Led Zeppelin’s 1969 self-titled debut album remains one of the most influential records in rock history, and one of its standout tracks, “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You,” has fascinated fans for decades. While many associate the song with the innovative British rock band, the origins of the track tell a different, more intricate story that goes beyond Led Zeppelin’s electrifying rendition. Surprisingly, the song wasn’t written by any member of Led Zeppelin, but by an American folk artist, Anne Bredon, in the late 1950s. This story is one of unexpected connections, artistic transformation, and how a simple folk tune evolved into a rock classic.

The Origins: Anne Bredon’s Folk Creation

The origins of “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” trace back to the 1950s, long before Led Zeppelin brought it to international fame. The song was originally written by Anne Bredon, an American folk singer and songwriter who, at the time, was a student at the University of California, Berkeley. Bredon, who often performed in local coffeehouses, crafted the song in a purely acoustic folk style. She had no idea that her melancholic lyrics and haunting melody would one day be transformed into a powerful rock anthem.

The song, as Bredon originally wrote it, is a folk ballad that expresses the sorrow of leaving a loved one despite feeling a deep emotional connection. The lyrics convey the conflict between love and the painful decision to part ways, a universal theme that resonated deeply with the folk music scene of the time. Bredon performed the song live on KPFA, a Berkeley-based radio station, where it caught the attention of another influential artist.

Joan Baez’s Role in the Song’s Journey

Folk singer Joan Baez, one of the most prominent figures in the American folk revival movement, was introduced to “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” through Bredon’s performance. Baez fell in love with the song’s poignant lyrics and simple yet effective melody. She decided to include her own version of the song on her 1962 album *Joan Baez in Concert, Part 1*. Baez’s version remained faithful to the folk roots of Bredon’s original, featuring acoustic guitar accompaniment and a somber vocal delivery.

However, when Baez recorded the song, the track was credited as “traditional,” meaning it was believed to be an anonymous folk song passed down through generations. As a result, Bredon was not initially credited as the composer of the song. This would lead to years of confusion and legal battles, but the journey of the song was far from over.

Led Zeppelin’s Discovery of the Song

Led Zeppelin’s version of “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” arrived seven years after Joan Baez’s interpretation. The band’s guitarist, Jimmy Page, discovered Baez’s rendition of the song in the mid-1960s and was immediately struck by its emotional intensity. He envisioned a version of the song that would take the folk roots of Bredon’s composition and transform it into a powerful rock ballad, blending acoustic and electric elements.

In 1969, Led Zeppelin recorded their debut album, and “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” became one of the standout tracks. Led Zeppelin’s version was unlike anything Bredon or Baez had done before. The song opens with Page’s delicate fingerpicking on acoustic guitar, staying true to the song’s folk origins. But as the song progresses, the band builds in intensity, shifting to thunderous electric guitar riffs and Robert Plant’s dynamic, wailing vocals. The contrast between the quiet, reflective verses and the explosive choruses gave the song an edge that hadn’t been heard in the folk versions. It was a bold reimagining that demonstrated Led Zeppelin’s ability to blend genres and push musical boundaries.

At the time of the album’s release, the song was credited as “traditional, arranged by Jimmy Page,” much like how Baez’s version had been credited. Page and Plant were unaware of Anne Bredon’s authorship, and for several years, Bredon’s contribution to the song went unrecognized.

Anne Bredon Finally Gets Her Due Credit

It wasn’t until the 1980s that Bredon’s authorship of “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” came to light. The discovery occurred when Bredon’s son happened to hear the Led Zeppelin version on the radio and recognized the song as his mother’s composition. Bredon reached out to Led Zeppelin’s management, and after a legal review, she was officially credited as the writer of the song.

This was a significant moment for Bredon, not only because she finally received the credit she deserved, but also because it allowed her to receive royalties for the song. The royalties from Led Zeppelin’s version, which had been widely successful, provided Bredon with financial security later in life.

In interviews, Bredon expressed her amazement at how her simple folk song had been transformed by Led Zeppelin. She acknowledged that the band had taken her composition to a new level, bringing it to an audience that likely never would have heard it otherwise.

The Legacy of “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You”

Led Zeppelin’s version of “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” remains one of the most iconic tracks from their early catalog. The song’s dynamic shifts between soft and loud sections became a hallmark of the band’s style, influencing countless rock bands that followed. In many ways, the song encapsulates Led Zeppelin’s ability to blend disparate musical genres, from folk to blues to hard rock, creating a sound that was both innovative and deeply emotional.

For Jimmy Page, the song was a demonstration of his skill as an arranger and his deep love for acoustic music, which he would continue to explore throughout Led Zeppelin’s career. Robert Plant’s vocal performance on the track, moving effortlessly between tender verses and powerful choruses, also set the stage for his reputation as one of rock’s most versatile and emotive singers.

While Led Zeppelin’s rendition of the song is often what comes to mind when people think of “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You,” the song’s origins in the folk world, courtesy of Anne Bredon, remain an important part of its history. The track is a testament to how music evolves over time, with each new artist bringing their own interpretation and energy to a composition.

Conclusion

The story of “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” is a fascinating journey that spans decades and multiple genres, from the folk ballads of Berkeley coffeehouses to the thunderous rock stages of the 1970s. Anne Bredon’s heartfelt lyrics and haunting melody found their way into the hands of Joan Baez and later, Led Zeppelin, each artist leaving their own mark on the song. Today, it stands as a powerful reminder of how music can transcend time and space, connecting artists and audiences across generations. While Led Zeppelin’s version may be the most famous, the song’s enduring legacy owes much to the folk roots planted by Anne Bredon so many years ago.