Childhood and Education Journey of Robert Plant in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Robert Plant, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Robert Plant is an English singer and songwriter, best known as the lead singer and lyricist of the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin from 1968 to 1980. After Led Zeppelin's dissolution, he embarked on a successful solo career, marked by collaborations with artists like Alison Krauss. Plant is widely regarded as one of rock's greatest vocalists, celebrated for his dynamic stage presence, distinctive voice, and significant contributions to music.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

August 1948: Robert Plant's Birth

Robert Anthony Plant was born on 20 August 1948, in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England.

Others born on this day/year

1967: Working for Wimpey

In 1967, Robert Plant worked for the British construction company Wimpey in Birmingham, laying tarmac on roads, while pursuing his music career.

November 1968: Marriage to Maureen Wilson

On 9 November 1968, Robert Plant married Maureen Wilson.

1968: Meeting Jimmy Page

In 1968, Jimmy Page met Robert Plant while searching for a lead singer for his new band, after being referred to him by Terry Reid. Plant was singing in a band named Hobbstweedle at a teacher training college in Birmingham.

1968: Led Zeppelin Founding

In 1968, Robert Plant became the lead singer and lyricist of the rock band Led Zeppelin, marking the beginning of his prominent career in rock music.

1968: Joining The Yardbirds

In 1968, Robert Plant was invited by Peter Grant and Jimmy Page to join The Yardbirds, which was being reformed. This new version of the band eventually became Led Zeppelin.

1968: Formation of The New Yardbirds

In 1968, the band initially dubbed the "New Yardbirds" was formed, which later became known as Led Zeppelin.

1972: Birth of Son Karac

In 1972, Robert Plant and Maureen Wilson had their son, Karac Pendragon.

1973: Buying a Welsh Sheep Farm

In 1973, Robert Plant bought a Welsh sheep farm, began taking Welsh lessons, and explored Welsh mythology, influencing his later lyrics.

1975: Car Accident in Rhodes, Greece

In 1975, Robert Plant and his wife Maureen were seriously injured in a car crash in Rhodes, Greece, affecting the production of Led Zeppelin's seventh album, Presence, and forcing the band to cancel tour dates.

July 1977: Death of Son Karac

In July 1977, Robert Plant's son Karac died at the age of five while Plant was on tour with Led Zeppelin in the United States, leading Plant to question his future.

1977: Death of Son Karac

In 1977, during Led Zeppelin's US tour, Robert Plant and Maureen Wilson's five-year-old son, Karac, died of a stomach illness. The song "All My Love" was written as a tribute to him.

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1979: Birth of Son Logan

In 1979, Robert Plant and Maureen Wilson had their son, Logan Romero.

December 1980: Disbanding of Led Zeppelin

In December 1980, after the death of John Bonham, Led Zeppelin disbanded, leading Robert Plant to consider teaching before embarking on a solo career.

1980: Post Led Zeppelin Collaboration

Although Led Zeppelin disbanded in 1980, Robert Plant occasionally collaborated with Jimmy Page on various projects.

1980: Led Zeppelin Breakup

In 1980, Led Zeppelin broke up, marking the end of an era for the band and leading Robert Plant to pursue a solo career.

August 1983: Divorce from Maureen Wilson

In August 1983, Robert Plant and Maureen Wilson divorced.

1984: Forming The Honeydrippers

In 1984, Robert Plant formed a short-lived all-star group with Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck called The Honeydrippers.

1991: Birth of Son Jesse Lee

In 1991, Robert Plant and Shirley Wilson (sister of ex-wife Maureen) had a son, Jesse Lee.

1994: Page and Plant Reunion

From 1994, Page and Plant became a full-fledged performing act, releasing the album No Quarter: Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Unledded.

1994: Revisiting Influences

In 1994, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page revisited their musical influences during their reunion album No Quarter: Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Unledded.

1994: Interview on the Denton Talk Show

In 1994, Robert Plant stated in an interview with Andrew Denton on the Denton talk show that as a ten-year-old, he desired to be like Elvis Presley.

1994: "Unledded" Tour Reflection

In 1994, during his "Unledded" tour with Jimmy Page, Robert Plant reflected on his Led Zeppelin showmanship.

1998: End of Page and Plant Performing Act

In 1998, Page and Plant's time as a full-fledged performing act ended after releasing the album No Quarter: Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Unledded and undertaking a successful tour.

September 2004: Unveiling of Owain Glyndŵr Statue

In September 2004, Robert Plant donated money to the creation of a bronze statue of the Welsh prince Owain Glyndŵr at Pennal Church, Wales, which was unveiled. He also contributed to a slate carving of Glyndŵr's coat of arms at the Celtica museum in Machynlleth.

2007: Collaboration with Alison Krauss

In 2007, Robert Plant began a collaboration with bluegrass artist Alison Krauss, releasing the album Raising Sand.

August 2009: Wolverhampton Wanderers Vice-President

On 14 August 2009, Robert Plant was announced as the third vice-president of the Wolverhampton Wanderers football club. He officially received the honour at the club's first match of the season against West Ham United.

August 2010: Express & Star Interview

In an August 2010 interview with the Express & Star, Robert Plant recalled his first visit to Molineux Stadium at age five, where Billy Wright waved at him, sparking his lifelong support for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

2010: Band of Joy Revival

In 2010, Robert Plant revived the Band of Joy, sharing its name with an early band he performed with in the 1960s.

July 2012: Relationship with Patty Griffin

In July 2012, Robert Plant stated in an interview he "eloped and ran off to Texas" with Patty Griffin. Plant's manager clarified that he was referring to residing in Texas with her. The pair had been dating for over a year.

2012: Formation of the Sensational Space Shifters

In 2012, Robert Plant formed a new band called the Sensational Space Shifters.

2013: Contribution to The Bell Inn Buyout

In early 2013, Robert Plant contributed to a community buyout scheme to save the Bath music venue The Bell Inn.

August 2014: Breakup with Patty Griffin

On 23 August 2014, The Independent reported that Robert Plant had broken up with Patty Griffin, citing their differing lifestyles and Plant's sadness and regret.

2019: Reunion with Alison Krauss

In 2019, Robert Plant reunited with Alison Krauss, resuming their collaboration.

2020: Donation for COVID-19 Medical Supplies

In 2020, Robert Plant donated money towards frontline medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically to a clothing manufacturer in Kidderminster, England that makes scrubs for local hospitals.

March 2022: Desert Island Discs Guest

On 15 March 2022, Robert Plant was the guest on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs. His musical choices included "I Ain't Superstitious" by Howlin' Wolf and "Ohio" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. His book choice was The Earliest English Poems, translated by Michael Alexander, his luxury item was a basket containing photos of homing pigeons and his favourite musical piece was "Serenade" by Mario Lanza.