"When the Levee Breaks" SWAMP BLUES GUITAR • Led Zeppelin Cover

🎸DOWNLOADABLE TABS FOR THIS SONG: www.musicnotes.com/l/vGlb8
I was waiting for the magic moment to arrange this song for solo guitar. That moment came when I plugged my Mavis resonator into my new Marshall 100 watt Jimi Hendrix Signature Stack. This is literally the loudest amp I’ve ever heard in my life, so I recorded using the UA OX Attenuator so I could get that pushed Marshall tone without blowing out the windows! 😂
TUNING: OPEN G D-G-D-G-B-D
GEAR:
• ‪@justinjohnsonlive‬ Signature Ceramic Guitar Slide
• ‪@marshallamps‬ Super 100JH Handwired Jimi Hendrix Stack
• ‪@UniversalAudio‬ OX Reactive Amp Attenuator with Speaker Modeling
• ‪@centrance‬ R4R Moble Recording Interface
• Transit Lab Guitar Cable
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🎸Guitar Tabs for all of my arrangements of cover songs are available at www.musicnotes.com/sheet-musi...
🎸Tabs for my originals are available at www.justinjohnsonstore.com
#LEDZEPPELIN #WHENTHELEVEEBREAKS #GUITAR #COVER

[@justinjohnsonlive]

🎸🎸DOWNLOADABLE TABS FOR THIS SONG: www.musicnotes.com/l/vGlb8

[@Trpmanne]

“The battle of evermore” could you do that track?

[@zatoichi9606]

So versatile, sir. Keep hittin those licks, brother!

[@jessekrivinko1801]

That’s A mighty fine picken em strings keep them coming

[@larryc3860]

somewhere in England Jimmy Page is smilin' !

[@nathanbaldwin1594]

I'm speechless.... My favorite band since I was 11. One of my favorite tracks and you created an amazing experience and kept it powerful. Thank you Justin.

[@dirkbag22]

If I could play like this I'd never leave the house.

[@chrismoose64]

If I could play like this I’d sell the house, buy a vintage camper and head off into the sunset...

[@InineV]

If I could play like this I'm not sure I'd notice a house

[@Scroticus_Maximus]

Except to pick up chicks

[@alex.ann_der]

You can bro. Just grab your guitar and practice. There's plenty of help here on KZbin

[@officiallysantos]

Never leaving the house is probably how you end up playing like that

[@thejoshbtv]

When the Levee Breaks has one of the best grooves ever laid down.

[@AaronSpielman]

Most especially *this* version. Dayum!

[@chrisnoah6186]

You got that right..my favorite quote of all time "cryin wont help you..prayin wont do you no good"

[@carlostuggle6515]

If you've never heard it check out ben Harper and charlie musselwhite's cover. Goosebumps.

[@awboat]

@@chrisnoah6186 I'm reading the book Rising Tide about the 1927 Mississippi floods. Praying didn't do anyone any good down there.

[@ericplaysbass]

The drum intro by Bonzo still sends shivers up my spine! Sounds best when the volume is at 11!

[@user-se7wf9dv6r]

The song is really the ultimate blues song. It uses the same chord progressions, the same slide tropes, but it defeats your expectations. It's so original and yet so rooted in the blues. And I think this brilliant musician plays on that. Thank you so much Justin Johnson!!!

[@larryc3860]

agreed......JJ is so versatile, but his roots are in traditional blues ans he's a true master

[@refpoc]

yes-it is because "Memphis Minnie" is the author of the song-NOT Zepplin.

[@charlesmichaelschmitt6412]

😒🤔 the 12 bar blues was not harmed in this performance! Results may vary ask your doctor if alternative blues is right for you .

[@mikebeaumont7558]

The same slide tropes? Ahh shuddup.

[@sidvyas8549]

@@refpocoooh we’re going there are we 👀👀😅

[@jeffwinger1057]

I saw Hendrix 4 times live, Led Zep 3 times live, Cream twice live, Johnny Winter 3 times live, Stevie Ray twice......but this guy is really really great, versatile and easy to listen to. Thank you for sharing your great talent. You're on my list of whom I've seen and cherished the experience.Thank you.

[@luluwinke6581]

excellent!

[@ppmppm7010]

You were blessed ❤

[@newhampshirelifestyle4233]

I had tickets in hand to see Led Zeppelin plan in the Boston Garden in December 1980. John Bonham passed away in September of that year and the tour was cancelled. I cried for a month.

[@iantacke5804]

YOU DID IT. YOU'VE CAPTURED THE SPIRIT OF THE ORIGINAL AND LED ZEPPELIN'S VERSION BOTH IN ONE RENDITION. YES.

[@wouldntyouliketoknow1894]

With his own flare and style toboot

[@luluwinke6581]

@@wouldntyouliketoknow1894 check CHECK awesome stuff mate

[@holliswilliams8426]

You can hear the Led Zeppelin in there as well, really cool.

[@UmVtCg]

You did it, you managed to write a sentence in all caps.

[@contrafax]

Yes!!!

[@brentverbois3131]

Hendricks once said that the Blues was easy to play but hard to feel. This man feel it every way possible. Pickin, slidin, thumpin' it out. It don't matter. The art of the feel.

[@deeplyscarredhippie]

Howlin' Wolf said the Blues is how you're treated

[@brentverbois3131]

@@deeplyscarredhippie Mabye it's the difference between how things are, and how things should be. Not to second guess Wolf. He knew from where he spoke. Peace brother.

[@seahawks1185]

12 String Blues. One of the only Hendrix acoustic riffs recorded, ever.

[@thehouseofronin9209]

And Justin makes it look so easy while he's cranking out some of the beat sounds this world has ever heard! Respect...

[@thealeons3179]

At first I didn't know how to take him but it didn't take long for me to become a huge fan. And for that reason because he's the real deal white boy with a ton of feel. Now he's one of my favorites

[@derick-smith]

There are some things you can't teach, like soul. This dude is one with that instrument in a way that only a hand full of people ever accomplish.

[@wolfil8019]

I somehow missed this when you put it up in April. It is a beautiful rendition of the Led Zeppelin version of this song. Through this song, Led Zeppelin helped me to discover an amazing Mississippi blues artist of the 1920s/1930s whose stage name was Memphis Minnie. She lived in Northern Mississippi right by the river just across the border from Memphis (where she mostly performed, thus her stage name). She wrote this song based on direct experience, when the village she lived in got destroyed in a fled after a levee broke. The original version has around 15 verses. She was also the first woman blues artist to play her own guitar in performances (though she sometimes also played with a male guitarist). I have always love Led Zeppelin's version and consider it a beautiful tribute to Memphis Minnie. And I love your rendition of Jimmy Pages guitar as Zeppelin played it. Truly beautiful, tribute upon tribute ... all the musicians involved deeply talented and skillful. As I drink my evening beer, I toast to you, JJ, and to all of the musician involve in this marvelous song.

[@tazmankb26]

kickass and thanks for sharing the background

[@michaelparker4457]

Wow. Liked this song since my teens. I read your comments as I listened to this rendition just after Zeppelin’s while reading your comments. Spent some years working around the Mighty Mississippi. Thanks for the awesome history lesson! 🐊🍺🙏🏼

[@cattrackssmith5641]

Covers of classics often fall flat. Then there is Justin Johnson. Nothing but smiles and chills down my spine.

[@CorneiliusLibowitz]

............and Larkin Poe......

[@gigigalasso1862]

Mine too.

[@natwally7869]

Have a look at The Main Squeeze covers of Have a Cigar, No Quarter, While my Guitar Gently Weeps, Hotel California, War Pigs, Time. All put a great big smile on my face and I hope you enjoy them too if you haven’t come across them before. Almost all of their covers are first class 👍

[@StephenMWest]

This young man is one of the greatest guitar players I've ever witnessed in my life, I've been involved in music since the late sixties and have seen thousands of guitar players, this guy is one of the most brilliant players I've ever witnessed.

[@StephenMWest]

This is about the way a man can take an instrument and make it his own with a style that is ultimately his own, when you see Justin play a guitar made out of a shovel or a piece of wood and three and four strings he is incredible its brilliance, pure brilliance.

[@cyndygough4107]

I agree!!!

[@cyndygough4107]

@@StephenMWest Yes & using a utility knife or a jar of Tabasco for a slide. Or a shot glass. He is musically brilliant IMHO

[@thealeons3179]

I got in trouble because Rick beato called Mike Dawes the best acoustic guitar player I'm like s*** let him sit down next to Justin Johnson or Billy Strings for that matter.

[@TorquilBletchleySmythe]

@Dave Gaudet harsh words from a guy with no content. This is an original take on arguably the best blues-rock rendition of Delta Blues ever performed by a white man. Let's hear you rework a Zeppelin masterpiece, Maestro.

[@doctorwoohoo1152]

This is now my favorite cover version of Levee breaks. Jimmy Page would be proud.

[@LukeinTX]

April 21st, 1927, the great levee at Mounds Landing, Mississippi broke. We lost everything. We barely made it out alive with just the clothes on our back in a homemade boat.

[@fraterfraxinus6293]

This morning I found out I have an extra month before I have to pay my taxes. Then I clicked on this vid. This day just keeps on getting better & better.

[@Dave-bo8ry]

Standing on the levee, rain falling, thunder crashing, lightning flashing, warily watching the river roil and rise...

[@jodyfinley3352]

When I hear this riffs isolated from the lyrics I can still hear how Robert Plants lyrics are so interwoven into each note played as if the both are so inseparable that they resonate with every chord and rhythm laid down. Hammer of the God's coming down from the heavens of the almighty.

[@marcelgaddis9319]

Its true this is a tune that led zeppelin did a cover of. "When the Levee Breaks" is a country blues song written and first recorded by Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie in 1929.

[@dontall71]

A lot of Zep stuff were covers or parts from other songs. But hey, thats been the way of music for ages. Texas swing adopted a lot of the big band sound and Cajun musicians in the 50's started using pedal steel guitars and melodies from Texas swing bands.

[@sixstringedthing]

Thanks for the info... "the more you know"... :)

[@astrzmbie9968]

We had that flood in 1927, so yeah, it's an old song

[@Scroticus_Maximus]

I was 14 years old when Zeppelin did that cover. It still gives me the chills. Well done sir.

[@Scroticus_Maximus]

@Dawn Hall I am still waiting for my LSD flashbacks!

[@K131399]

They said they wrote it correct?

[@bigjuicy9747]

I like that your 64 years old and your username is “Scroticus Maximus”

[@Scroticus_Maximus]

@@K131399 as far as I know they never claim to be the author. Check the credits, if they did I would be surprised.

[@Scroticus_Maximus]

@@bigjuicy9747 With diminished capacity.

[@LoneWolf-McWeed]

How awesome would it be to see Justin and Jimmy on the same stage??

[@reaperhunter7297]

Very

[@cactuscanuck6802]

I don't think our fair planet could withstand the sheer musical force of that quantity of awesomeness converging on the same stage simultaneously! 💣💥

[@audiophileman7047]

That would be so big. It's hard to wrap your brain around it. 🎸🎸🎸

[@markfromct2]

Totally agree Mr. Dick Scrubbins. How much would I pay to see that show?

[@shempshempleton4746]

@@cactuscanuck6802 Well said!

[@rantman86]

Man is so good he even plays the bass drum at the same time. Who needs the band when you can do it all.

[@9000Years]

"... Cryin' won't help you. Prayin' won't do you no good." Simply amazing, man. Keep this way!

[@AaronSpielman]

Well, this woke my lazy ass up this morning. Thank you, Justin!

[@sbw1794]

Man Justin, you sir have done it again. I love all your music but when that first note hits when you are playing slide it puts an instant smile on my face. You are the greatest slide player to grace this earth. Thank you sir🤘🍻

[@voluntaryismistheanswer]

I can't 'like' this comment, for my old man woke up the morning after Duane passed with a mighty spirit o' slide in his soul, but I like it, just the same 🤗

[@sbw1794]

🍻

[@Siouxie26]

Back in 1979, when I was just 9 years old, this was the first Zeppelin song I ever heard! My dad and I went out to buy a guitar for me shortly thereafter :-) Your rendition is pleasantly satisfying to my ears! Amazing. 🙏🏽

[@dakotablueskies]

You had a special smile with this one. The slide and the heavy baseline are so powerful. JJ I love how you bring these great pieces back into the world. 💕💕💕💕💕

[@PozerAdultRacingTeam]

Mad respect for playing guitar and drum at the same time.

[@Grant-kj4eq]

This guy is so talented , plays anything with a string on it . Justin oozez the South , it just flows out from within his soul to his fingers . He would be able to jam you a song with your shoe lace .

[@thelibertarian7381]

48 yrs as now Zep fan. Heard all the covers, definitely one of the best Justin.. Makes me happy to see you enjoy playing it.

[@jeaniebird999]

My all time favorite Led Zeppelin song!

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

I'm a simple axe: I see Led Zeppelin, I hit like

[@dirtyharryville]

Agreed... gotta love Zep

[@seahawks1185]

You could have worded it better, but yes. I concur.

[@cacadelaputavaca]

Just like that

[@marvinkline5667]

You do know the mighty zep stole this song too right?

[@Vidar.m]

@@marvinkline5667 and that was a good thing that they did ! Made the world more aware of this great music.

[@roadhawg59]

That resonator was the perfect choice for this. Simple Awesomeness!

[@baaa4698]

Seems like Mule can’t make a bad guitar.

[@azmark6894]

Not in a dozen lifetimes could I come close to this, absolutely masterful. Thank you for turning my soul up today!

[@michaelsteding2939]

The feeling that you put into every note you play is truly awe inspiring. No matter what is played, you are always able to take the song to another level.

[@Slavador2393]

Oh yeah! Rock that guitar Justin! This cover is amazingly performed my friends, let's all give our man a round of applause!🥰👏👏👏

[@5.7bethesda]

You HAVE to do your own version of Gallows Pole (Zeppelin Version). That would be damn incredible.

[@josephkemler5668]

Leadbelly my first Hero!

[@paulinechapman5669]

Don’t you think he already has….🇨🇦

[@RumbleFish69]

I have been playing guitar for over 40 years and I love it when I can see and hear some who can make me smile and appreciate their talent! This is such a wonderful rendition of this song and this man is an unbelievable talent. My goal in life is to write an original piece like this. I've been working on one for many years and I hope to finish someday soon; or before I die. Maybe I should put that at the top of my list! Great video!

[@macsarcule]

I’ve listened to Zeppelin’s recording of this so many times, I always liked it fine. But I’ve listened to yours several times now and I enjoy it so much more now, yours and the original. Great covers make you love a song even more. Thanks for bringing this song to life and making it like I was hearing it for the first time!

[@michelvaillancourt3833]

It is a rainy day here in my corner of the world...love this song even better now JJ, you are THE best guitar player ever !!! 😎

[@jessangel9756]

Needed this today more then I can put into words!! Thanks for the smile!! Great as always 🤘🖤💛💙

[@KevinORourke25]

Justin, I can't explain what Your playing does to me. I'm 71 yrs. old and I haven't got shivers down my spine for anything in a long time. Your mastery of that instrument is something I'm glad I lived to hear. Thank you. Kevin O'Rourke

[@johncothren603]

Not often that I get goosebumps listening to music, three times while watching this video. Thank you, for sharing!

[@eahannan]

This is such a gorgeous and warm interpretation ... love the open strings... must be a joy to play as it is to listen to. Hats off to you Sir!

[@Gabe_05]

You should Traveling Riverside Blues by Led Zeppelin

[@justinjohnsonlive]

You got it!

[@malcolmtudor8039]

Awesome recommendation! Seconded.

[@ancil57]

Love the relaxed, free way you play this. Too many blues players play tight. You're so free. Well done, young man.

[@FerrickOxhide]

Just lovely! A stunning display of perfect rhythm. Captures the essence of the song too.

[@lewolf2884]

I named by Gretsch Resonator 'Minnie the Kid' after Memphis Minnie, writer and co-singer of the original version. A Fantastic Cover of the Zeppelin version, Justin!!! 🐺

[@kellyannthomas5727]

Good morning! Justin Johnson playing my favorite Zeppelin tune is the best way to start the day!

[@jayhuff239]

Your videos keep me entertained every time. I play them when I'm working on my custom Harley and Mustang. They put me in creative mode and I work through the tough parts of the builds in a good mood and a lot of head bobbing with some dance steps thrown in. Thank you for sharing your artistry.

[@yomamashouse84]

You have no idea how many times I’ve listened to this. Could listen to you play all day. Thank you

[@tasmiahmasih3863]

Beautiful interpretation. And you seem to be able to do it across such a wide range of originals. Thanks for the joy of hearing you.

[@Cerris01]

Ear buds, volume cranked, Harley cruisin', Sunset, Feeling the beat and the drive. Thats the sound of American badass freedom. Oh Yeah.

[@wouldntyouliketoknow1894]

Agreed new age old skool love it

[@tomsortore8301]

Have you ever noticed how peaceful someone is who is really great at something??? Humbly step into your greatness and you will know a very deep peace

[@user-wt1pe7gk7j]

Wow! That's great! This is one of my favourite Zeppelin's songs! A very, very good cover... I 've really enjoyed your style!👍👍 Thank you very much for sharing, Justin! 💪🤗

[@robhaskell4043]

Just wonderful. The control you have over your tone and dynamics are impressive!

[@daveh5635]

So much emotion! Awesome is overused but here: it applies! Wow! Wow! Most passionate work yet and that is really saying something! Outstanding Justin. Thank you for waking us up!👍👍🌹Be sure to protect your hearing with that loud equipment Justin. We need to keep hearing your magnificent sounds for a long time to come.

[@Godisnotmyshepherd]

I love your playing its so warm and colorful like a mother’s hug!

[@bluesque9687]

Justin can easily be added to the 10 best blues-rock-funk-rhythm guitarists of all time. We just can't deny it anymore!!!

[@jeffjeff-wc9ze]

Time after time we listen to rock, blues... think we have heard it all. Then comes along this guy... And so it continues

[@luluwinke6581]

so refreshing when you are the the top sharing the most awesomesome pickin ever...

[@d.shermandesantos3570]

Wonderful - think I'll just keep this in my mind, and move on with my day - to heck with checking the news. I have a feeling that's going to make for a better day.

[@voluntaryismistheanswer]

Little choices add up, if more folks ignored what they were told to pay attention to and more to natural forces like the wind, the birds in the trees, and Justin's slide to greet the day, what a wonderful world it would be.

[@CaptSpacelord]

Love it. And on of my favourite Led Zeppelin tracks. Very good Justin (y)

[@Niex_Knox]

Love it. And while I may never get to this level, I am well over my prime and after decades of strumming the same damn chords my playing has improved immensely since following Justin. I now can sit and jam blues, use my thumb to keep the bass going, I even am practicing finger picking but that is almost like starting from scratch. Just want to say thank you. Especially in these times music has been my life saver. There have been plenty f great guitarists, but your vids with perfect view of what you are doing are really inspirational. No other guitarist has ever pushed me forward this way. You are a blessing to this world my friend.

[@madnessbydesign1415]

I normally don't like covers, but you consistently hit it out of the park. Well done, Sir! :)

[@ralphclark]

Bloody awesome. And that tone! It’s like listening to an entire band.

[@nancywindbigler6434]

There is nothing like the blues......and this is superior!! I think I'm in love!

[@guitarnuccio]

How can I give this 100 likes? Fantastic. The “goin’ down, goin’ down now” part towards the end is masterful. Well done!!!

[@jerryking3208]

One of my all time favorite Lead Zep songs and you smoked it. Salute.

[@emily_the_studd]

Dude you’re the only living guitarist that plays slide like this that I consider one of my blues inspirations. I hope you have great health that lets you continue making this art! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@Lestr75]

Pleasure to hear you every time. I certainly enjoyed that, Thank You!

[@meriadocbrandybuck2868]

Truly beautiful playing, love the arrangement.

[@Jesus_is_Lord_amen]

It is my favourite Led Zeppelin's song! Thank you!

[@renecole3202]

Mine too.

[@johnchlanda5772]

Always put a smile on my face when I listen to Justin play 🎶😎

[@bipolarjay]

DUDE! That gave me goose bumps! Love, love, love that slide guitar blues! Excellent!!!

[@NWLee]

Wow, yeah a room full of tone and a nice solo arrangement, genius.

[@JPElectric]

Awesome. What tone, what control, what timing. I loved that. A great version of a great song.

[@jameskaufmann4260]

Really enjoy your version of classic rock songs!

[@blackrhino3442]

I’m soaking in my spa listening to Justin. This is Awesome. Thanks

[@daslous89]

And lightning flew from his fingertips as he gently made that guitar weep!! As always, awesome!!!

[@luluwinke6581]

yo

[@bdr32965]

I'm sitting here playing Star Wars Battlefront on my X-Box One and listening to Justin play my favorite Led Zep song and all of the sudden I realize that I am kicking ass in this game like never before. Thanks Justin for making me focus so well.

[@JOHNSMITH-do4nz]

This is one of Zeppelin's best tunes ever. Bonzo turned it into so an amazing listen to the way he bangs it out. The whole group just outdid themselves, and made this cover one for the gods....hammer on! Let's give credit where it's due Justin is one of the most talented guitarists out there, and I'm sure even Paige would agree.

[@AS-fd4rt]

NOW i’m ready for the day....

[@sapelesteve]

And I thought that today was going to be a very bad day. That is until I watched JJ blow this tune out of the water! Thanks for making this a good day! 👍👍🎸🎸🎸🎸👍👍

[@letterli]

Always a REAL pleasure listening to your fine tunes!

[@jenniferhorton3925]

Oh Heaven! One of the best songs ever & definitely the best cover of all times.

[@hittinitsidways]

Dude you have some of the most beautiful guitars I’ve ever seen 😩 I watch these here rather than Listen on Spotify so I can just look at those works of art!

[@oldmanfred8676]

I’ve said it before, Justin Johnson is a National Treasure! Nice lamp!

[@michaeld2662]

The good ones make it look easy. Hitting just the right lick, a major league fastball or the perfect putt. We don’t see the years of hard work prior to the end result. Love it!

[@giantfisher]

Awesome. One of my favorite Zeppelin songs.

[@fishnfreakz]

This has always been one my most favorite Zeppelin songs 🙏 After hearing this version I wonder if this should have been the OG, Killed it again Justin!! (Jimmy is still next to the geek gods 🤘)

[@_thomas1031]

Twas a matter of time until this legend would play this!!🙌🙌🙌

[@jrokro4262]

this completely changed the way i look at slide guitar. like you make it look THAT easy man its crazy. i will forever be trying to recreate this.

[@brianscraper7433]

This is my favorite song you’ve covered yet! Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@k27cobain]

Woow amzing!! Me encanta Led Zeppelin y tú versión es realmente increíble... Saludos desde CHILE !!

[@johnadams2893]

OMFG !!!! I gotta try to send this link to Jimmy! He b proud that yu outdid his classic ! Blown away brother ! I recommend you studio record with backups....houses of the holy phuck !!!

[@johnadams2893]

i did it, found his contact, sent him your link......Justice of his song by Justin Johnson !!!!

[@GarryJiry]

@@johnadams2893 You do know this was originally recorded in 1929. First recorded by Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie in 1929. The lyrics reflect experiences during the upheaval caused by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qajLdpRuq9qDbLc

[@AnotherJeni4You]

@@GarryJiry no Otis.... John is too busy hobknobbing with celebrities in his fantasy world.

[@LoneWolf-McWeed]

@@GarryJiry what does that have to do with Jimmy Page watching this video??

[@fadingjupiter2621]

Hands down the best guitar cover of this song that I have ever heard. Awesome

[@gilliantracy7991]

Big Zep fan and love this song. This cover is just absolutely excellent!

[@michellejohnson7955]

Fabulous to listen to... you make it look so easy! 🎸

[@Geenalee1]

Always Nice to wake up to some ZEPP !!!!!! Thanks for the Continuing Inspiration Justin !!!!!! HugS !!!!!!

[@SpookyGroovyPolitoCatMum]

Could not resist singing along! Best karaoke accompaniment ever beautifully played

[@jamielunsford1]

Absolutely great, as always!!

[@johnbowman476]

What an inspiring guitarist! A genius at his art!