R&B star Blige covers Stairway to Heaven

Stairway: classic

It's banned in every guitar store worth the name – but one R&B star doesn't think that should stop her. Mary J Blige has recorded a cover of Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven – with the help of guitar virtuoso Steve Vai and Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker.

Now she says she wants to duet with Zep singer Robert Plant on a version of Whole Lotta Love.

Stairway was recorded in 1971 and released on the band's Led Zeppelin IV album. Since then it's become a classic rock icon – possibly because it's the perfect length for DJs to take a cigarette break.

It's been re-recorded a number of times, notably by Rolf Harris on 1993 and Dolly Parton in 2002 - but Blige's effort is likely to be the most attention-grabbing.

She tells Spinner.com: "The song's not hard at all - it's based on pure emotion. Once you get lost in the moment, you can scream at the top of your lungs or go as low as you need. It's a spirit thing.

"I wouldn't mind a duet with Robert Plant if he doesn't. Whole Lotta Love is crazy."

Rock Radio says: We haven't heard it yet, and the presence of Vai and Barker makes us think we might have to give it a listen. But stand by for the track to join our top-ten of the worst-ever cover versions...

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2 comments

choccy

06/02/10 at 14:38

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doesn't R&B stand for rythm and blues never heard Mary Blige sign a blues song before as for cover versions Far Corparation did quiet a good version of Stairway to Heaven in the mid eighties

Stallion

05/02/10 at 09:41

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There should be a law against lunacy like this. It will be an abortion.

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