It was released as a 45 rpm single and appeared on Sedaka's 1960 album Neil Sedaka Sings Little Devil and His Other Hits. Sedaka's "Stairway to Heaven" predates by 11 years Led Zeppelin's song of the same name, which was released in 1971 and written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant.

The alleged message, which occurs during the middle section of the song ("If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed now...") when played backward, was purported to contain the Satanic references: "Here's to my sweet Satan / The one whose little path would make me sad whose power is Satan, / He'll give you, ...

The song's popularity was due in part to its unique and memorable guitar riff, which has been described as “one of the most recognizable riffs in rock music”. The song's lyrics, written by Robert Plant, also helped to make it a hit.

You're probably wondering why 'Stairway to Heaven' is jokingly banned in guitar stores. It's all due to its overuse and a famous scene from the movie Wayne's World.