Most artists grow over time, and Robert Plant is no exception. The one-time golden god has used his solo years wisely, moving beyond the bombast of Led Zeppelin to fully unpack his interest in global music forms….

Indeed, most artists worth their salt evolve over time, and Robert Plant is a prime example of this artistic growth. The one-time “golden god,” famed for his thunderous vocal delivery and flamboyant stage presence with Led Zeppelin, has consciously and wisely used his solo years to journey far beyond the blues-rock bombast that made him a legend. His post-Zeppelin career is a testament to his insatiable curiosity and deep dive into diverse global music forms.

From the early 1980s, even as he navigated initial expectations to replicate the Zeppelin sound, Plant began to subtly introduce different textures. While albums like *Pictures at Eleven* and *The Principle of Moments* still featured hard rock elements, his 1984 project, The Honeydrippers, saw him exploring early rhythm and blues with a nostalgic flair.

However, his true metamorphosis began to accelerate later, particularly through his fascination with various non-Western musical traditions. Plant has a well-documented and long-standing affinity for **North African music**, particularly from Morocco. This interest, which began even during Led Zeppelin’s active years (influencing tracks like “Kashmir”), became a cornerstone of his solo explorations. He has spoken frequently about sitting in cafes in Fez and Marrakesh, absorbing the rhythms and melodies of local musicians, which he then weaves into his own compositions.

This global influence has manifested in various projects, most notably with his band The Strange Sensation and later, the Sensational Space Shifters. Albums like *Dreamland* (2002), *Mighty ReArranger* (2005), and *Lullaby and The Ceaseless Roar* (2014) showcase a rich tapestry of sounds, incorporating elements of African, Arabic, and folk music, blended with blues and psychedelic rock.

Perhaps his most successful and critically acclaimed ventures into roots music came with his collaborations with American bluegrass and country artist **Alison Krauss**. Their albums *Raising Sand* (2007) and *Raise the Roof* (2021) won multiple Grammy Awards, demonstrating Plant’s versatility and willingness to strip back the rock grandeur for a more intimate, harmony-driven approach to American traditional music.

Even in 2025, Plant continues this exploration with his current band, **Saving Grace**. This acoustic-focused ensemble, featuring captivating vocalist Suzi Dian, delves into folk, gospel, and blues, creating a “psychedelic soul” experience that defies easy categorization. Furthermore, Plant is set to host a BBC Radio 4 series titled “Tracing the Thread,” where he’ll delve into the interconnected roots of global folk traditions, proving that his fascination with the sound and spirit of music from around the world is not just a passing interest, but a lifelong passion.