When The Levee Breaks

If Led Zeppelin had based When The Levee Breaks on an old blues song (as so many of their early tracks were), maybe it would have sounded something like this.

[@Matt-oy7pz]

when I was a 4th grader at Bethel Grove Elementary School in Memphis, Tennessee.. my teacher took our class on a field trip to an old bar on Beale Street, to see Memphis Minnie play blues guitar… she was INTENSE… an old black lady, in a dress and thick heels… she played acoustic blues guitar, and STOMPED that old wooden floor with those big, thick heels of hers… she was most definitely… THE REAL.

[@user-pi7sp1or5p]

Reeel

[@Matt-oy7pz]

@@user-pi7sp1or5p Memphis Minnie was the original singer/songwriter of Led Zeppelin’s “When the Levee Breaks”… she picked cotton in the HOT Mississippi cotton fields where she was from… she came to Memphis to sing and play “The Blues”, a style of music that originated among the black people who worked the farms of Mississippi… she traveled to Memphis, TN (the nearest big city) on the weekends, so she could make some extra money playing “The Blues” on Beale Street… I saw her play in 1974… she looked to be in her mid-70’s… you could tell she was a VERY, strong person… she sang real loud, and stomped the beat out with the heel of her shoe… she had SOUL… the younger black musicians were into a newer genre of music they were calling “Soul” music… they started a new “Soul” music record label, and named it “Stax Records”… they had Memphis-based artists on the label… Maurice White, Isaac Hayes, the Reverend Al Green… it was the early 1970’s… I was 8 years old, and I had no idea of the kind of talent I was surrounded by… looking back at it now, it’s… MIND-BLOWING.

[@KoolHandJuke]

​@@Matt-oy7pz mind blowing, indeed! You must be about my age, based on your comment about being a kid in 70's. We had no idea how good the stuff was that we were experiencing at the time! 20/20 hindsight, indeed! 🤜🔥🤛 🙏🙏🙏

[@axelschranck5738]

this Lady had the Blues

[@user-nn2il8gj4i]

You went to a bar on a field trip? Can we still clone that teacher??

[@danielmoore7332]

We were totally blessed to be able to see some of these great Bluesmen in the resurgence of their music. Even though these cats were at what my age is now (70's) they played with a passion missing from todays crappy 'music'. Thanks for posting

[@Robert_Stemmons]

Led Zeppelin selected some magnificent tunes that had pretty much gone by the wayside. They added their incredible style to them. The rest is history.

[@o2807]

West never stops stealing yet accuse others

[@TSUNAMICali]

Stole. Not selected. At least Clapton paid Robert Johnson a royalty check for " Crossroads "

[@lawrencepettener3918]

Yes, the rest is history plus a sprinkling of hysteria from those who don’t like to see things reach audiences.

[@petersmith9530]

You neglect to mention how Zeppelin "forgot" to credit the original composers of these songs, shamefully claiming them as their own.

[@Robert_Stemmons]

@@petersmith9530 Led Zeppelin stole those songs fair and square.

[@Wendell309]

I first heard Led Zepplin’s version of this song when it initially came out. I always wondered what flood they were talking about. My father was born in the 20’s in Deep South. He passed away in his late 80’s. I should have asked him what flood Led Zeppelin was talking about. He could have probably told me. I love this version as well. People can disagree about politics and other things but good music brings most people together 👍 I need to get a glass of wine and listen to this song again! Great music is just that: Great…love the different versions of the same song.

[@hillbilly4895]

Check out the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 That would be it. My family was a couple hundred miles upstream and they still lost all their mules and house

[@ScarlettFire341]

Killer Piano ! Beautiful Old Photos !

[@lpaone01]

These men were such great musicians and received absolutely no credit. And most of all, this music is the foundation of all rock and roll today.

[@usaturnuranus]

Damn straight. There's nothing much else to say, but that never stopped me so: this rendition is incredible and I'm glad I got to hear it, Zep had the fame, wealth, and the obligation to help make those artists better known. But in the grand scheme of things it's not like America ever did them any favors either.

[@TheShotenZenjin]

These men? This rendition obviously came well after the Zeppelin version!

[@usaturnuranus]

@@TheShotenZenjin yeah, this clearly came later, and I should have explained myself better.

[@fl6stringer]

Led Zeppelin put many obscure songs on the map. For that, I am glad.

[@williamschlosser77]

Obscure to you maybe.

[@FritzlSchnitzel]

Put many obscure songs on the map = Stealing music, claiming it as their own, and not paying royalties.

[@fl6stringer]

@FritzlSchnitzel So go and help them initiate a lawsuit and stop b!tching and moaning at me about it.

[@fl6stringer]

@@williamschlosser77 'A' for effort, I guess..

[@planreview]

Except that the songwriting line read: “page/plant”

[@jamesgray-yt5wo]

Led Zeppelin is the greatest cover band EVER !and I’m a fan !

[@licksta611]

This was made after the LED Zeppelin song. Showing old photos of blues musicians. It’s very misleading!

[@kevsta67]

who wrote black dog,rock n roll,the song remains the same,no quarter,trampled under foot,custard pie,the rover and 95% of the songs on their 9 albums ?

[@shadowsdad903]

Well said

[@gsxrkz]

Kashmere In the light Ten years gone Achilles last stand Tea for one

[@FlawiuszPomponiusz]

I think Jack White would do it good as well. Maybe the Acid Drinkers - they made a few fantastic covers.

[@mauricestevenson5740]

"When the Levee Breaks" is a country blues song written and first recorded by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929. The lyrics reflect experiences during the upheaval caused by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. "When the Levee Breaks" was re-worked by English rock group Led Zeppelin as the last song on their untitled fourth album. Singer Robert Plant used many of the original lyrics and the songwriting is credited to Memphis Minnie and the individual members of Led Zeppelin.[1] Many other artists have performed and recorded versions of the song. Source: Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/When_the_Levee_Breaks Time taken to retrieve info: < 60 seconds Saw a reaction to the Led Zeppelin track about a year or so ago. The reactor was a mature afro-african. After the musical lead-in, Robert Planet started singing. Mr afro-african murmered "mpphh - Memphis Minnie". So, we have a song written in 1929, re-made in 1971 by Led Zeppelin and that version copied by someone in a style that I would describe as "plodding dirge" - possibly Philip Ball - in 2018(?). Interesting. -ish. The Led Zeppelin version is very good but the original version is available at kzbin.info/www/bejne/qajLdpRuq9qDbLc - I recommend it VERY HIGHLY.

[@marcoponzi5398]

I only recently discovered the version by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy. The original is beautiful and listening to it I also realized how deep was Zeppelin's reworking of this great song.

[@st.charlesstreet9876]

Thank you for pointing out that Memphis Millie was the original composer. Some people would have never known 😢❤

[@dizzyspinner648]

I assume this is a recent cover of the LZ version, but I couldn't find a recording date. There were other covers out there before LZ covered it, but I've never heard this one before.

[@Tyrell_Corp2019]

As a diehard Zephead here, I'm befuddled by the younger generation. When I grew up, every blues player covered other blues songs no different than jazz musicians all covered the same tunes. It's part of the tradition. Listen to Muddy, Hooker, James... all of them did the same songs in their own way. And Zeppelin did exactly that. Their own way. I'd go so far as to say that Page was smarter than Clapton and Mayall for not trying to be a 'purist'. (Clapton complained in the 60's that so many were 'selling out.') Not even Hendrix played straight blues. Through his hands it became psychedelic. What Zeppelin did was what Zeppelin did. They were not trying to be a pure blues band. Nor were they being secretive about it. Page has gushed over all his influences in so many interviews. Zeppelin was a grand mash up of so many loving influences. And that's why we love them.

[@julesotis13]

as long as credit it given, and in zep's case other than the foolish malarky abotu stairwya, as far as ive ever heard told Zep, Stones too etc gave not only credit but esp Zep cash, maybe after threats of being sued, but whatever the impetus they drove around the south handing out money to show that kind of respect for the music that inspired them and realities of loot aside music IS the THING that brings us TOGETHER....when i learned young about some malarky about issues with the rights of beatles music and michael jackson i knew something as very wrong with this world....not that people dont deserve their due and we need loot to survive this life but anyway blaa blaaa blaa to say as long as respect is given i dont think and ill add im a volunteer communtiy disc jockey of recording sharing palying a song written fully in part inspired by whatevr someone's music we love as stealing violating nor even as a cover to hush up with positivity i htinkof it as one artists take version etc on the song story and message.....its what keeps us going....thanks much respect love and sutff and things yall SJOCR

[@kamisme1]

The piano in this is outstanding!

[@ProMediaLLC]

This track was produced long after Zepplin released it. It was designed to sound like an old southern version, but the drumming, piano, bass, production style and recording quality says otherwise. Regardless, it's an awesome rendition. Bravo!

[@russellsnodgrass9374]

Hearing this, who the hell would even think of Led Zeppelin. This swamp root version makes Zep's version good enough for a teenage backyard pool party; but that's about it.

[@jerrywinter3103]

Actually t5he OG version is from Memphis Mini in the 30's I beleive

[@Godloveszaza]

Awwww led zeppelin fans lying for them

[@jeffgrush3795]

Was wondering that too!

[@mobsiesixsixsix9785]

You are 100% accurate. It's so obvious. 00

[@petevatistas8361]

I sure recognized a lot of great musicians in those pics! I sure wish we could bring them all back to life. Lead Belly, Howlin' Wolf, BB King... RIP!

[@alanhathaway1920]

unique music men and women almost.... all...black...bene...pace...amore

[@petevatistas8361]

@@alanhathaway1920 huh?

[@daydream_believer]

@@petevatistas8361 For some reason @alanhathaway1920 decided to start speaking Italian: bène - good pàce - peace amóre - love

[@lab4389]

Wow. Thank you so much for sharing this cool and historic song with us! One of my favorite Led Zeppelin songs. They were careful to give the original musicians/songwriters credit. 💯👍🏻

[@Arthur-pc1eh]

It's not a historic song, did you read the description?

[@davidsimmons9763]

And though I love Led Zeppelin to death, they DIDN'T give credit until forced to. I learned this the hard way...

[@danromeo6571]

It started here and had to go to England to make its way back again. These folks were the true music pioneers and should be given full credit for it.

[@drawliojoca]

I love Led, but it was an unauthorized and uncredited theft

[@zeus-mt7wx]

In heaven, I would be sat on the porch of an old old blues guitarist and cherishing the experience. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@jillgarrison1917]

That was a great compilation of photographs. I would have loved to have see Howling Wolf & Muddy Waters back in the day! During Hurricane Katrina, we sang this song. They blew the levee's.

[@nakhleasmar9175]

If it wasn't for Led Zeppelin, how would we have heard of this incredible song? I love all versions of it. The original by Kansas Joe McCoy is incredibly beautiful.

[@KOACAINE]

Yeah but they stole the writing credits and ripped off the writer

[@truthmatters1950]

@@KOACAINE Interesting. Fact check - pls provide the source of your disturbing claim. Tks

[@guillermo3564]

​@@truthmatters1950 here's the truth. Zeppelin took credit for all the songs they "ripped" off. It's a well known, documented fact. They finally gave credit where it was due only after lawsuits forced them to. Now for this song, Google it and open the lyrics, scroll down to the bottom of the lyrics and read who has writing credits. Four guys who couldn't write an entire album of original music until their 5th album. That is the truth.

[@KOACAINE]

@@truthmatters1950 Willie Dixon and Randy California told me. Go check that.

[@user-qb6fq5xr6b]

What a dumb comment.

[@tvs3497]

It's nice to know that Led Zeppelin kept to the original version so accurately. I remember my days of picking cotton in Mississippi in 1958. My mother thought it was a good idea to take me along to earn some extra income to supplement my father's USAF pay. I was five, not even started to school. We were a family of four, hard times.

[@ACDZ123]

Pity Zeppelin didn't give credit and pretended it was their song ...Zeppelin plagiarised a lot actually including stairway

[@CBHarvey]

@@ACDZ123 wow. I had no idea such a Delta blues original existed. But here it is. Incredible. Zeppelin didn’t just do a so-called Derivative Work riffed from this amazing original. They (re) produced every twist and turn. The song remains the same. ahem.

[@analogman9697]

My Mom grew up in North GA during the Depression and lived on a tenant farm. Hard times, as you describe.

[@timothypage3385]

I worked in the tobacco fields and oyster shucking houses. The old men would sing all day long while working. Southern Maryland

[@marcuswilliams6840]

The fact that Led Zeppelin took this song and made it so popular, is in my opinion a testament to the creativity of the gentleman who wrote this song originally. Not good claiming something as yours when it isn't. Artists should always acknowledge the ones who actually wrote the song and pay them accordingly. I thought Jimi Hendrix wrote All Along The Watchtower until I heard Dylon's version and found that he actually wrote it first! Same thing with The Brothers Johnson and Strawberry Letter 23, but no one knows about Shuggie Otis, the original writer of that song. I feel bad for those who write these amazing songs and don't get the proper credit when there's a remake made.

[@ericlawhan7486]

I've never heard this version before in my life. I didn't even know it existed!😮❤

[@wayneclark6624]

Me Neither - but hey the so called rock and rollers get most if not All of the stuff from guys like him - this is the very best version in my opinion

[@williewayne3130]

Believe me, it didn't sound nothing like this in 1929!

[@the_algorithm]

@@wayneclark6624 The Original kzbin.info/www/bejne/qajLdpRuq9qDbLc

[@paulm2467]

This is a recent cover of the Led Zeppelin version, it sounds nothing like the Minnie/Kansas Joe original.

[@DC-ei9vl]

This is why Led Zeppelin was a heavy blues band, not metal

[@orchestratedincompetence]

Literally brought tears to my eyes. Loovve the groove, slide guitar overall sound. Definitely one of THE most iconic Led Zep tunes ever. Love love LOVE that old blues sound. Great rendition!

[@johnconway8492]

Oh man…I mean Oh man…so many of the old blues songs were covered by the 60’s rock bands. All I’m going say is that the old blues musicians that wrote and played this were some of the best musicians ever!!! They were Badass. Period..

[@kellyarnett4062]

Too bad America didn't embrace our Blues artist. Britain had to sell our soul back to us. Sad

[@garyschneider8829]

Amen to that brother, and what a better way to pay tribute to someone then naming your band after Blues legend McKinley Morganfield aka Muddy Waters.... The Rolling Stones 🎸🤙... Did Zeppelin ever acknowledge this early version of the Levee song

[@garyschneider8829]

​@@kellyarnett4062 A few did.. Check out Michael Bloomfield ; Or Rory Block💃🏼. Bonnie Raitt also pays tribute to the old blues Legends

[@daveblodgett2438]

All those 60's -70's bands grew up listening to the blues, they love the blues like we do and wanted to get other folks to love the blues. It was through those bands that I found the blues myself, for that I will always owe them, without them I would never have heard Muddy.

[@davidBarrel]

@@garyschneider8829 the Stones know their roots very well, througout many years they gratitudto to black musician. Here in Urugay some years ago the Stones had a scheduled for one night, the night before, Jagger find out that it was the birthday of a legendary black local musician here at Montevideo, a very humble person, local musician, he managed to get to this man's house where he was having a birthday gathering with family and friends., image...suddenly Mick Jagger at the door, they couldn't believe it of course , they stayed for a couple of hours and have a good time, play some music (percusion most of it) Mick ask for some water to drink, they don't have any, just tap water :) which he drank without complaints, a simple person. It would be on the news the next day. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJq2aIV7f7dnb5osi=G51xF41wkDLAYTpn&t=55

[@nickthurlow4456]

Amazing song ! I knew about led Zeppelin rendition back in 71 but didn't know anything about this jewel . Wonderful soulful voice ,so ahead of its time

[@michaelharrison4423]

Me too

[@the_algorithm]

This is NOT the original The original is this kzbin.info/www/bejne/qajLdpRuq9qDbLc

[@endthisnonsense7202]

This jewel ; Nice but "ahead of its time" My guess about 5 years old?

[@nickthurlow4456]

@@endthisnonsense7202 says the bay city rollers fan duh

[@endthisnonsense7202]

@@nickthurlow4456 🤡, as proven by the "ahead of time" statement about something not even a decade old.

[@GS-uy4xo]

Visual roots of the blues set to some great music - thank you pioneers, we stand on your shoulders!

[@joelobuchowski4571]

When I saw the first photo, was expecting an older music recording. The blues-y rendition for this is a good listen. The photo montage is certainly impactful, showing photos from the segregated South where R&B music originated. It always helps to know music’s origins so you can appreciate it and its history, including original artists who inspired many rock and roll artists over the decades.

[@OldPapaBear]

Love this version. Very well played.

[@Catajbr]

Not a very good singer though.

[@OldPapaBear]

@@Catajbr Well, he's not Robert Plant.

[@Catajbr]

@@OldPapaBear No I guess not. lol

[@timothyirwin8974]

Remember my grandpa trying to convince me that Led Zepplin was taking their songs from old R & B artists. Then I thought he was just being weird. Sorry grandpa you were right.

[@kennyhall2118]

Lies!

[@joselazano9432]

You have to remember at that time.They had nobody to back them were probably making five cents for every record and that's a lot of money back in the days but Led Zeppelin did put it on the map. This is what happens when you do not have a lawyer. At that time, there were just glad to hear the songs. Sincerely yours. I am upset too.😮😮😮😮

[@adamolddude4495]

Stones too , maybe the Who. Skynyrd It's all good stuff mixed together like a good salad. Hard to Handle is a good example. Peace and Love man (-;

[@honestyquality3565]

They played them faster and added solos

[@ginnyboetel2891]

Well, yeah! It's not the only song they used! They had to settle on one song because the guy who wrote it and sang it made Zepplin pay for the use of it years later. Which is only fair.

[@jerroldfrank5869]

Very cool. Great photos. “Crying won’t help ya, praying won’t do ya no good.” What a lyric. Thanks to those pasty white boys over in England for introducing the rest of us to the blues. They had that big Atlantic Ocean to filter out all the BS and appreciate this great music

[@susanvancampen9122]

Yea, except they took credit for writing it. Trust me I love LZ version. But another Pagerism 😜

[@stephentresca3536]

John Bonham's intro to the Led Zeppelin version is Epic.

[@1994g0]

Indeed. Bonham`s mighty pounding is umatched anywhere.What a talent he was!

[@paulhadley9047]

The recording in a stone tower made it special. Watched them at Earls Court UK in 1975. JBs bass drum sound was bouncing off the wall giving a delayed hit. I can hear it in my memory right now

[@2CHRAPKO]

Page lined his Bass drums with tinfoil, hence the crashing sound. Fact

[@JimDeferio]

It was very elementary. Nothing to brag about.

[@stanbarrington]

A single microphone was dropped down along side a staircase HIGH over his drum kit.Delay was added

[@Carlschwamberger1]

1925 Mississippi flood wrought severe destruction along the length of the river. Worst in any ones memory. It was a immense relief when it finally dried out. Then in 1927 a worse flood came. Weakend levees collapsed along hundreds of miles of the Mississippi and up its tributaries. The city of New Orleans dynamited the opposite bank Levees to relieve the pressure. The lyrics were written not long after.

[@cohoanglervancouverwa6755]

Agee! The best part of this song, and perhaps the most haunting, is that it’s based on actual events: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927.

[@unsafe_at_any_speed]

@@cohoanglervancouverwa6755 and the song made famous by a British band

[@tercel2000]

Must been that climate change

[@siggifreud812]

left 700.000, mostly poor black families, homeless. I strongly doubt there was much state aid available to help them recover.

[@Carlschwamberger1]

@@siggifreud812 Yes very little State aid. Most of the affected states were governed by traditional fiscal conservatives who did not bother the tax payers with things like build up reserve funds and disaster assistance reserves. With a few exceptions the states were literally in over their heads when several million poor, working class, and middle class were run out of their homes, workplaces and businesses, & were scattered as refugees across the Mississippi Basin. When the US Congress voted relief funds President Coolidge initially thought to veto the bill as 'it was not the governments business.' Instead he simply refused to take action on distributing the funds. A compromise was reached where the Federal allocation was handed over to the Red Cross. The latter organization hired Herbert Hoover to run the relief program due to his previous experience in administrating the European Relief Comission. Hoover did the best he could, but he & the Red Cross had to create a system and organization for distribution. The poor reaction to the Floods of 1925 & 1927 led to a surge in reform movements and radicals like Huey Long who played on voter dissatisfaction with politicians still living in the 1890s.

[@Nonconformistwilderbeastman]

Most of the time when I look off to the right while driving down old highway 61 coming out of Walls Mississippi I'll think of this Jam,Tanx for posting this very for real version it Rocks it 🤘🤘🤘🍺🍻🤘🤘🤘

[@robertodossantos4023]

I've got goosebumps as I listened and watched... simply majestic!!

[@maryrudelich9000]

Mind boggling. My great great grandfather immigrated from Germany when he was just 14 years old in 1858 to Louisiana. And finally settled in Wisconsin in 1863. It’s a wonder any of us survived. Awesome collection of old photos and music.

[@josephconyer2421]

What does that have to do w this song? The history of your northern settled family roots- I’m just curious how that has anything to do with a southern blues song… I don’t see the relation. Nor do I see any connection culturally to your statement. I’m just saying what everyone else is wondering while too hesitant to give voice to. Because your stated (and unproved) family history has zero connection with this tune. In fact, it’s on opposing ends of cultural spectrum. Call me mr. Keeping it real. Mr. One hunnet. Go ahead and appreciate the artistry but don’t try and draw connections that aren’t there, brah. Experts will call you out every time.

[@rogerdodrill4733]

​@@josephconyer2421u no expert

[@daydream_believer]

Why wouldn't your, I'm assuming, white great grandfather survive? The wonder is how the African American people captured in these pictures & THEIR great grandparents survived, especially since their emancipation from slavery wasn't enacted until 1862. I'm pointing this out because your relative was in the US for four years before this law (not that it changed lives instantly & far from completely even in 2024). In spite of being a 14 year old immigrant, he more than survived since he was afforded every basic human right, privilege & protection because he was white. By the way, I am a 1st generation Italian/ Canadian. My parents struggled in Canada during the 1950s. Even if it were the 1850s in the US, there would still be no comparison.

[@PMunkS]

The music is beautiful and the photo montage, remarkable. Of course the music is equally remarkable, and the photo montage is beautiful.

[@philipball4720]

So stoked that y'all liked this one. Homunculus will be putting out an album, Led Back To The Blues, in a couple of months - subscribe to this channel and you'll see the details of how to get it. Tracks will include: When The Levee Breaks In My Time of Dying Nobody's Fault But Mine Dazed and Confused We're Gonna Groove What Is And What Should Never Be Gallows Pole Hey Hey What Can I Do Custard Pie Whole Lotta Love

[@ralphconfredosartistchanne8066]

You (or Homunculus) are being duplicitous by not making it clear this isn't source material or some "original" recording of the tune. A quarter of a million views based on deceit by not being up front about it. It's hard to resist telling you how I feel about this. Go **************, you **************** sack of ********** and Homunculus can *********** their *******.

[@raymondeddy3733]

I will be looking forward to it!

[@jeffreyferenc3672]

Thanks for posting the video/song and the tip for the new album. What a great name for the album.

[@timh3178]

I'm glad you posted this because I was getting frustrated reading the debate about whether the recording is "real" or "fake" etc. Clearly it was intended to be a Led Zeppelin cover performed in the blues style of the period of the images in the video. It isn't a fakery of the original. I've always been a blues fan, but as a 70s kid, we listened to white blues guys that were modernizing the original blues classics, blending in new sounds. Anyway I appreciate both. But this sound here is a unique approach to Led Zep, and I think it's fantastic!

[@franklee2683]

One thing: Zepps incorporating that wailing harmonica at the beginning was ....amazing. Adds another level to that good song ....

[@kathypullis816]

Biloxi Ms Gulf Coast ❤ born in 59, I was raised hearing these stories ...

[@user-uc4oj4wb2n]

my brother was born in Biloxi in '59 !

[@cecillbrumfield2710]

Thanks for uploading this gem. The band was killing it, excellent song!

[@davidpreece3174]

I absolutely love every version you have mentioned and or shared. This is how real blues does not die and the children of today learn. Zeps my fav band but I'm able to separate different versions and appreciate the variance and unique differences. It's haunting yes, but I always thought Led Zeps was, as well. I'm a singer and you have inspired me to see if I can manage to lay a track that's somewhere in between the two. I'll share if I do. I have been in or around water .y whole life. Jamaica and now Vancouver Island. I can only imagine working so hard on crops, building a house, trusting your luck and having faith then in a matter of moments it washes away with such ferocious destruction your only salvation is the little peak of your roof you now sit upon, hoping to see friend family neighbour to help. As you try to stand on your rooftop your movement breaks the house free of its foundation and off you go. Mean ol' Levee, got me to weep and moan! My biggest shock when New Orleans sank was in the aftermath, the poor homeless, broken people being robbed by insurance companies. When buying insurance and the company shows you all the documentation of settlements they have paid out? Tell them you wanna see the ones they did not honor. You know why those con men (some companies, not all) have so many lawyers working for them? They are hired to find ways to not pay out the insurance, loopholes to jump through. All last night, I sat on the Level and moaned. Thanks again, Dave

[@djompinthefire]

Tres émouvant de découvrir les origines d'une des chansons qui ont bercé mon adolescence, mille fois merci de l'avoir mise en ligne

[@Hollylivengood]

Vous estes les bienvenus. My third grade French is very lacking, je suis de'sole'. Connaissez vous notre vieux blues du Mississippi? La plupart de la musicue rockandroll que nous aimons vient de ces vieux muscians don le mond na jamais entendu parle. Mais il etaient super.

[@jamescabaniss5857]

On a side note, I just bought a stereo to listen to John Lee Hooker's "Endless Boogie" CD (the CD version with 11 songs, not 10). One of the best albums ever! Released in 1971 and it is when he sort of went electronic. This is a great version of The Levee Breaks!

[@Dian666]

The most heart felt version of this song EVER!! Brought tears to my eyes. Love❤

[@rafaelaugustolarapalmeros8060]

This is one of most wonderful Old Blues Song for Minnie Memphis and Kansas Joe McCoy. Great piano. Extraordinary!!!

[@DanielLopes-kv4sp]

Yeah Kansas City McKay mentioned Minnie in post but couldn’t remember his name. I thought their original was kinda upbeat given the horrific event. Think Zep took it ran with it and got the grit.

[@bigsilva1596]

Read the description, it's AI

[@srt8rocketship241]

Alot of bands covered the old blues. Zep was inspired heavily by them. I would never have heard this if it weren't for them. I call it HEAVY blues.

[@edwardkaminsky8142]

Henry Thomas " going up the country" 1928. Here's another Gem that canned heat sang at Woodstock. Poor man blues (Allman brothers band)

[@kevinumhey5939]

Well done , let us not forget the footsteps left behind us . Good or bad , happy or sad they were our footsteps……

[@PeterVeillon]

I cant be the only one on this. Just becaue the uploader used a random mix of old photos doesn't mean this version is from that time period. Its very well produced and could easily have been done as a rendition of Led Zeppelins recording. Yes thats right, without knowing who this artist is or anything involving its true origin, i believe this was done after Led Zeppelins release. This is my conclusion based on what I hear with the ears of a recording musician myself.

[@1994g0]

You`re right.The original by Memphis Minnie sounds nothing like this or like the Zep version.

[@jrussell91169]

I called b.s. on this too. It sounds like a white guy trying to do a poor imitation of a African American as a matter of fact it kind of sounds like Marcus nimbler doing one of his skin vids

[@RDArtist81]

No you're not. I was thinking the same thing from the first note. Also, the vocal performance sounds like someone imitating the style of the era.

[@domenicds364]

The caption infers that this is a cover of the Led Zeppelin original: "If Led Zeppelin had based..."

[@houstoncreed]

It’s totally obvious.

[@user-uf1cm3to7m]

Wow, the very first hard rock...who knew,sooo cool!

[@bobbysands6923]

A tune so laid back that the drummer is a week late...now THIS is the blues! Great rendition, with awesome pictures of a moment long forgotten about it, but will be seen again and again with rising water levels and no trees or grass to stop it. It's the best use of documentary: to tell us a story of the past, and warn us of the future. Goddamn it I'm brilliant ;)

[@timrake5497]

“the drummer is a week late” now that’s epically quotable!

[@geauxfast8u2]

If you say so, did you write it genius?

[@user-yg8dh1fw6l]

I once had a drummer like that, lol. Wish I would have thought of that line, at the time. 🤓

[@imagine9265]

They say led zeppelin stole alot of artists I SAY WITHOUT LED ZEPPELIN THIS SONG AND COUNTLESS OTHER'S WOULD NEVER BEEN HEARD !!

[@brendasmart553]

Not stolen. It's called doing 'covers' and acknowledging original artists further giving them recognition for their work is hardly thievery!

[@imagine9265]

@brendasmart553 in 1970 PLANT & PAGE WENT TO HEAR A BAND CALLED SPIRIT in 2016 They took led zeppelin to court. Unfortunately the lost but I'm a die hard ZEPPELIN fan but. No doubt about it PAGE &PLANT STOLE THE OPENING RIF ! BUT THEY HAD BETTER LAWYERS OTHERWISE CLEARY WOULD HAVE LOST CASE !

[@zedheadful]

Too bad zep almost never gave due credit to the original authors​@brendasmart553

[@imagine9265]

@zedheadful TRUE UNFORTUNATELY I LOVE THE MUSIC BUT I SEE ALOT OF NEGATIVE THINGS SAID BY OTHER ARTISTS AND ESPECIALLY HOW THEY TREATED GROUPIES. THEY DEFINITELY STOLE THE OPENING RIF OF STAIRWAY FROM A BAND called SPIRT IN 2014 THEY SUED LZ BUT HIGH PRICED ATTORNEYS GOT THEM.OFF THE HOOK FOR MILLIONS !

[@rogerdodrill4733]

They were heard, just not popular in the original version. Took zeppelins version to bring it to masses

[@KrustyNorth65]

Fantastic!! Always loved the song off of LZ -4! Great rendition! Loved the photo collage! Thanks for sharing!

[@nedrow5915]

This is so great I can’t take it. Such a beautiful piece of work from these folks, wow! Awesome pictures too. Great piece, thank you. Best version of this song I’ve ever heard.

[@davidratcliffe1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qajLdpRuq9qDbLcsi=kNsZrYRAIOLZsj5t

[@ronnieisaacs6960]

When the Levee Breaks is a country blues song written and first recorded by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929. Original version is on YT channel Restoration Archives. This is a brilliant version after the Led Zeppelin recording!

[@larryhuset4015]

Always been my favorite song of all time!

[@erickriebel4366]

This is a fantastic song and I don't care who sings it. This way here sounds great. Led Zeppelin was the only one I knew. But I love this one too no doubt about that❤❤❤

[@u4riahsc]

Me too - I thought it was as Zeppelin original, and this one is awesome.

[@erickriebel4366]

@@u4riahsc this song goes back to 1929 I didn't know that until yesterday there are a dozen or more great blues singers that have done this song very well check it out on Google and you will see for yourself and I'm going to start checking on other songs.

[@musicforaarre]

Wow !! Don't you love the feel of the photographs to back up the music too ? It gobsmacks me !!! Aarre Peltomaa

[@alysmarcus7747]

well at least the Stones gave credit to their blues covers , unlike Zeppelin

[@kaya7227]

原曲という言葉がこれほどしっくりくるのを私は知らない。

[@lorettahookano6139]

Man, when you look into the eye’s of people from this generation you totally see a different caliber !

[@gauravtejpal8901]

They were the best of us

[@marksauce2383]

That gritty determination, like we can take whatever you throw at us life

[@corinnadewar392]

What a brilliant song and Led Zeppelin did justice to this song.......awesome

[@GregNickoloff]

Unfortunately, this version doesn't do justice to the Zeppelin version or the original version either.

[@samr.england613]

@@GregNickoloff Damn good point! Memphis Minnie was great, and Page's re-arrangment and redo of it was fantastic!

[@drew699]

The version of this song is NOT old in anyway- it’s a silly Zep copy.

[@samr.england613]

@@drew699 Is it? It sure looks old. Did they use fake digital sepia?

[@bruceb5481]

​@@drew699Right. It's not old but it's far from silly. It's pretty good.

[@artrobledo213]

From Los Angeles,CA. Join the Air Force in 1975. Basic training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX. Technical School at Kessler AFB, MS. My first exposure to Grits. Thought it was Cream of Wheat. 😮

[@_barm]

two years later, I took the same trip. Keesler taught me how to smoke weed ... 107% recruitment goals that year, they didn't mind when I told them I wanted out. I have a hundred relatives in Louisiana ... I knew what grits were, and cream of wheat, didn't like either. Remember what George Carlin said: What's a grit?

[@lyndioli]

That's just amazing! Who would have thought that this was written in the late 20's?!!! Awesome recording, gotta share this for sure!

[@thecore6901]

Incredible photos..thank you

[@libertyresearch-iu4fy]

Most people don't know the song 'Man of Constant Sorrow' is even older than this.

[@karenpayne1284]

They created this because it was their life......simple as that. Look up the great flood of 1937 in Louisiana, I believe some of these awesome pics are from that tragedy. Born in New Orleans, much family history, I witnessed and my mom told stories of the family. My family they loved the black neighbors and white tried to help each other, I think they call it being a community and we all need that more than ever now a days.

[@user-lo3bh3cl4o]

Wow! How many great songs of which we have no idea are still out there?!

[@tommyhamilton2107]

Too many for me to hear in my remaining time.

[@TigerHighaf]

This song is well known though.

[@swhip897]

I imagine they have all been covered already. Amazing how many there are❤

[@endthisnonsense7202]

More than we'll evern have an idea about ;-( Especially those never recorded and long forgotten...

[@islandbirdw]

Been what they call “traditional“ the mighty Zep took it to another level. It was Deep South blues, revered by music fiends in the UK for decades. This one and a few others made legendary.

[@standtall7646]

AS a lifelong Zeppelin fan, this is actually first time I've heard the original version. Man, Pagey, Plant, Jones and Bonham really kept it very close to the original soundtrack!! Great Job!! Love the old original versions of the True Blues! These people KNEW what Hard Times really were. Today, Americans have NO IDEA what hard times are!!

[@alanwright7819]

THIS is the original version, or at least, the original recording… kzbin.info/www/bejne/pauchYeKqZidpbssi=qbrwo6bBOAMzNzbC

[@bigsilva1596]

Read the description, it's AI

[@standtall7646]

I didn't see that anywhere.@@bigsilva1596

[@philipball4720]

@@bigsilva1596 Yes, please do read the description. But this isn' t AI!

[@DR_MADE_MY_CAMELTOE]

its not the original version. This is ZEPS version. The original sounds nothing like ZEP. The only thing they share are the lyrics

[@maggieking6619]

I live in Levee Land. And I witnessed the complete destruction of our small Mississippi town when our levees were breached in Katrina. We had 35 foot of storm surge and water hit the 2nd floors of our Emergency Ops Center, 12 miles inland! We were in hotel on a bluff but I-10 was all water and debris. Dead cattle, boats bobbing fridges, a huge ball fuel storage floated p on I-10. About 20 feet wide. The winds ripped off the roof and first row of rooms, and we watched a 6 foot beach ball roll thru, then a small pocket rocket motorcycle cartwheeled thru I kept waiting for Dorothy's cow and the witch on her bike. But all we got was sun, no water or power, The lower half of our county had not a single standing home or business. Homes were piled up at the RR berms which acted as levee in Camille and was never breached. 40 foot debris piles met those trying to check on loved ones or their homes. It was Monday when Katrina roared through. She stopped, turned her head and cackled madly, "You thought surviving me was the worst part? You aint seen nothing yet, my pretties!"

[@debracole6587]

So many fantastic musicians from the south that no one has ever heard. Thanks to them Led Zeppelin and The Stones and many others changed music forever

[@Mark-ix3zz]

100%

[@michaelwheeler3782]

Don't forget Eric clapton

[@claudiamiller7730]

What a superb collection of photos! And the song? Well….just stunning? Thank you!

[@1994g0]

Authentic photos.Shows what Mississippi was like for Negroes between the 1920`s and 1960`s. No wonder so many Mississippi Negroes migrated to Chicago.

[@James-jf1sc]

Photos were inspiring. Life down south was especially rough, if not down right grueling. Music was one way to forget and to remind them they are human beings.

[@TimothyBrewer]

I really love this song. "Playing for change" feat. John Paul Jones, does a version of this that is fantastic!

[@mctavish23]

True.

[@BrunoCoutant]

A great song by all standards. Thank you for the info by other listeners about the great flood in 1927. Great video with fantastic photos.

[@pplrstrange]

That's the first song I ever played on my drums and it was due to Zeppelins forth album. It's beautiful.

[@stephenrossijr3233]

This is literally the first time I heard this version. It has grit sound. Something today's music forgot about. Despite when recorded it's a breath of fresh air. Thanks for sharing. Rocking 👍

[@user-qk3sc8rq9r]

Fantastic photo collection, just amazing. The music was equally good but the pictures were just phenomenal. I'm sure Zeppelin would approve, a wonderful video. Thanks for doing it.

[@jamesspalten5977]

Excellent rendition!!

[@johngarrabrant8180]

Listen to John Campbell, deceased.did this song great

[@floraldrivedreams7003]

The algorithm just delivered this one up to me. I love love love it. Thanks for posting it.

[@mikmaqwoman]

New tunes all stem from the old original tunes. I have never heard this ...ever. Thanx so much

[@silverlakegirl9078]

Wow!!!!! I've got the goosebumps!!!!! That's sooooo fantastic!!! I wonder how Led Zepplin came to record this song???!!!!!!

[@GregFortier-pm4pe]

This is awesome ! I feel like I discovered some thing special when I stumbled upon this !

[@HeyMykee]

Their first 2 albums I believe were mostly if not all covers of old blues songs. Around the time the second album. was released the lawsuits started. coming in because they failed to credit the writers/original performers, so they had to add that info when then albums were reprinted. If you have one that. doesn't include those credits it's a collectors' item and is worth some big bucks.

[@davidlee6720]

Great homage of this song by Led Zep who knew this music could not be beaten - even by them - and duly celebrated it. Every version of this song brilliant - from simple blues to complex modern adaptions.

[@kippywylie]

When Led Zeppelin covered Memphis Minnie's 1929 track “When the Levee Breaks” on their fourth album, the members of Led Zeppelin granted themselves songwriting credits..... Not the creator

[@davidlee6720]

naughty - but at least we got the song and then eventually the truth came out by those in the know -which was inevitable really - @@kippywylie

[@bbmtge]

Silly comment.

[@ACDZ123]

Led Zeppelin had no intention of letting you know it wasn't their song ..Zeppelin didn't plan on the internet to expose them

[@paulm2467]

This is a homage to the Led Zeppelin version, it’s nothing like the original musically.

[@DavidRobin-mv5tz]

Beautiful. Loved it. Inspiring

[@sheisntreal0_090]

Never heard this before but love it! ❤️🤘🎶

[@crazyjacobins305]

Been a Zep fan for nearly 50 years, and this just kicked me in the face. I'm so very often critical of younger people for not knowing the history of music, and I was entirely ignorant of this original version... shame on me!

[@briandeeley1599]

This is not an original version, this came out after Led Zeppelin's cover.

[@andrewcross8244]

Buddy you wouldn’t believe how many artists Zeppelin has flat out plagiarized

[@MrPanama9red]

For its time, this is a heavy song. Love this version!

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

While excellent, this is not an authentic old time blues rendition! It is an evocation, copying note for note Zeppelin's: 'retro'-izing it.

[@jimpage7141]

🤣 don't be silly. This is a new recording. This is the Zeppelin arrangement dummy.

[@MrPanama9red]

Cool, thanks! @@carlcushmanhybels8159

[@gustavobueno8786]

I had to listen 3 times in a row... amazing... love it the song, the history, the pictures... great post thank you.

[@SSHitMan]

So it was 42 years after it was written before Led Zeppelin recorded it, and now it's been 52 years since Zeppelin's recording. So the Zeppelin version is older to us than the original was to them. And yes I know this is a post-Zeppelin version that uses much of their arrangement.

[@Carlschwamberger1]

Recommend people pull up the original recorded by Memphis Minnie (Riperton) and Kansas Joe McCoy. Its closest to the Delta blues sound of the 1920s.

[@edwardvisser5765]

Right on Carl also Barbecue Bob did Mississippi heavy water blues + Mississippi low levee blues . Absolutely Iconic !

[@alanwright7819]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pauchYeKqZidpbssi=qbrwo6bBOAMzNzbC

[@johnking6252]

Damn , that's good 👍 thank you Sir !

[@johnnash4787]

Wow !!! Awesome version, Loved it ! "Aussie John"

[@juliancuartoguajardocastil92]

Gente de color trabajadora!. Y Buenas personas, Luchando contra todo atraves del tiempo, Dios los bendiga siempre!. 🙂👍👍👍👍👍 Saludos y bendiciones desde Monterrey México!.

[@staceyshaffer180]

I love it! Thank you for posting this amazing song.

[@kellyarnett4062]

It's too bad America didn't embrace our Blues artist. Britan just sold our soul back to us

[@madmesh978]

Philipjohndavenporrandlindseyannfox ?😊

[@skiterbite]

Brother you don't know Americana history, go to Austin Texas or Chicago sometimes, and talk to old people who knew Blues, white people too.

[@stevehope6283]

Race music as it was called wasn't welcomed not only in the white community but many black folks didn't approve of it. It took the Brits to remix, play, record and introduce it back into the USA.

[@johnhsing5828]

you are absolutely right@@stevehope6283

[@ericcartwright9420]

​@@skiterbite a lot of the blues started in the 20's very few white people ever heard it, even in the 40's it was mostly still only played in black bars etc, and when you move on into the 50's black artists like Billie Holiday had to arrive & leave venues by the back door! Learn your history.

[@jimgeelan5949]

Wow what an amazing set of pictures telling history with an a amazing tune 😊

[@charlesroderic1600]

Impressionante..... melhor sinda que o Led. Jesus.!!! E com arranjo de piano junto.... Existem verdadeiros tesouros no antigo blues.....

[@johngardner1290]

Fantastic! Loved it!

[@IhorFiglus]

According to the credits at the very end, this version was performed by a band called "Homunculus" who are from Cincinnati. Discogs does not list this song in their catalog but since it appears that the band has put out several private discs, I'm guessing this was a later one that was recorded in about 2018. It definitely does not sound like any kind of old "authentic" "original" recording. But I like it anyway.

[@philipball4720]

It's not that Homunculus (but good luck to them!)

[@eneastavora1943]

Amazing collection of old pictures. I’m goin’ to watch again on the big TV. Wonderful

[@twilightzone1776]

Damn it man...... shine some light on some historical figures in music history.... We need more of this. History is being erased faster that we can imagine...what a shame.

[@lixhialongochi9424]

Que grandiosa está versión original, solo la había escuchado con Led Zeppelin

[@Rebelde8680]

No por nada led zeppelin es la agrupación más plagiadora de la música negra, que le pregunten a Willie Dixon si miento. 🤭😄

[@Iampowerful8]

I loved John Bono's majestic drum style.

[@SorbetthekindUbuyina2ndhandsto]

When Bonzo said let's party!!! You had to tell him NO!!! Bonzo!!!! 👀 😢

[@karenpayne1284]

This is awesome, the instruments and music, the black / white photos , excellant pics! Americana, history, opportunity to understnd the lives slaves lived. I was born in New Orleans 1953. My Grandma helped people who rithelped her....Grandma had 11 kids, my mum was no. 7 on the list of siblings. French, Spanish, Irish, and oh yeah... don't forget the Brit and German, Amish connections. Yeah, I'm just a Heinze 57 mutt.......🤣

[@jasonglenn4965]

Great version, the piano is fantastic., 👌👍

[@soundshaper]

Has a Johnny Cash feel to it. I'm surprised that Cash didn't do a version, it would sound something like this.

[@Dstrbrdgrnd]

How high’s the water Mama? Six feet high and risin’

[@princesstna925]

Exactly what I thought and I'm sure he did do the song I'm just not sure we could find the recording

[@everythingisalie5320]

Our brothers and sisters gave us beautiful music despite their suffering.

[@DanielLopes-kv4sp]

Hey man that’s a wonderful thing to say. Not only shows heart but an intelligence most don’t have meaning- being human👍

[@everythingisalie5320]

@@DanielLopes-kv4sp My pleasure. No one should suffer in this world if they are decent people and most people are. Left alone without the manipulation from those higher up we would all be happy.

[@philipball4720]

I mean, I have so totally lost control of the narrative here that honestly all I can do is stand back and watch.

[@SorbetthekindUbuyina2ndhandsto]

Pls post lyrics 💕

[@brentemory1078]

This is Dread Zeppelin...slowed down...his voice is recognizable as is the reggae beat. I cant believe no one else caught it.

[@spartacusromanus]

Incrível! Todas as vezes que ouço a versão do Led Zeppelin imagino aquela bateria vigorosa do John Bonham como sendo uma locomotiva se movendo pelos trilhos. Que versão maravilhosa!

[@annhitchcock3093]

That comment is poetic. You should write.

[@user-do7sr4xl3e]

Yes...