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Crate record
Memphis Minnie

When the Levee Breaks

1929 · via Memphis Minnie

Memphis Minnie’s 1929 recording of “When the Levee Breaks” is the earliest release on file. Memphis Minnie shares the writing credit with Kansas Joe McCoy. John Bonham, John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant are on the credit through Led Zeppelin’s 1971 version. Also recorded by Led Zeppelin (released 1971), A Perfect Circle (released 2004) and Great White (released 1999).

Memphis Minnie – When the Levee Breaks
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Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy had this one on record back in 1929, and all four members of Led Zeppelin ended up sharing a writing credit with her. Play hers first, then theirs, and you'll hear where the four of them were standing.

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▶When The Levee Breaks (Album Version)
Liner notes

Credited writers: Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie.

John Bonham, John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant are on the credit through Led Zeppelin’s 1971 version.

Earliest release on file: this one, 1929.

Also filed under Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy.

Other recordings on file · first release year

15 recordings of this work on MusicBrainz.

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How you get here
Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy made the first recording of "When the Levee Breaks." Which band later recorded it, its four members sharing the writing credit with her?Led Zeppelin
a knot from Memphis Minnie · next: Led Zeppelin
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Facts from MusicBrainz and the Rabbit Hole Records crate. The counter notes are written by the clerk, an AI, from those facts only. General Admission 4 Us: start with an artist, leave with a rare cut.