	AllExperts > Experts
	Search

About Mike Caldwell
Expertise
Fortunately, or unfortunately, there are no Led Zeppelin questions I can't answer. My immediate specialty (or proclivity as it may be) has to do with concert performances and lyrical interpretations.

Experience
Countless hours of biographical research and personal interaction with relevant individuals. Avid contributor to Led Zeppelin newsgroups since 1997 (check Google groups!)

Publications
Bullseye News Magazine. The Vapid Voice.

Education/Credentials
Masters Degree, Computer Science.

Awards and Honors
Several literary awards.

You are here: Experts > Music/Performing Arts > Classic Rock > Led Zeppelin > Multi-Question!

Topic: Led Zeppelin

Expert: Mike Caldwell
Date: 5/31/2008
Subject: Multi-Question!

Question
Hey Mike, I have to get several answers to several questions.

1) I have a recording of what I'm fairly sure is Led Zeppelin playing a cover of "Crossroads." Here is a link to the recording:

http://rapidshare.com/files/118756826/Led_Zeppelin_-_Zeppelin_Unreleased_And_Rar...

I'd like to know if that is really what I think it is.

2) Is the Zeppelin recording "Sugar Mama" at all a cover of the Sonny Boy Williamson song of the same name (as it is credited by Nigel Williamson in the Rough Guide to Led Zeppelin)?

Thanks for you time!

Answer
#1 - Page and Plant performed the track together, most notably in the spring of 1998. Just those two, and while some might wish it were the case, it wasn't Zeppelin. Here's a video clip, since I couldn't access your link (too many issues with getting to it).
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/jimmy-page-and-robert-plant-crossroads-t/27979...

#2 - It's not a cover of the SBW song at all - just a reference to the title, is all. First of all, the lyrics to Zeppelin's abortive recording were just off-the-cuff and not really scripted, and have absolutely no similarity (apart from the title) to SBW's version. For additional reference here is SBW's original lyrics:

http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/s/sonny_boy_williamson_i/sugar_mama.html

And here are the on-the-fly lyrics that Zep had going:
http://www.metrolyrics.com/sugar-mama-lyrics-led-zeppelin.html

Definitely not a cover, but certainly the idea was in Plant's mind while they ran through this attempt at a new track.

Add to this Answer Ask a Question

About Us | Advertise on This Site | User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright © 2008 About, Inc. About and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. The About logo is a trademark of About, Inc. All rights reserved.