History of Robert Plant in Timeline
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, he fronted the band, contributing to their immense success. Following Led Zeppelin's breakup, Plant embarked on a successful solo career, collaborating with artists like Alison Krauss. He is celebrated as one of rock's greatest vocalists, recognized for his dynamic stage presence, powerful voice, and flamboyant style.
August 1948: Robert Plant's Birth
Robert Anthony Plant was born in August 1948. He later became the lead singer and lyricist of Led Zeppelin.
1967: Work at Wimpey Construction
In 1967, Robert Plant worked for the construction company Wimpey in Birmingham, laying tarmac on roads, as he pursued 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 and was impressed by his singing of "Somebody to Love", leading to Plant joining Page's new band.
1968: Led Zeppelin Founding
In 1968, Robert Plant became the lead singer of the rock band Led Zeppelin, marking a significant point in his career.
1968: Joining The Yardbirds and Formation of Led Zeppelin
In 1968, Robert Plant was invited to join the Yardbirds by Peter Grant and Jimmy Page. The band then changed its name to Led Zeppelin.
1968: Formation of the New Yardbirds/Led Zeppelin
In 1968, the band initially dubbed the "New Yardbirds" was formed and soon came to be known as Led Zeppelin, starting their journey.
1969: Release and Impact of Led Zeppelin's Debut Album
In 1969, Led Zeppelin's eponymous debut album was released and became a catalyst for the heavy metal genre.
1969: Beginning of Songwriting with Led Zeppelin
Robert Plant began writing song lyrics with Led Zeppelin during the making of Led Zeppelin II in 1969, marking the start of his lyrical contributions.
1970: Writing Lyrics for Stairway to Heaven
In 1970, most of the lyrics of "Stairway to Heaven" from Led Zeppelin IV were written spontaneously by Robert Plant at Headley Grange during the recording of the track.
1972: Birth of Son Karac Pendragon
In 1972, Robert Plant and Maureen Wilson's son, Karac Pendragon, was born.
1973: Purchase of Welsh Sheep Farm
In 1973, Robert Plant bought a Welsh sheep farm and began taking Welsh lessons, influencing his mystical lyrics. His son Karac was named after the Welsh warrior Caratacus.
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 Led Zeppelin's production and tour schedule.
July 1977: Death of Robert Plant's Son Karac
In July 1977, Robert Plant's son Karac died at the age of five while Plant was on tour with Led Zeppelin. This caused Plant to question his future.
1977: Death of Son Karac Pendragon
In 1977, during Led Zeppelin's US tour, Robert Plant and Maureen Wilson's five-year-old son, Karac, died of a stomach illness.
1979: Birth of Son Logan Romero
In 1979, Robert Plant and Maureen Wilson's son, Logan Romero, was born.
December 1980: Consideration of Abandoning Music
In December 1980, after Led Zeppelin disbanded, Robert Plant considered abandoning music to become a teacher, but embarked on a successful solo career instead.
1980: Led Zeppelin Dissolution
After Led Zeppelin dissolved in 1980, Robert Plant continued to perform and record on solo and group projects.
1980: Post Led Zeppelin Collaboration with Jimmy Page
Although Led Zeppelin disbanded in 1980, Robert Plant occasionally collaborated with Jimmy Page on various projects through this period.
1982: Release of "Pictures at Eleven"
In 1982, Robert Plant released his first solo album, Pictures at Eleven, which reached the top ten on the Billboard albums chart.
August 1983: Divorce from Maureen Wilson
In August 1983, Robert Plant divorced Maureen Wilson.
1983: Release of "The Principle of Moments"
In 1983, Robert Plant released The Principle of Moments and had a Top 20 hit with "Big Log". He also toured successfully with Phil Collins on drums.
1984: Formation of The Honeydrippers
In 1984, Robert Plant collaborated with Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck to form the short-lived group the Honeydrippers, who had a hit with "Sea of Love".
July 1985: Live Aid Performance
On 13 July 1985, Robert Plant performed with surviving members of Led Zeppelin for Live Aid, with Phil Collins and Tony Thompson on drums. Plant was unhappy with the performance.
1985: Release of "Shaken 'n' Stirred" and "White Nights" Soundtrack Appearance
In 1985, Robert Plant released Shaken 'n' Stirred, and his song "Far Post" appeared on the soundtrack of the movie White Nights.
1986: Performance at Birmingham Heart Beat Charity Concert
In 1986, Robert Plant performed at the Birmingham Heart Beat Charity Concert with other famous Midlands musicians.
May 1988: Appearance with Led Zeppelin at Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary Concert
On 15 May 1988, Robert Plant appeared with Jimmy Page as a member of Led Zeppelin at the Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary concert and also performed as a solo artist.
May 1988: Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary Performance
On 15 May 1988, Robert Plant performed with surviving members of Led Zeppelin for Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary, with Jason Bonham on drums. Plant was unhappy with the performance.
1988: Co-writing "Now and Zen"
In 1988, Robert Plant co-wrote the solo album Now and Zen with keyboardist/songwriter Phil Johnstone.
1990: Co-writing "Manic Nirvana"
In 1990, Robert Plant co-wrote the solo album Manic Nirvana with keyboardist/songwriter Phil Johnstone.
1990: Silver Clef Award Winners Concert at Knebworth
In 1990, Robert Plant was joined by Jimmy Page at the Silver Clef Award Winners Concert at Knebworth. Some of their set was released on a live album and video.
1990: Knebworth Silver Clef Award
Robert Plant received the Knebworth Silver Clef Award in 1990.
1991: Birth of Son Jesse Lee
In 1991, Robert Plant and Shirley Wilson (sister of ex-wife Maureen) had a son, Jesse Lee.
1992: Performance at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert
In 1992, Robert Plant performed with Queen at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness at Wembley Stadium, singing Queen's "Innuendo" and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", and Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" and "Thank You".
1993: Dating Najma Akhtar
From 1993, Robert Plant dated English singer Najma Akhtar, who provided vocals on the Page & Plant Unledded tour.
1993: Co-writing "Fate of Nations" and Glastonbury Performance
In 1993, Robert Plant co-wrote the Fate of Nations album with Phil Johnstone and performed at Glastonbury Festival, featuring a mix of songs from the album and Led Zeppelin classics.
1993: Release of "Fate of Nations"
In 1993, Robert Plant released the album Fate of Nations, which included the song "I Believe", dedicated to his late son, Karac.
1994: Releasing "No Quarter: Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Unledded"
In 1994, Page and Plant released the album No Quarter: Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Unledded, marking their reunion.
1994: Revisiting Influences in "No Quarter"
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 Denton Talk Show
In 1994, Robert Plant mentioned on the Denton talk show his childhood desire to be like Elvis Presley when he was ten years old.
1994: Reflection on Led Zeppelin Showmanship
In 1994, during his "Unledded" tour with Jimmy Page, Robert Plant reflected tongue-in-cheek upon his Led Zeppelin showmanship.
1995: Led Zeppelin's Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1995, Led Zeppelin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, honoring their significant contribution to music.
1995: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
In 1995, Led Zeppelin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Robert Plant performed a medley of blues numbers and "When the Levee Breaks" with other musicians at the induction show.
1995: Successful Tour
In 1995, Page and Plant had an enormously successful tour, including a return to the Glastonbury Festival.
1995: Ending Relationship with Najma Akhtar
In 1995, Robert Plant ended his relationship with English singer Najma Akhtar.
1998: End of Page and Plant Performing Act
From 1994 through 1998, Page and Plant became a full-fledged performing act and in 1998, the performing act ended.
1998: Release of "Walking into Clarksdale"
In 1998, Page and Plant recorded their only post-Zeppelin album of original material with the album Walking into Clarksdale.
1998: Grammy Award for "Most High"
In 1998, Page and Plant won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance for "Most High".
2002: Release of Dreamland
In 2002, Robert Plant tapped into his musical influences on the album Dreamland during his solo career.
September 2004: Donation to 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 in Wales.
2006: Hit Parader Names Plant "Greatest Metal Vocalist of All Time"
In 2006, Hit Parader named Robert Plant the "Greatest Metal Vocalist of All Time", recognizing his contributions to the genre.
2006: Hit Parader's Greatest Metal Vocalists List
In 2006, Robert Plant was named No. 1 on Hit Parader's list of the 100 Greatest Metal Vocalists of All Time.
December 2007: Ahmet Ertegün Tribute Concert
On 10 December 2007, Led Zeppelin performed a full two-hour set at the Ahmet Ertegün Tribute Concert, with Jason Bonham on drums.
2007: Collaboration with Alison Krauss and Release of "Raising Sand"
In 2007, Robert Plant began a collaboration with Alison Krauss, releasing the album Raising Sand.
2007: Re-recording "Please Read the Letter" with Alison Krauss
In 2007, Robert Plant re-recorded the song "Please Read the Letter" with Alison Krauss, featuring it on their album which later won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
2007: Q Magazine's 100 Greatest Singers
In 2007, Robert Plant was ranked at number 8 in Q magazine's list of "100 Greatest Singers".
January 2008: Plant's Statement on Touring
In a January 2008 interview, Robert Plant stated that he does not want to "tour like a bunch of bored old men following the Rolling Stones around," further opposing a full Led Zeppelin tour.
2008: Rolling Stone's Greatest Singers List
In 2008, Rolling Stone named Robert Plant the 15th-greatest singer of all time on their list of 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.
2008: Rolling Stone's Ranking of Plant as One of the Best Singers
In 2008, Rolling Stone ranked Robert Plant as one of the 100 best singers of all time, recognizing his vocal talent.
August 2009: Appointment as Vice-President of Wolverhampton Wanderers
On 14 August 2009, Robert Plant became the third vice-president of the Wolverhampton Wanderers football club, officially receiving the honour before the club's first match of the season against West Ham United.
2009: Plant Voted "Greatest Voice in Rock"
In 2009, Robert Plant was voted "the greatest voice in rock" in a poll conducted by classic rock radio station Planet Rock, highlighting his iconic status.
2009: Recognition as Greatest Voice in Rock
In 2009, Robert Plant was voted the "greatest voice in rock" in a poll conducted by Planet Rock. He also won the Outstanding Contribution to Music prize at the Q Awards.
2009: Grammy Award for Album of the Year for "Raising Sand"
In 2009, the album Raising Sand, a collaboration between Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Their song "Please Read the Letter" also won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
August 2010: Express & Star Interview
In August 2010, Robert Plant recalled in an interview with his local newspaper, the Express & Star, his first visit to Molineux Stadium when he was five years old.
September 2010: NPR's 50 Great Voices
On 20 September 2010, National Public Radio (NPR) named Robert Plant as one of the "50 Great Voices" in the world.
2010: Revival of Band of Joy
In 2010, Robert Plant revived the Band of Joy, which shared its name with an early band he performed with in the 1960s.
2011: Readers' Poll Selection as Greatest Lead Singer
In 2011, Robert Plant was the top pick for the greatest lead singer in a readers' poll, highlighting his popularity and impact.
July 2012: Relationship with Patty Griffin
In a July 2012 interview, Robert Plant stated he "eloped and ran off to Texas" with American singer Patty Griffin, later clarified as residing in Texas with her. They had been dating for over a year, spending half of their time together in Austin, Texas.
2012: Formation of The Sensational Space Shifters
In 2012, Robert Plant formed a new band called The Sensational Space Shifters, expanding his musical explorations.
February 2013: Hint at Led Zeppelin Reunion
In February 2013, Robert Plant hinted that he was open to a Led Zeppelin reunion in 2014, stating that he was "not the bad guy" regarding the band's dormancy.
2013: Contribution to The Bell Inn Buyout Scheme
In early 2013, Robert Plant contributed to a community buyout scheme to save the Bath music venue The Bell Inn.
July 2014: Plant's Response to Page's Frustration
On 30 July 2014, it was revealed that Robert Plant was "slightly disappointed and baffled" by Jimmy Page, during an ongoing Led Zeppelin dispute. Plant offered to write acoustically with Page.
August 2014: Breakup with Patty Griffin
On 23 August 2014, The Independent reported that Robert Plant had broken up with Patty Griffin, citing differences in their preferences and lifestyles.
2014: Possible Led Zeppelin Reunion
In 2014, Robert Plant suggested that he was open to a Led Zeppelin reunion.
2014: Page Expresses Frustration with Plant's Refusal to Play
In spring 2014, Jimmy Page expressed frustration with Robert Plant's refusal to play more concerts with Led Zeppelin, stating that Plant was "just playing games" and that he was "fed up with it."
July 2018: Silver Cleff Integro Outstanding Award
In July 2018, Robert Plant won the Silver Cleff Integro Outstanding Award, announced by music charity Nordoff Robbins.
February 2019: Formation of Saving Grace and Support Slots
In February 2019, Robert Plant formed a low-key acoustic band called Saving Grace and performed support slots for Fairport Convention and Seth Lakeman.
March 2019: LOVE ROCKS NYC Performance
In March 2019, Robert Plant performed at the Third Annual LOVE ROCKS NYC, a benefit concert for God's Love We Deliver in New York City. The event featured an all-star lineup and was hosted by notable figures.
April 2019: Recording of Saving Grace Album Begins
In April 2019, Robert Plant started recording his first studio record with Saving Grace between April 2019 and January 2025 in the Cotswolds and on the Welsh Borders.
2019: Reunion with Alison Krauss
In 2019, Robert Plant reunited with Alison Krauss, continuing their collaborative musical journey.
2019: Hiatus of Saving Grace
In 2019, Saving Grace went on hiatus until July 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
2019: Fate of Nations Remastered Release
In 2019, a remastered version of Robert Plant's album "Fate of Nations" was released via his Es Paranza label as part of Record Store Day, with proceeds going to Greenpeace.
March 2020: Saving Grace US Tour Announcement
In March 2020, Saving Grace announced a US tour scheduled for May 2020. However, the tour was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 2020: Saving Grace US Tour Cancellation
In May 2020, Saving Grace's announced US tour was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Donation Towards COVID-19 Medical Supplies
In 2020, Robert Plant donated money towards frontline medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds supported a clothing manufacturer in Kidderminster, England, making scrubs for local hospitals.
July 2021: First Post-Pandemic Show with Saving Grace
On 19 July 2021, Robert Plant appeared onstage for his first post-pandemic show in Worthing, West Sussex, performing with his band Saving Grace for the first time since 2019. He subsequently toured the UK with Saving Grace for rescheduled shows.
2023: Billboard Ranks Plant Among Greatest Rock Lead Singers
In 2023, Billboard ranked Robert Plant number four on their list of The 50 Greatest Rock Lead Singers of All Time, solidifying his legacy.
January 2025: Recording of Saving Grace Album Ends
In January 2025, Robert Plant ended recording his first studio record with Saving Grace between April 2019 and January 2025 in the Cotswolds and on the Welsh Borders.
July 2025: Saving Grace Album and Summer Concerts Announcement
On 16 July 2025, the upcoming release of "Saving Grace" (credited "with Suzi Dian"), Plant's first studio record with his Saving Grace band mates, was announced for 26 September 2025. Summer concert dates in July 2025 in France and Spain, and a US autumn tour in late October and November 2025 were also announced.
September 2025: Release of Saving Grace Album
On 26 September 2025, Robert Plant's first studio record with his band Saving Grace, titled "Saving Grace (credited 'with Suzi Dian')", will be released via Nonesuch Records.
November 2025: US Autumn Tour
In late October and November 2025, Robert Plant will embark on a US Autumn tour with Saving Grace.
2025: Netflix Series Announcement
On 25 October 2025, Netflix officially confirmed a 4K Ultra HD 16-episode limited series directed and narrated by Robert Plant, titled "Robert Plant: Roots and Resonance", chronicling his journey from his beginnings to global stardom.
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