How Many Led Zeppelin Members Played with Donovan and on Which Songs?

Introduction to the Collaboration

While Led Zeppelin is primarily known for their powerful and innovative rock music, their members also dabbled in collaborations with other artists outside of their famous band. One such collaboration involved Led Zeppelin's members playing with Donovan, a folk and psychedelic music icon. This article explores how many Led Zeppelin members played with Donovan and delves into the songs where they feature.

Members of Led Zeppelin and Their Connections to Donovan

According to available sources, every Led Zeppelin member except Robert Plant played with Donovan at one point or another. Robert Plant would go on to become a significant musical collaborator with Donovan, but for the purpose of this discussion, we focus on the other members. John Carr, often credited as the drummer, played with Donovan in most of the sessions, though this claim is sometimes disputed.

However, John Bonham, the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer, also played on some of Donovan's songs, including the hit track "Hurdy Gurdy Man." This is an interesting point of contention among Donovan's fans, with some sources disputing Bonham's involvement. To resolve this ambiguity, let’s delve further into the specific song and session details.

Details of the Collaboration on "Hurdy Gurdy Man"

"Hurdy Gurdy Man" is a standout track from Donovan's album, and several Led Zeppelin members contributed to the song. According to the credits, both Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones are listed as producers and instrumentalists.

The unique nature of "Hurdy Gurdy Man" was its usage of a hurdy gurdy, a medieval instrument that creates a distinctive, melancholic sound. The hurdy gurdy, featured prominently in the song, was actually played by an Australian musician, adding an interesting international element to the collaboration. Additionally, the song includes a performance by Alan Holdsworth, a renowned prog and jazz fusion guitarist, perhaps furthering Donovan's folk roots with a touch of modernity.

According to Donovan's own account, he played the acoustic parts with a lead style that closely resembled Jimmy Page. This suggests a musical connection and mutual appreciation between the two artists, even as they explore different styles and sounds.

Additional Insights from Donovan

Beyond "Hurdy Gurdy Man," Donovan also recalls that John Bonham contributed to his albums early on. Despite the dispute over his absence from "Hurdy Gurdy Man," Bonham's involvement in earlier Donovan projects provides a fascinating glimpse into the musical dynamics between these artists.

Jimmy Page's sessions with Donovan included working on the Barabajagal album, where Page was heavily involved in the production. This involvement suggests a broader collaboration and shared interest in exploring innovative and artistic music.

Furthermore, John Paul Jones's role in Donovan's sessions, particularly with "Hurdy Gurdy Man," demonstrates his versatility as a musician. Known for his work with Led Zeppelin, Jones's contribution to Donovan's music highlights the cross-pollination of ideas and talents in the music industry.

Conclusion

While the exact nature of Led Zeppelin members' involvement with Donovan may be a subject of speculation, it is clear that the collaboration showcased the diverse musical interests and talents of these artists. The incorporation of exotic instruments and styles into Donovan's music reflects the cultural and musical exchange of the late 1960s and early 1970s. This period was marked by a fusion of different musical genres and styles, further cementing the legacy of both Led Zeppelin and Donovan.