In the early 1970s, the music world was undergoing a powerful transformation. Artists were tearing down genre walls, experimenting with sound, and pushing creativity to new heights. Few songs represent this era of innovation better than Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition,” a track that not only revolutionized funk and soul music, but also managed to ignite inspiration across genres—including in the heart of one of rock’s most legendary bands: Led Zeppelin.
The Funky Birth of “Superstition”
“Superstition” is one of Stevie Wonder’s most recognizable and influential hits, celebrated for its gritty groove, driving clavinet riff, and effortlessly cool swagger. Born during a jam session with guitarist Jeff Beck, the song evolved quickly from an improvised beat into a fully formed powerhouse. Wonder’s use of the Hohner Clavinet D6 gave the song its signature sound—raw, rhythmic, and loaded with attitude.
But “Superstition” wasn’t just another funk anthem. It represented a bold evolution in Wonder’s music. By the early ’70s, he had taken full creative control over his recordings, diving headfirst into the world of synthesizers and experimenting with textures that were, at the time, virtually unheard of in popular music. His fusion of funk, soul, and emerging electronic elements created a new musical language—one that didn’t go unnoticed by his peers.
Across the Aisle: Led Zeppelin Listens In
Half a world away, Led Zeppelin was in the midst of their own musical metamorphosis. Though they were primarily known for hard rock and blues-driven anthems, Zeppelin had always shown an interest in branching out. By the time they began work on their sixth studio album, Physical Graffiti, the band was ready to stretch their sound even further.
The song “Trampled Under Foot” emerged as one of the album’s most energetic and unexpected tracks. With its galloping groove, seductive lyrics, and funky keyboard lines, it stood out immediately. The key to the track’s sound? A funky, rhythmic clavinet part played by bassist and multi-instrumentalist John Paul Jones.
The moment listeners heard that gritty keyboard lick, comparisons to “Superstition” were inevitable. And they were warranted. Jones, like many musicians at the time, had been influenced by Stevie Wonder’s innovative use of keyboards and rhythm. The clavinet became a vehicle for Zeppelin to experiment with a new kind of rock—one that grooved as hard as it rocked.
A Funk-Rock Fusion Ahead of Its Time
What makes the connection between these two songs so fascinating is the way they each embody their creators’ styles while sharing a common foundation. “Superstition” is steeped in the traditions of funk and soul, but with a futuristic twist. “Trampled Under Foot” is unmistakably a Zeppelin track—gritty, sexual, and filled with bravado—but it grooves with a funk sensibility rarely heard in rock music at the time.
Both songs were also ahead of their time in terms of production and instrumentation. Stevie Wonder was among the first artists to fully embrace synthesizers as a central part of pop music, while Led Zeppelin used layered recording techniques and unconventional instrumentation to craft a dense, electrifying soundscape.
The Magic of Musical Cross-Pollination
The influence of “Superstition” on “Trampled Under Foot” is a shining example of how great artists borrow, bend, and build on each other’s work. It’s a testament to the spirit of the 1970s—a decade defined by experimentation, fearless creativity, and a deep respect for musical craft, regardless of genre labels.
Wonder and Zeppelin were working from opposite corners of the musical map, but they shared a common goal: to push boundaries and create something timeless. Their willingness to draw inspiration from each other helped reshape the sound of modern music and laid the groundwork for future genre mashups that are now commonplace.
A Legacy That Lives On
Today, both “Superstition” and “Trampled Under Foot” remain iconic. Wonder’s track continues to be a go-to sample and reference point in hip-hop, R&B, and pop, while Zeppelin’s funky detour has earned its place as one of their most distinctive and daring songs.
More importantly, their connection serves as a reminder that music doesn’t live in silos. The swagger of a funk groove can fuel a rock anthem. A soulful riff can spark a psychedelic jam. And sometimes, a single clavinet can carry the weight of two musical legends grooving in harmony.
In the end, it wasn’t just about sound—it was about attitude. It was about swagger. And in both “Superstition” and “Tram
pled Under Foot,” that swagger lives on.
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