’70s Rock Legend Pays Tribute to Elvis Presley With Stirring Rendition of Iconic 1961 Ballad

Rock stars: They’re just like us. They love rock stars! 

Robert Plant, the golden god at the center of the legendary 1970s rock band Led Zeppelin, is no different. Known for his signature sound and powerful range, he’s one of the most dynamic vocalists in the biz. He’s also a fan of fellow rock royalty Elvis Presley. 

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So, when he treated fans to a stirring rendition of The King’s 1961 classic ballad, “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” let’s just say everyone was all shook up.

Plant’s tribute was recorded during a special benefit concert for Love frontman Arthur Lee at the Beacon Theatre inNew York City, and later (thankfully) uploaded to YouTube. And even though the performance happened years ago, it’s still finding new viewers and causing a stir online. 

In fact, American Songwriter just published a whole story on it, writing, “I just watched Robert Plant deliver what is now my absolute favorite rendition of Elvis Presley ever.”

The story also shares fan comments, which include, “He heard the man’s voice when he was a child and the rest is history. He has so much respect and admiration for Elvis,” “My absolutely favorite rendition of this song period,” and “Ah, honey you are so amazing. I’m just so ga-ga over this man. … I just can’t imagine what this place would be like without him.”

Presley’s timeless song, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, has many admirers. With well over 500 recorded covers in the songbooks, it’s pretty safe to say it’s one of the King’s most famous smash hits. From UB40, Beck, and Haley Reinhart, to Eels, Cameo, and even Pearl Jam, the track transcends time, genres, and musical eras. 

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A lifelong fan of Presley, Plant has been open about how the King of Rock and Roll has shaped his journey as a musician. According to Clash, Plant spent his childhood cosplaying The King in his family living room. One song in particular, “Hound Dog,” proved transformative for the future rocker, with Plant later describing it as an “opiate” that inspired him put away his stamp collection and pick up a mic.

In 1974, Plant reportedly met his music hero. Backstage at the Los Angeles Forum, Plant and Presley spent 90 minutes getting to know one another. The meet-cute ended with the two breaking into a duet of “Treat Me Like a Fool.” 

“When I met Elvis with Zeppelin, after one of his concerts in the early Seventies, I sized him up,” Plant shared, via Far Out. “He wasn’t quite as tall as me. But he had a singer’s build. He had a good chest — that resonator. And he was driven.” 

He added, “So when we were leaving, after a most illuminating and funny 90 minutes with the guy, I was walking down the corridor. He swung round the door frame, looking quite pleased with himself, and started singing that song: ‘Treat me like a fool … .’ I turned around and did Elvis right back at him. We stood there, singing to each other.”

The spontaneous duet became one of the greatest moments of Plant’s life. If only that moment, like Plant’s heartfelt take on “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” were caught on tape.

Related: ’70s Folk Rock Legend Stuns With Moving Performance of 1966 Timeless Ode to Home