29 Palms

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it's your groovy Zoo Crew spinning the soulful sounds of Robert Plant's "29 Palms" from his 1993 album Fate of Nations! This track, written in the sun-soaked vibes of Southern California, captures the desert heart of Twentynine Palms, a small Mojave Desert town known as the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park. The song’s sultry lyrics, like “A fool in love, a crazy situation / Her velvet glove knocks me down and down and down,” hint at a passionate fixation, and rumors have swirled about its inspiration. Many fans speculate it’s about Canadian singer Alannah Myles, famous for “Black Velvet,” who toured with Plant during his Manic Nirvana tour in the early '90s. In a 1993 Network magazine interview, Plant played coy, saying, “We did tour together. We’re good friends. I think the world of her. She’s a great, powerful lady,” but dodged confirming any romance, adding, “Forget about all the rumors. Everything is true and untrue.” The line “her velvet glove” and the chorus, “It comes kinda hard when I hear your voice on the radio,” fuel the theory, especially since Myles’ hit was a radio staple. Some even note “29 Palms” has a sped-up rhythmic nod to “Black Velvet.”

But wait, there’s another twist! Some locals in Twentynine Palms claim the song isn’t about Myles at all but a certain disc jockey at a local radio station Plant was smitten with. As one fan shared on Songfacts, Plant was allegedly driving into the station’s signal range, and hearing the DJ’s voice meant he was close to his destination. Plant himself has stayed tight-lipped, only noting in a 1993 interview that the song was penned while touring California. On his X account in 2020, he called Twentynine Palms “an electrostatic generator for the purpose of rejuvenation & time travel,” hinting at the town’s mystical pull. The track’s magic lies in its dynamic shift from intense, wailing verses to a laid-back, swaying chorus, with a gliding guitar solo that Classic Rock Review called “pure magic.” It hit number 21 on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, cementing its place as a standout in Plant’s solo career.

Now, let’s rewind to how Robert Plant became the rock legend we know today. Born on August 20, 1948, in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England, Plant’s journey began in the gritty pubs and clubs of the Midlands. As a teen, he was obsessed with American blues, idolizing artists like Robert Johnson and Howlin’ Wolf. By his late teens, he was fronting local bands like Band of Joy, honing his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. His big break came in 1968 when guitarist Jimmy Page, fresh from The Yardbirds, recruited him for a new project that became Led Zeppelin. Plant’s soaring vocals and poetic lyrics defined the band’s iconic sound, from “Stairway to Heaven” to “Whole Lotta Love,” making them one of the most influential rock bands ever. After Led Zeppelin’s 1980 breakup following drummer John Bonham’s death, Plant launched a solo career with 1982’s Pictures at Eleven, exploring everything from synth-driven rock to world music and folk. His restless creativity led to Grammy-winning collaborations, like 2007’s Raising Sand with Alison Krauss, and keeps him pushing boundaries today.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Robert Plant’s latest vibes on his official website, where you’ll find tour dates, music, and more. He’s active on Facebook, sharing updates and throwbacks, and on Instagram, posting behind-the-scenes snaps. His X account offers insights, like his love for Twentynine Palms. Fans gather at sites like The Robert Plant Homepage for detailed discographies and tour info. On Facebook, groups like Led Zeppelin Fans and Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Fans are buzzing with devotees sharing stories and rare clips. So, crank up “29 Palms,” feel that desert heat, and let Plant’s voice take you down the road!