Top 10 Cover Versions of Led Zeppelin's Black Dog

Photo: John Bennett [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

If you have read any of the articles on classicrockhistory.com about Led Zeppelin, you may have noticed that Led Zeppelin is our favorite band here at the site. You may also have come across an article or two that defines our favorite Led Zeppelin songs. High up on that list is the ultimate Led Zeppelin classic, “Black Dog.” Released on the band’s fourth album in 1971, “Black Dog” opened the album with an incredible guitar-and-vocal riff that became an instant classic.

The song’s title supposedly developed from the band noticing a Black Labrador Retriever roaming the grounds outside the studio where they were recording Led Zeppelin IV. The song’s classic riff has been attributed to the band’s bassist and keyboardist, John Paul Jones. The publishing credit listing Jones first confirms his important contribution to the song.

The song’s time-shifting meter was written on purpose to make it difficult to cover. Jimmy Page has confirmed that in multiple interviews. Despite its intricate rhythms, many artists have attempted to cover it. Some have done great versions while others have been quite comical. Here is a list of ten of our favorites. Let us know if we missed yours.

# 10 – Lou Gramm

Starting our Top 10 Led Zeppelin “Black Dog” cover versions list is Lou Gramm’s cool version of the classic. You simply can’t sing Black Dog if you don’t have a great voice. There are not many who can come close to Robert Plant’s vocal chops, so covering “Black Dog” is almost an exercise in futility if you don’t bring something creative to the mix. Lou Gramm, who will always be in our book the one and only voice of Foreigner, stands as one of the great voices of classic rock. Lou Gramm’s version of “Black Dog” was released on the 1997 import CD Stairway to Heaven, a compilation featuring Zakk Wylde on guitar and many guest artists, including Lita Ford, Tim Pierce, and Jeff Pilson.

# 9 – Dread Zeppelin

You either get this, or you don’t. We love it! An Elvis Presley imitation performing Led Zeppelin with a reggae beat. We love this band, Dread Zeppelin. One of the most original acts in rock and roll. They were just so much fun.

# 8 – Masterplan

A great version of “Black Dog” by the German Metal band Masterplan. This version was released on their debut album, Masterplan, in 2003. The band’s lead vocalist, Jørn Lande, does great justice to Robert Plant’s original vocal. Great stuff!

# 7 – Deborah Harry

Some people may be surprised that Deborah Harry of Blondie would cover Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog.” We were blown away by this smoking version. You will too. This cover was recorded in 1994. We love the way Debbie Harry uses her punk vocal style at the start of the song and then adds a little swing in the middle. The band rocks hard. They knew what Led Zeppelin was all about.

# 6 – Keith Emerson

And now for something completely different, at least until the vocal starts. We love Keith Emerson’s classical piano introduction, which flirts with “Black Dog’s” melody. This was released on Led Box: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Tribute in February of 2008.

# 5 – Tony Levin

The great Tony Levin, formerly of King Crimson, plays the entire vocal on bass. This one is not to be missed. Tony Levin stands as one of the greatest bass players in all of classic rock history. Listen to the way he harmonizes Robert Plant’s solo vocals line on the bass. He is not just playing single notes; he is doing it in harmony. Oh Yeah!

# 4 – Ito Kurdhi feat Marina Sidik

There is always room for a jazz version. This is simply chill and very original! This is one of our favorite Led Zeppelin covers of all time. Marina adds a killer rock-and-roll vocal over some really smooth jazz riffs from a great group.

# 3 – Beth Hart

Beth Hart has always been one of our favorite rock and roll singers. She is easily one of the most underrated in the business. In 2021, she released a raging Led Zeppelin covers album entitled A Tribute To Led Zeppelin. This is by far the best Led Zeppelin tribute album we have ever heard. She smokes every single Led Zeppelin song she covers on the album. The band is extraordinary, as they better be, because they were backing up one killer vocalist. Listen to what she does with “Black Dog.”

# 2 – Gov’t Mule and Ann Wilson

Paying tribute to the live Led Zeppelin version with the instrumental introduction, Warren Haynes and his great band perform a flawless version of the Led Zeppelin song. At the helm is the lady who sings Robert Plant better than anyone else in rock and roll. It’s why she tied up the top 2 spots on our Top 10 Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog,” Covers, songs list

# 1 – Heart

Ann Wilson has sung Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” consistently for her entire career. There are so many versions of Heart performing the song that it was tough to choose the best one. We listened to many of them and liked the version released on the Dreamboat Annie Live album best. The band is smoking, and Ann’s vocals are on fire. This one kills!