Led Zeppelin was known for their tight-knit lineup of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham, rarely incorporating outside musicians into their recordings. However, a few songs featured guest performers who contributed to the band’s legendary sound.
### **1. “The Battle of Evermore” (1971) – Sandy Denny**
This song, from *Led Zeppelin IV*, is unique as it is the only Led Zeppelin song to feature a guest vocalist. Sandy Denny, the lead singer of Fairport Convention, provided co-lead vocals alongside Robert Plant. The song has a mystical, folk-driven atmosphere, and Denny’s voice adds a haunting contrast to Plant’s vocals.
### **2. “Boogie with Stu” (1975) – Ian Stewart**
From *Physical Graffiti*, this bluesy, rockabilly-influenced jam features Ian Stewart, a pianist and founding member of The Rolling Stones. Stewart, who was a longtime friend of the band, contributed rollicking piano work that added a loose, boogie-woogie feel to the track.
### **3. “Black Country Woman” (1975) – Ronnie Lane (Unofficial Contribution)**
Although not officially credited, Ronnie Lane of The Faces is rumored to have played bass on this acoustic blues song from *Physical Graffiti*. Some sources suggest he contributed during informal jam sessions. However, John Paul Jones remains the only credited bassist.
### **4. “Hot Dog” (1979) – Unknown Additional Musicians**
This rockabilly-style track from *In Through the Out Door* features honky-tonk piano, and while John Paul Jones is credited, some speculate that an uncredited session pianist may have contributed to the recording.
### **5. “Carouselambra” (1979) – Unconfirmed Keyboard Parts**
Some reports suggest that portions of the synth work on *In Through the Out Door* might have had assistance from session musicians, though John Paul Jones was the primary keyboardist.
While Led Zeppelin remained largely self-contained, they occasionally collaborated with others, especially on songs that ventured beyond their hard rock roots.
