Led Zeppelin is one of the most influential and iconic rock bands of all time. The British band, formed in 1968, mixed elements of blues, folk, and rock, and created a unique sound that has influenced generations of musicians.

Led Zeppelin‘s musical style evolved over the years, from their heavy blues–influenced rock sound on their debut album to their experimental and sometimes psychedelic sound on their later albums. They have sold over 300 million albums worldwide, making them one of the best–selling music acts of all time. Their legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians to this day.

“Stairway to Heaven” is Led Zeppelin’s signature song, one of the most iconic and beloved rock songs of all time. Written by guitarist Jimmy Page and vocalist Robert Plant, the song has become an iconic anthem for many generations of music lovers. It is an epic rock ballad that builds gradually in tempo and intensity, with lyrics that explore themes of spiritual growth and redemption. It is known for its guitar solo and improvisation, as well as its mystical, dreamlike atmosphere. 

The Led Zeppelin classic began with Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart performing the song with the original drummer’s son, Jason Bonham, on drums.

On Dec. 26 the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors was aired on national television for the first time on CBS. During the event, which took place at the Kennedy Center Opera House, Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson of Heart performed Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” with Jason Bonham on drums.

The honor is given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture and in 2012 the surviving members of Led Zeppelin (John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant) were among those honored. During their segment, the Foo Fighters performed “Rock and Roll,” Lenny Kravitz performed “Whole Lotta Love,” and Kid Rock performed both “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” and “Ramble On”.

The performance of “Stairway to Heaven” began with Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart performing the song with a backing band, which included Jason Bonham on drums. He is the son of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, who passed away in 1980. As the song progressed, back-up singers, a string section, and the Joyce Garrett Youth Choir came on stage to help perform “Stairway to Heaven”.

The choir members and Jason Bonham were wearing bowler hats, which was a tribute to the band’s late drummer John Bonham. Throughout the performance lead vocalist Robert Plant was noticeably moved, and towards the end of the song he had tears in his eyes.

Jason Bonham loved the fact that Led Zeppelin didn’t know he’d be drumming on Stairway To Heaven at their Kennedy Center tribute night, hosted by US President Barack Obama. Bonham performed with Heart and an all-star band — and the first Plant, Page and Jones knew of it was when they saw him walk on stage.

He said: “It was so incredible to see their faces, sat there next to the president. The guys knew who was playing — but they didn’t know I would be on drums. Their faces lit up, and the smiles and tears… It was fantastic. What a way to close the show!”

So every time I come across this beautiful tribute, I can’t seem to stop my tears. This was performed by the two founding members of supergroup Heart, sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson. It was performed in 2012 when Led Zepplin was given the Kennedy Center Honor.

Everything about this performance is fantastic; I especially loved the orchestra. It very well may be the best tribute ever. I was choking when I saw Robert Plant’s eyes glazed with tears as the song came to a finish.

Watch this remarkable tribute video below and please leave us a Facebook comment to let us know what you thought!