Breathtaking track. Thank you for the exposition!

[@KRONIK3636]

My 1st Band back in the 90's was a Led Zepp cover Band, & we used to cover Black Dog. Was one of my favorite Zepp tracks to play & listen to. Have such fond memories of that song & hadn't thought about it for years until I watched this video. Cheers Great content Mate :)