Whispers in Austin: The Unconfirmed Night of Music with Robert Plant, Patty Griffin, and John Paul DeJoria on February 21, 2013
Austin, Texas — the city where legends find their groove and music seeps into every street corner — has long been a magnet for artists, poets, and dreamers. Among those drawn to its rich cultural fabric in the early 2010s were two musical powerhouses: Robert Plant, the iconic Led Zeppelin frontman, and acclaimed singer-songwriter Patty Griffin. Their musical and romantic partnership was no secret by 2013, and the duo frequently appeared on stage together, sharing harmonies that blended his rock legacy with her Americana soul.
While there are no definitive public records confirming a specific event on February 21, 2013, in Austin involving Plant, Griffin, and renowned philanthropist and businessman John Paul DeJoria, the pieces of the puzzle suggest a plausible scenario that fits within the rhythm of that era.
By late 2012, Plant had become a semi-permanent fixture in the Austin scene. In December of that year, he joined Griffin at a benefit concert at the legendary Continental Club, treating a lucky audience to reimagined versions of Led Zeppelin classics and Griffin’s heartfelt originals. The performance was intimate, raw, and deeply rooted in the mutual respect and chemistry the pair shared on and off stage.
John Paul DeJoria, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Paul Mitchell hair products and Patrón tequila, was also deeply embedded in Austin’s cultural life. Beyond his business empire, DeJoria is celebrated for his generosity toward environmental, social, and artistic causes. He’s hosted and funded numerous private events spotlighting local talent and fostering the city’s artistic heartbeat.
Given the proximity of these figures to one another — geographically, socially, and artistically — it’s not hard to imagine a quiet, possibly private gathering in DeJoria’s orbit on or around February 21, 2013. Such an evening would have blended the sonic warmth of Griffin’s melodies, the mythic presence of Plant’s voice, and the hospitality and glamor of DeJoria’s world.
Still, without official documentation or firsthand accounts, the notion of a specific event on that date remains anecdotal, passed along like a whispered memory between those fortunate enough to witness the unseen performances that often unfold in a music city like Austin. Whether fact or folklore, the idea captures the essence of a moment that — if it did happen — was likely as soulful and ephemeral as the music these artists are known for.