Robert Plant's Early Days: The Band of Joy and the Legacy of 'Hey Joe
Robert Plant, known as the iconic frontman of Led Zeppelin, had already made a name for himself before joining the legendary band. In 1966, Plant was part of a group called Band of Joy, which also included future Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. Although Band of Joy didn't release an official album until 1978, they recorded two demos in the late '60s, covering songs like "For What It's Worth" and "Hey Joe." These demos resurfaced later on Plant's compilation album Sixty Six to Timbuktu, showcasing his early work as a musician.
Even though the Band of Joy recordings didn't directly lead to Plant and Bonham's success, by 1968, both musicians had already become members of Led Zeppelin and were on their way to superstardom. Plant reflected on his experience singing covers as a young rock star, noting that performing stock tunes didn't allow for much self-expression at the time. Despite this, the covers they recorded, including "Hey Joe," became part of their musical journey.
The song "Hey Joe," famously associated with Jimi Hendrix, has a disputed origin. While it was copyrighted by Billy Roberts in 1962, some credit Dino Valenti as the author, while others consider it a traditional song with no specific writer. Regardless of its origins, "Hey Joe" became a timeless classic, especially after Hendrix performed it at Woodstock, solidifying its place in music history. The legacy of the song continues to endure, showcasing the enduring impact of iconic rock tunes.