Imagine watching the most touching version of Stairway To Heaven ever—not by Led Zeppelin, but by two women from another famous band called Heart. Back in the 1970s, both Led Zeppelin and Heart were super popular rock bands. Led Zeppelin made music that lots of other artists loved and copied, while Heart stood out as a successful band led by women.
In 2012, something special happened. U.S. President Barack Obama gave Led Zeppelin a big award called the Kennedy Centre Honors. This award goes to people who’ve done amazing things for American culture, like singers Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. That year, it was Led Zeppelin’s turn because their music changed the world. Bands like Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and even Lady Gaga said Led Zeppelin inspired them. Heart, meanwhile, was known for hits like These Dreams and Alone, and they were the only big rock band with women in charge.
At the award ceremony in the Kennedy Centre, Ann and Nancy Wilson from Heart teamed up with Jason Bonham, the son of Led Zeppelin’s drummer John Bonham, to play Stairway To Heaven. It was a huge deal to perform this famous song in front of Led Zeppelin themselves, the President, and a crowd full of famous people. They were nervous, but they didn’t need to be—their version was incredible! It was full of feeling and energy.
What made it even more special was watching Led Zeppelin’s reactions. Robert Plant, the singer, had tears in his eyes. The whole band smiled at each other, remembering old times. There was a sweet moment when a choir singing with Heart put on black hats to honor John Bonham, who died in 1980. Jason, playing the drums like his dad, cried too but kept perfect time. Everyone in the room stood up and cheered when it was over.
The camera showed the audience singing and dancing along. Led Zeppelin’s music meant so much to so many people—more than they ever knew. Later, Robert Plant said it felt strange to hear his old song and think about how it connected to him now, as a 64-year-old man. Ann and Nancy were scared to play such a loved song, but afterward, Led Zeppelin told them they did an awesome job. Robert even said he usually hates hearing people mess up Stairway To Heaven, but Heart got it right. Another member, Jimmy Page, told Nancy she played perfectly.
This performance was so amazing that it’s something we all wish we could’ve seen in person. It showed how music can bring people together and make them feel big emotions.
