7 Comments

That's some great radio, Rickie, thanks! Deep insights about the through line from Janis to Robert (and those that followed), and also the stark differences between them. I was one of those air guitar-playing teenage boys listening to Zeppelin. But my older sister had already turned me on to Janis beforehand, so I got that connection the first time I heard Robert.

I never liked his lyrics in songs that expressed animosity toward women ("Black Dog" is another one that always made me wince). He did sometimes write lyrics that expressed only love and respect for women ("Thank You," "The Rain Song"). I liked those songs better.

And I always loved Janis's vibe more. Thanks for this tribute to her. And for including your own beautiful ballad -- not a "power ballad," but a very powerful ballad -- at the end.

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yea! If i can make a connection - especially including women - that we just didn't see before, then I have done what I wanted to do with the podcast. Influences can get lost in the shuffle of time and car commercials. I was quite stoked when i saw the connection. I wonder if Robert would agree.

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Wonderful. I love all the artists you mentioned, and the way you connected the dots, and your heartbreaking ballad at the end

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Thank you Rickie for knitting this yarn together, and knitting us together into it. It’s really fascinating to follow your inciteful connections/projections. I never thought of the placing Janis and Robert the way you do. But it’s so obvious whe you do. Bam! And your reflection on Steve Perry. Thank you for this too.

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Nice listen down memory lane...

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Nice connection between Plant and Joplin and Heart that I'd never considered but seems such a direct line. It makes sense then why Heart did that amazing finale of Stairway to Heaven at Kennedy Center event honoring Led Zeppelin.

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