In his debut novel, This Is Memorial Device, David Keenan discusses the incredible impact that musicians can have on people in remote locations. His example is how the Sex Pistols influenced people in Airdrie. But musical movements are not limited to punk. Robert Plant, like the characters in Keenan’s novel. He was swept up in the magical majesty of revolutionary sound. He claimed that one particularly pioneering folk artist completely altered his way of thinking.
Plant’s vocals, the subjects he wrote about, and his attitude toward music did not develop overnight. His vocal ability captured the hearts of millions. But to have the boldness to be his authentic self in music came from seeing others do it before him. He is the result of extensive exposure to various styles, which enables the singer to be both cohesive and experimental.
One artist he mentions who particularly influenced him may surprise some people. Led Zeppelin never recorded anything like Bob Dylan’s supple-sounding songs. However, Plant claims that the bard had a significant influence on his approach to art.
“Something happened when Dylan arrived,” Robert Plant explained. “I had to grapple with what he was talking about. His music included references to Woody Guthrie, Richard and Mimi Farina, Reverend Gary Davis, Dave Van Ronk, and other great American artists I was unfamiliar with. He was absorbing the details of America and bringing them out without hesitation. He sparked a phenomenal social conscience.”
Dylan was well-known for his ability to comment on American politics and culture. It inspired many musicians who saw their country portrayed accurately in the mainstream for the first time. Bruce Springsteen refers to Bob Dylan as the “father of my country” for this very reason.
Plant was not American, so while he appreciated Dylan’s work, there was a slight disconnect with the words. “In these Anglo-Saxon lands, we could only gawp because we didn’t know about the conditions he was singing about.”
Plant, like the characters in David Keenan’s book, was so removed from the songs’ subject matter and performance that he saw it as an intergalactic phenomenon. The music was more than just good; it was otherworldly and had a genuine magical quality. It was enough to change his perspective on sound completely. Dylan was the first to say, ‘Hello, reality.'” I knew I needed to remove the winkle-pickers and put on the sandals right away.”
Drawing parallels between Plant’s and Dylan’s music is difficult, but Dylan’s impact appears to be emotional rather than musical. He demonstrated the true power of art and reinforced that working with it is unavoidable, prompting Plant’s subsequent dedication to the craft.
