Song Clearance Sheet
4 sources citedWhole Lotta Love
Hard Rock1960s174BPM
E minKey
More around 170 BPM → · More in E minor → · More “Cleared After Dispute” →
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The verdict
Cleared After Dispute
Willie Dixon’s 1985 suit over lyrics adapted from his “You Need Love” settled out of court in 1987 (undisclosed sum; credit added) — Dixon used the money to help fund his Blues Heaven Foundation. Notably, the promised credit didn’t appear on releases until 1999, over a decade later.
Quick Facts
Released1969
AlbumLed Zeppelin II
GenreHard Rock, Blues Rock
LabelAtlantic Records
ProducerJimmy Page
More infoWikipedia → · Discogs →
Who you need to ask
The songwriters of record — Page, Plant, Jones, Bonham & (since 1999) Willie Dixon
Wikipedia → · checked Jul 2026
Willie Dixon — Settled 1987 (undisclosed sum + credit); funded his Blues Heaven Foundation
Ledzepnews → · checked Jul 2026
Has it been reused?
A settled Willie Dixon dispute (1987, credit added 1999); connects to Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” and “When the Levee Breaks,” and to Dixon’s “Hoochie Coochie Man,” all in this catalogue.
Do they allow reuse?
No standalone policy found; confirmed songwriters of record.
Related Songs
Same album, answer records, and songs worth knowing about
Same band; another Led Zeppelin copyright case (this batch)
Same band (already in this catalogue)
Also written by Willie Dixon, the writer credited here since 1999 (already in this catalogue)
Who Owns It
Licenses explained →The two permissions you need, and who holds them
The song itself (the writing)Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, John Bonham & (since 1999) Willie Dixon
A settlement, and a notable credit gapWillie Dixon filed suit on Jan 11, 1985, some 16 years after release; it settled out of court in 1987, with Led Zeppelin paying an undisclosed sum and agreeing to add Dixon’s songwriting credit to future releases. Notably, that promised credit didn’t actually begin appearing on releases until 1999 — over a decade after the settlement.
The recording (current administrator)Not confirmed
Receipts
Every public mention of terms, policy, or past deals we've found
A poignant use of the settlement money
Willie Dixon used the proceeds to help fund the Blues Heaven Foundation (founded 1984), dedicated to helping other artists obtain the royalties and credit rightfully theirs — a continuation of his advocacy until his death in 1992.
Turn Me On, Dead Man · read it →
Plant’s own reflection
Robert Plant reflected the lyrics were “a nick, now happily paid for,” and that “you only get caught when you’re successful. That’s the game.”
Briffa Legal · read it →
Can You Use It for Free?
How to check PD →Is it public domain?No
Sample History
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Times sampled
A settled Willie Dixon credit dispute
Covers
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First flip
Who to Contact
WL
Led Zeppelin & Willie Dixon (Atlantic)
The confirmed songwriters of record
What they'll chargeNobody's shared numbers yet
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References
Every source cited on this page — 4 in total
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Page history · 2 updates
Jul 2026Page created — full research (Research Queue Batch 23)
Jul 2026BPM/Key pending the automated GetSongBPM/Deezer pass