It's always seemed to me that "inspiration" changes from recognition and a compliment to a lawsuit when the latter surpasses the originator in fame and fortune, especially the fortune. I've seen many times where an artist, especially in the Blues, borrows phrases and riffs from their contemporaries, and it is considered it an honor and develops friendships.
In this case, it's easy to see the similarities between the phrasings. LZ did have a history of "borrowing without credit", but that has been done countless times throughout music. Did Page knowingly defraud Randy? He didn't seem to pursue it at the time, but the success of Stairway gave Randy's heirs a bank account to shoot for.
It's always seemed to me that "inspiration" changes from recognition and a compliment to a lawsuit when the latter surpasses the originator in fame and fortune, especially the fortune. I've seen many times where an artist, especially in the Blues, borrows phrases and riffs from their contemporaries, and it is considered it an honor and develops friendships.
In this case, it's easy to see the similarities between the phrasings. LZ did have a history of "borrowing without credit", but that has been done countless times throughout music. Did Page knowingly defraud Randy? He didn't seem to pursue it at the time, but the success of Stairway gave Randy's heirs a bank account to shoot for.
It's always seemed to me that "inspiration" changes from recognition and a compliment to a lawsuit when the latter surpasses the originator in fame and fortune, especially the fortune. I've seen many times where an artist, especially in the Blues, borrows phrases and riffs from their contemporaries, and it is considered it an honor and develops friendships.
In this case, it's easy to see the similarities between the phrasings. LZ did have a history of "borrowing without credit", but that has been done countless times throughout music. Did Page knowingly defraud Randy? He didn't seem to pursue it at the time, but the success of Stairway gave Randy's heirs a bank account to shoot for.