Travelling Riverside Blues: Its Discovery and Place in Led Zeppelin’s Discography

Travelling Riverside Blues is a significant song in the legacy of rock band Led Zeppelin. Originally written and recorded by the legendary blues artist Robert Johnson, the song saw new life when Led Zeppelin played it during a BBC session in 1969. This article explores the background of the song, its journey through various Led Zeppelin projects, and its eventual release in the late 1980s.

Background and Inspiration

Travelling Riverside Blues is a powerful and evocative song that draws heavily from the rich tradition of American blues music. Robert Johnson, one of the most celebrated blues musicians of the 20th century, wrote the song in the early 1930s, influenced by his own experiences and the deep-rooted blues culture of the Mississippi Delta.

Discovered and Played by Led Zeppelin

In 1969, during one of their famous BBC sessions, Led Zeppelin recorded Travelling Riverside Blues. These BBC sessions were a series of unrecorded live performances that the band frequently conducted during their tour in the United Kingdom. They captured a unique and spontaneous aspect of the band's music, allowing listeners to hear their talents in a live setting.

The Unreleased Status

Although the band played the song during these BBC sessions, it did not end up on any of their original studio albums. This was common for many of the BBC performances, which were typically unreleased until later collections. The fact that Travelling Riverside Blues was not included in their debut releases suggests that it might have been seen as a more experimental or unplanned addition to their repertoire, although it did not go unappreciated.

First Official Release

The song finally surfaced in 1985 when it first appeared on The Complete BBC Sessions collection. This comprehensive box set marked the official release of the BBC sessions and featured a range of songs that had been recorded, including Travelling Riverside Blues. These recordings provided a fascinating insight into the evolution of the band's sound and style during their early years.

Box Set and Coda Releases

The real breakthrough for the song came in 1990 when it was included as a bonus track on the Coda album, which was part of the Complete Studio Recordings box set. This release cemented its place in the band's discography and allowed a broader audience to experience this blues masterpiece.

Reception and Significance

Travelling Riverside Blues has been widely recognized for its raw power and emotional depth, capturing the blues influences that were central to Led Zeppelin's music. The song not only connected the band to the rich history of blues but also showcased their exceptional musicianship. Its presence in both the Complete BBC Sessions and Coda albums has made it a standout track in the band's vast discography.

Conclusion

The journey of Travelling Riverside Blues from a live BBC recording to its place in the Led Zeppelin discography is a key example of how the band engaged with the blues tradition. This song serves as a reminder of the band's appreciation for earlier forms of music and their ability to breathe new life into them. Its inclusion in both the BBC sessions and the Coda album marks a significant chapter in Led Zeppelin's musical evolution, showcasing the enduring influence of Robert Johnson and the power of blues music.