Career WAS OVER…Till BACK UP Singer’s FLUKE Vocal Took Legendary Band BACK to #1 | Professor of Rock

No doubt about it. Heart is one of the defining acts of the rock era. And their catalog is filled with essential entries in the rock canon. Today, we’re telling the start-to-finish story of Heart who rose to prominence in the 70s, fell from grace in the early 80s, and then put together one of the greatest comebacks of the neon decade. And we’re doing it via five vital tracks that capture what they are all about. And there’s plenty of drama and epic moments along the way… from chasing their breakout hit to fighting sleazy promoters to hitting one of the most badass notes of all time. Plus you’re going to get an inside look into all five of these songs from singer Ann Wilson. It’s a story you’re not going to want to miss… NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
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It’s time for another episode of our series Evolution. On this show, we tell the story of a band’s career through 5 defining tracks. These may not be a band’s most popular songs, and they may not even be my personal favorites. But each song will take you from the beginning to the end of a band’s journey and showcase the evolution of their sound and artistic direction. For today’s episode we’re telling the story of Heart with particular emphasis on the powerhouse sister duo of Ann and Nancy Wilson.
The incredible journey of Heart goes back to the sixties when Seattle-based brothers Roger and Mike Fisher, and friend Steve Fossen, formed a band called The Army. Cutting their teeth around the Seattle area, the band would go through multiple line-ups and name changes in these formative years… including White Heart and Hocus Pocus. By 1972, the band relocated to Vancouver BC in Canada so Mike wouldn’t be drafted to Vietnam. This same year, the band was joined by vocalist Ann Wilson who also entered into a relationship with Mike. By 1974, Ann’s younger sister Nancy joined up as well and began dating Roger. With the Wilson sisters on board, the band started going by ‘Heart’ and paid their dues gigging around Vancouver. As Heart’s following grew in Canada, they were picked up by the Canadian label ‘Mushroom Records,’ which was managed by Shelly Siegel.
When Heart issued their debut album Dreamboat Annie, the band’s line-up consisted of the Wilson sisters, Roger Fischer and Howard Reese on guitar, Steve Fossen on bass, and Mike Derosier on drums. Dreamboat Annie was released in September 1975 and sold 30,000 copies in Canada within its first few months. But the US was a different story. Said Nancy, “Though we were stars in Canada, the United States was a tough nut for us to crack. We had to break the States manually, by taking opening slots on tours, and traveling to radio stations… Our first real success in the States came from border cities like Detroit, Seattle, Buffalo, or any place that could pick up Canadian radio… If Heart was going to build on the success of Dreamboat Annie in Canada, we needed to play regularly and tour...

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the GREATEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE from a song from both a male and female?

[@TerrickTerran]

Stairway to Heaven

[@Code.Name.V]

Ann Wilson - Sweet Darlin (Live) Freddie Mercury - Who Wants To Live Forever (Live in Budapest)

[@Whisper_292]

Edge of Seventeen--Stevie Nicks (Barracuda--Ann Wilson gets honorable mention) Love of My Life--Freddie Mercury

[@surlechapeau]

Janis Joplin - Another Piece Of My Heart. (female) Nazareth-Love Hurts(Dan McCaffery) (male) runnerups: Boston- More Than A Feeling(Brad Delp); Harry Nilsson- Without You, Percy Sledge- When A Man Loves A Woman.

[@TB6791]

Wow 😮 that's gonna take a minute... I'll be back in a bit 🤔

[@Banglaroadbarhopping]

The Kennedy Center performance is the most epic moment I have ever personally experienced in all my time listening to and watching rock music. The finest cover of one of rock's most difficult songs becomes a worship song as the choir comes in. Robert Plant tears up, and I'm right there...crying. The most moving musical moment ever. I can't count how many times I've watched it and I still tear up every single time. Prayers for Ann.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The most epic moment of the 21st century for music.

[@davidcampbell4870]

Totally agree, and I teared up again just now watching even the tiniest of clips included in this interview. Not only does Ann have the greatest rock voice, but the first time I ever heard her, listening to the Dreamboat Annie album when it first came out, I was impressed by how clean and clear and perfect her voice sounded, unlike most singers, who may have great voices and sing with perfect pitch, but nevertheless have some tiny bit of raspiness or other quality coloring their sound. That's not a bad thing -- it usually makes for memorable singing, and a very recognizable sound with a lot of character and emotion, but their voices still aren't pure, not like Ann's.

[@matthewsan78]

I can’t believe “Never” didn’t even get an honorable mention. To me their most iconic 80s track. Great video though and I love the interview with Ann. That must have been a treat.

[@judybunnell9202]

The Wilson sisters are so beautiful and talented. I thank them and the rest of Heart for rocking me all these years. ❤

[@sydnigrauberger5984]

I agree that Ann's voice is the most incredible range and belter I have heard in 48 years.

[@OZARKMOON1960]

I've always loved everything Heart has done. Both sisters are just so talented. And they just endure. Performing at the Kennedy Center Honors showed they still got it, and Ann's recent duo with Disturbed was just perfect. Thank you for featuring them today.

[@adderman1950]

I have loved Heart's music ever since I first heard them. I know it wasn't big for them but a big thank you to Ann & Nancy for creating their song, How Can I Refuse, as I was courting my wife at the time it came out and we sort of adopted it as "Our Song!" We will be celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary next month! Can't thsnk them enough and I will be praying for Ann's health.

[@glennalmayer6563]

Ann and Nancy have meant so much to me over the years and soothed many a difficult time. Dog and Butterfly will always be among the favorites. Masterful!

[@r.a.monigold9789]

I'm 78 now and lived and worked in the greater Seattle area in the 70's. All we heard on the radio was HEART music and we LOVED it. Later I had a job that let me briefly interact with the sisters and they were "regular folk" - kind and genuine. So understanding that my jitters were quickly turned to calm gratitude. Not long after I lived next door to Stevie "guitar" Miller and had the pleasure of visiting him, thanks to my gracious land lords. Ooo, I'm a lucky man

[@JJJ5.7]

That Kennedy performance of Stairway to Heaven was incredible...

[@kchaney56]

When the sisters Wilson brought THE Led Zeppelin to tears performing Stairway to Heaven. God bless you both Ann and Nancy, thank you soo much for the music. Keep you in my prayers Ann for your medical issues.

[@Grandmaw438]

So glad I watched this. I had no idea they had all those albums after the 70s early 80s. I had finished college in 81 , got married and began my first career and started a family. I didn’t listen to the radio much after that. I’m going to make sure to listen to their music in the 90s and later! Love them! Praying for Ann for speedy recovery!

[@Zippy-I-O]

Epic Lady Band placed among the GREATEST of all time...Favorite Lady's Band. God, just love 'em. Wishing Ann Wilson's Journey Back to Health to be quick.

[@libbylandscape3560]

Loved Heart, but didn’t hear them until 79 -80, and fell instantly in love. ❤ Wishing Anne the best for a full recovery.

[@stevedriscoll9822]

Ann is on my Mt. Rushmore of Rock singers, man or woman. Wishing her the best.

[@jasonwest3283]

Ann’s voice is absolutely the gold standard that I have measured all other rock vocalists against for the last 40+ years. I still get the chills every time I hear it.

[@PR-BEACHBOY]

So much talent in those two sisters! Amazing! May Ann be healed and may they both live a long, happy, healthy and prosperous life!

[@jeffboyd5412]

I saw Heart in 1985 in Birmingham AL. I loved every second of it. Ann’s voice is Beautiful and so mesmerizing. When she hit those high notes I was totally in love!!

[@offgridnightmarenewhomeste3215]

I've never seen a better performance in my 59 years! Heart's cover of Stairway to Heaven had Plant in his emotions and Page couldn't smile more! Epic!

[@TimothyOBrien1958]

I got to meet them in 1976, as I recall. They were fronting for the Beach Boys. My cousin was friends with Brian and got us backstage passes. I was 18. It was thrilling. All I could think was how much Ann reminded me of the band Jethro Tull with her flute playing.

[@rebeltuba9422]

Ann Wilson is the greatest female rock singer of all times. Her versatility is amazing, not to mention that she plays acoustic guitar, piano, and startlingly good jazz flute.

[@jimimac2]

Just saw Ann sing on January 11, 2024 at the Shrine Auditorium and her voice is still perfection. Everyone send Ann Wilson a quantum love thought of positive energy to cure the cancer ❤

[@edh9237]

Growing up in Metro Detroit and listening to CJOM, Heart was one of the Bands To See. Motown had moved to La in 1972, and music in our area changed quickly. AM radio held on to Motown as long as it could and we never lost our soul, but FM Rock Rock Radio is what helped us become Detroit Rock City. We are grateful for the bands that made it a point to perform here. Heart was one of the big ones. Looking forward to seeing Heart again after Nancy beats the retched disease. Get better now Nancy!

[@mheuman]

I saw them in 1983 here in Seattle during 5he Passionworks tour, I was enthralled with Ann's voice and Nancy's guitar playing. It inspired me to pick up guitar and I still play to this day. I owe them a big thank you. Best wishes to Ann in her chemo course, may she kick cancer. 🌷

[@yrbadself]

Such a great and talented band. Incredible vocals. Deserve all the recognition that they have ever received.

[@johnnyjohnson1326]

Hands down one of the greatest vocalists EVER. Heart doesn't get enough love outside what gets radio play. One can actually feel the emotion and power she songs with coming through the speakers. Stairway to Heaven tribute was a masterpiece! It still reaches deeply inside me. May the Universe grant Ann Wilson the strength to overcome cancer and grant blessings to her family. Thank you Professor for keeping the music of our youth alive. JJ -South Alabama

[@TimmyT1972]

I couldn’t agree more that Ann Wilson is the greatest female rock singer of all time. I saw them live a few years back, and was blown away by how she could still belt it out with such powerful vocals. It was one of the most memorable live performances I have ever seen.

[@janetarteaga4191]

Ann Wilson and Heart's music literally saved my life when I was young. Thank you Heart ❤! Sending love and prayers to Ann Wilson.

[@ProfessorofRock]

THank you! Rock on!

[@noizeemama3697]

Ann's voice is excellent. I tear up every time I see Plant tear up. That performance was beyond powerful.

[@FavoriteMovieDate]

I hope Ann Wilson recovers from her cancer. It is truly a horrible disease. What a lovely woman she still is and of course I agree that she is one of the very best rockers out there.

[@chadbennett7873]

What a simply beautiful episode. I first saw Heart as an opening band on their very first tour to Los Angeles, and I remember seeing Ann play flute on the opening song, and have never seen her do it again ... anywhere. They are special people and a gift to us all. Thank you.

[@sharonrose1226]

I forgot to say. My ex-husband and I saw Heart in concert in the mid 80’s in Indianapolis, IN. My ex absolutely fell in love with Ann and he was glued to the TV every time we saw one of their music videos. She is phenomenal!

[@Cafeman_2D]

My wife and I have watched the performance at Kennedy Center probably dozens of times with cranked volume. It is amazing and never gets old. Ann’s vocals and Heart’s tunes for the past several decades have been stupendous!

[@ROSALIECALIENDO]

I get the chills every time I hear the Wilson’s singing Stairway. FANTASTIC❤

[@ROSALIECALIENDO]

Me 2.

[@terrywbreedlove]

Back when the music was real. Musicians exploring new sounds and writing honest Lyrics. Singers with real voices and taking chances.

[@josephstrouse6369]

Thank you Ann, may a speedy recovery meet you on your journey! So many memories and emotions come flooding back listening to those songs. What an amazing woman and human being.

[@aspalovin]

Ann is the Greatest Singer of all time IMO. We all wish her good health and a successful rest and recovery. She's Magic,,, man.

[@Code.Name.V]

Her voice is indeed historic.

[@stevemahoney1733]

Of all the singers, in even one genre Ann Wilson isn't the greatest so I can't see how she would be the greatest singer of all time, she's not even the greatest female singer.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

My favorite female singer.

[@TravisTennies]

Heart and Zeppelin! The two greatest bands of all time! I want to jam with you guys!!! Bassist here. Ann, I wish the best for you! Wish I could tell you all I've learned about fighting the big C! Love you all.

[@scottweissensee3717]

I also wish Ann the best of health and a quick recovery.

[@betsystevenson4046]

It is pure magic to see this interview with Ann Wilson.

[@virgoddess3456]

I loved “Nothing at All.” Takes me right back to exactly where I was when I first heard it.

[@Brave2standalone]

Wishing the legendary Ann Wilson full recovery and to be with us to perform for decades to come!

[@yvonnedrury8718]

Prayers and power of healing to you Ann ❤❤❤❤❤

[@RobertL_0563]

Greetings Professor and community! The first ladies of Rock = HEART! I love it and love them! Looking forward to the episode.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@hara.zisimou]

Heart is a band that even though it has received lots of success, it's still hugely underrated for what it is. It's probably one of those 2 or 3 bands that each of their songs of every decade touches one's soul even if the message behind it is anger,sadness or love.

[@garymackovic7019]

Heart and there music are generational! Your interview and coverage of their music was spot on! Your father would be proud.

[@fratberry]

Ann Wilson is simply the best female rock vocalist of all time. And it's not even close. The Stairway to Heaven cover proved that Ann and Nancy Wilson stand at the top of the mountain with the male performers in the history of rock. And I wish Ann nothing but the best in her fight with the demon cancer that took my father last year. Peace and prayer be with you, Ann.

[@gordonschiff3621]

She is fantastic. Pat Benatar is damn good too.

[@susanfox-mx3nv]

This was brilliant. The songs you chose, the video clips, and the questions you asked were perfect. It helps that you aren't pretentious, and you are mellow. Blessings, Professor.

[@lorijsp8813]

“…the evolution of this band” while wearing a Journey tee. I see what you did there, Prof. 🎶🤩

[@AHoundOnAHonda]

Although it says "Evovlution" (1:27).

[@lorijsp8813]

@@AHoundOnAHonda I noticed that, too 🤦🏻‍♀️ (-2 spelling 😆). That came a little bit after I commented.

[@AHoundOnAHonda]

​@@lorijsp8813👍

[@AHoundOnAHonda]

@@lorijsp8813 👍

[@deborahwhittington8032]

Ann & Nancy Wilson - words cannot express how their music inspired me 🌟🌟🌟

[@danluther1741]

God bless & heal you Ann! You have always been Rock royalty to me! MUCH LOVE!!

[@larrynoe6162]

Heart is not just a rock band but a legacy powerhouse of hard and soft rock. Their voices were just amazing. There are ver few people that you only need a single word to recognize who it is.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

How can sisters have this much talent? Ann's vocals are amazing and Nancy's guitar flat out great. Really liked your picks but These Dreams deserves to be more than honorable mention. Any band that can bring a tear to Plant's eye playing Stairway is there a bigger compliment? Crazy on You is one of my favorite intros ever. Great episode and well put together professor. Prays for Ann💙

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I honestly thought These Dreams would actually be part of the actual top 5!

[@lesalbro8880]

"Dog and Butterfly" was the song that made the teenage me fall in love with Ann Wilson. That sensitive introspection, combined with her amazing voice... It really resonated with me on a personal level. I could very much relate to what she was saying about her own feelings. Subsequently discovering "Dreamboat Annie" definitely reinforced this perception. The world needs more people like her, I hope she's going to be okay. Also Nancy is amazing too, she deserves more credit than she usually seems to get.

[@mateogarcia3190]

She looks fantastic doesn't she!? Man, aged like wine. I remember when I was first learning guitar and leveled up to my Dad buying me an electric, "Crazy On You" was one of the first cool riffs I learned. Awesome song.

[@donnadoddsilvia8104]

Heart, one truly incredible Band. They are forever etched in my soul. Love them. Rock would never be the same without them. Ann, get well soon. Praying for you all, as cancer (any sickness) involves every member!! ❤ God Bless 😊

[@miask]

Growing up, my favorite bands were ELP, Heart and Renaissance. I studied Opera and would beg my teacher to let me sing Carpet of the Sun and Crazy on You for my recital. She agreed to Carpet of the Sun with no argument, but I had to beg her for Crazy on You. She finally gave in. I sang Habanero and Voi che sapete, then my teacher brought out her guitar and I did Carpet of the Sun, and finally with her on acoustic and her husband on electric, I sang Crazy on You. Some people were shocked but most were supportive. Everyone was impressed whether they agreed with my choices or not. 🙂❤ Ann and Nancy are icons, I pray for Ann’s full recovery.

[@daryls212]

Ann's voice, and emotion in her singing, has literally brought me to tears... Even before the Zep cover. My kind of opera.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Indeed.

[@williamstearman9853]

Fantastic! Evolution is such a great series! Thank you...

[@karherineware3508]

Omg, the Kennedy Center performance was just out of this world! It was soooo moving! Led Zeppelin was in tears, I had the chills, the entire audience got transported with that performance! Outstanding!

[@karherineware3508]

Love Heart! Ann's voice sends chills all over, fantastic! I was lucky to see them live in Reno in 2004, it was wonderful!

[@mrblitzer8705]

Anne Wilson. Best ever. Saw them live when they were first touring in support of Dreamboat Annie. We kept calling them back until they ran out of songs. So they sang some Led Zeppelin tunes for us. Thrilling.

[@SamMees-dy6gw]

WOW WOW WOW!!!

[@rogerdeahl9629]

❤🎉 Saw Heart with Kansas back in 1983. Great show. Heart did overcome a lot of stuff to succeed. Love the 2012 Kennedy Center tribute to Led Zeppelin. Get well Ann Wilson. Have a great weekend everyone. ❤

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

❤❤

[@LaManteca76]

Thanx. Have a great weekend as well!

[@Code.Name.V]

That is a great combo. I have seen Heart numerous times, but never Kansas.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

​@@Code.Name.V Kansas sounds the same live as on their records. One of the few bands to ever do this. They're great. 🎉

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool! Thank Roger!

[@rousefire]

Saw Heart in St Louis and they did Stairway to Heaven with Jason Bonham and the choir. I've only been to a few concerts and feel very lucky to see this. They were so loud that I could feel the music hitting me in the face. I wore ear plugs.

[@rodhayes250]

Ann Wilson is not only a fabulous artist as well as physically beautiful , , but she is a super fine lady !! Many many prayers to her to beat this cancer !!

[@RickySTT]

I cannot watch the Kennedy Center performance without tearing up. Watching Led Zeppelin’s reaction was a joy, especially Jimmy’s jamming to the guitar solo. I heard Jason Bonham lied to his dad’s bandmates to make his appearance a surprise. Well, not really; he really did have an engagement that night. 😃

[@Zillah82]

Grew up with Heart being played a lot. Saw them live when I was 16. It was amazing. I hope Anne heals quickly from her cancer. My favorite is still Sylvan Song/Dream of the Archer on Little Queen. It just transports you to another time and space.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@Code.Name.V]

Very underappreciated

[@CheeseWyrm]

Heart are much loved here Down Under too. As a boy I remember my family putting Dreamboat Annie on the turntable, and loving 'Magic Man' & 'Crazy on You'. I confess I also had a crush on Ann :) THEN Barracuda! BARRACUDA!! That thumping riff, & Ann's vocals, just knocked my socks off. It's a seminal rock classic, and it eventually became my personal ringtone. I love the interview with Ann. She seems really well-grounded, honest and full of integrity. There's no affectations, which is rare in the world of celebrity. My thoughts are with Ann (& Nancy & kin). May we hear her stunning voice again soon. 🙏

[@rainbowzebraunicornpegasus2962]

Ann's recent collaboration with David Draiman/Disturbed just further entrenched my beliefs that she indeed is the greatest female rock vocalist!

[@lauriesolonka2477]

"Don't Tell Me"is a Great song ♥️

[@bobsojka2511]

One of the greatest vocalist in rock history. Prayers for anne, hope to see you on tour again in the future. Under rated band thta deserves their spot in rock history.

[@Suzette-gb7uj]

Heart is definitely in my top ten favorite 1970s rock bands! Ann Wilson is one of Rock’s GREATEST voices, and big props to Nancy, as she is an incredible guitarist. Wishing Ann a successful recovery. She’s a strong woman, I believe she is going to be well. Thank you, Adam! The Professor of Rock!

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

Ann Wilson / Pat Benitar Both Broke through Hard Rock mans World in that we enjoyed listening to there songs as much as all the other great make bands.

[@kathymartin7724]

Prayers for Ann Wilson. 🙏. Agreed.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks! She's the best!

[@kelleyeidem667]

Let's not forget how the black bowler hats took Heart's performance over the top into an ineffable powerhouse. Whoever came up with that deserves a mention in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

[@markcatanzaro9699]

Ann & Nancy's cover of Stairway was ABSOLUTELY EPIC! INCREDIBLE! AMAZING! PHENOMENAL! BEST ZEPPELIN COVER EVER!!!!! GIVES ME CHILLS EVERY TIME I WATCH IT!

[@cmorris95]

Ann Wilson has always been my voice “idol “. And I agree the Kennedy Honors performance of Stairway To Heaven was amazing! No one could have done it better!

[@PiratePrincessYuki]

I can’t tell you how many times my younger brother dragged me out to the garage to sing and play songs by Heart. And I got to see the tribute Ann did for Led Zeppelin and omg she’s just amazing.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha! Cool!

[@bjornyesterday2562]

Nancy Wilson heard Questions by Moody Blues, and that inspired her to come up with Crazy On You. Legend

[@terryanderson2450]

Heart's career trajectory reminds me a lot to that of Aerosmith. Huge in the mid-late 70's, then a big lull before a big resurgence in the mid-late 80's.

[@Code.Name.V]

A VERY astute observation.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I was thinking the same thing as I was putting this together.

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s true.

[@rdavis7269]

So true. I guess when music began to change to new wave, etc it took a minute to adjust. Not to mention Heart, Aerosmith and many other bands had been absolute road digs for a decade or so and probably needed a breather! 😅

[@awiyaann2826]

i saw Heart in Hammersmith in the 90s and they blew me away keep fighting Ann the world NEEDS you still in it. from the UK

[@k.b.tidwell]

Dude, as someone born in 1970, you are the epicenter of my mental time machine back to when life was simple and great. Thank you for all you're doing!

[@galeway1697]

And they did it all fully clothed! Good luck to them in their future. Prayers for Anne's recovery.

[@Mistmantle88]

And without autotune

[@palamnaeus]

But can you imagine it otherwise at the Kennedy center? 😂

[@hardnewstakenharder]

They were sexualized by the industry as lesbians, what are you talking about??

[@fluttergirl75]

When my daughter was 10, I played Heart. They got my daughter's interest so I told her how important they were not just for rock, but for music in general. By fluke, the next week, her male teacher decided to talk about Heart and how important they were for women and music. Doesn't get any better than that! She's grown up now and still a fan.

[@jpp7783]

Their importance for the role of women in popular music cannot be understated. In a period where women’s roles in music were to be groupies, sex pots chasing after the men folk, they were different. Nancy Wilson said, “all the other girls wanted to marry the Beatles. We wanted to BE the Beatles.”

[@turbomustang84]

I was given 6 months to live in 98 from stage 4 cancer now I've lived to meet my 8 grandchildren.... So Miss Wilson you got this ..... God bless

[@roizeldiez3500]

This is awesome! ❤

[@chrissiecruise7196]

Similar for me. Doctors told me "no one makes it past 5 years". That was in 2007. I just thank God it hasn't come back So yes, Ann, you got this and God bless

[@karentrimmer]

I was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1980. All they could do was cut it out and hope they got it all.

[@sandlot40]

The most wonderful thing I've read in months. May God bless you and yours. ❤️

[@robertwalkey1443]

Bless you Ann Wilson

[@daveo2797]

I was at one of their 1976 concerts at Michigan State University where they opened for Bob Seger. My roommate was on the setup crew and after the Heart set he overheard Bob Seger say to them, Wow! You guys are really good. And they really were!

[@chriswalker6776]

The sisters were such a powerful duo that drove the band upward. Just watching them perform together is idk it's just amazing. The 80s heart held their ground and not many questioned their rock abilities. UPS and downs but it's an amazing story and the crush 😂 I had and still do. Nothing but respect. I love you ladies and pray for you both.

[@RonThiery]

Heart was my first ever concert as a 16 year old kid in December 1978. We stood in line for over four hours in sub-freezing temperatures so we could get as close to the stage as possible (festival seating). When we entered the venue, we ran towards the stage and were lucky enough to get a spot up against the roadie barrier. As it turned out we were right in front of the spot where Nancy Wilson played her guitar for most of the show. Forty-six years later and I remember it like it was yesterday. A starry-eyed kid with a front row seat watching the most beautiful woman in music rock-out.

[@Mark-db1ok]

And Heart was MY first concert experience as a 13 yr old at the Astroworld amphitheater for the bad animals tour in the 80s. Things I remember: Feeling of "Wow so they're really HERE playing for us, like, in person! Cool!" Also my sister explaining to me the weird sweet smokey smell 😏

[@laurenwalden3937]

mine too. through the years, I never missed one show when they came to San Diego. greatest female singer ever!

[@mheuman]

I saw 5hem at the Paramount Theater in Seattle during the Passionworks tour, I saw 16 and it made me a Heart fan for life. ❤

[@greystone83]

cool

[@jackcurtis4906]

Just lost my wife to cancer...I'll be praying for Anne- yes the GOAT of female vocalists. The Kennedy Center cover is the best, but love Heart-start to finish

[@Trobtwillis]

So sad to hear of your loss. 💔 Praying for your well being as well as Anne's.

[@libbylandscape3560]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

[@countryjoe3551]

You have my condolences for the loss of your wife. I watched my wife of 31 years die from cancer on July 29 of this year. She was an amazing musician who loved the Wilson sisters. She is now singing to the One who deserves all our praise and love.

[@pgooddmd]

I'm sorry to hear about your wife. You keep hanging in there. When you lose your other half it sure is tough to keep on going.

[@allisonreimers9411]

I heard Barracuda on the radio when I was 12 and I loved it. The idea that a woman was rocking it out like that was amazing. Then I saw them on The Midnight Special and realized that another woman was on guitar. My young mind was blown.

[@marcast685]

Heart’s been my favorite band since I was a kid in the late 70’s & early 80’s. I’m so glad that over the years more people have recognized their greatness. It’s so fitting that the video ends with their Stairway To Heaven performance. To perform it in front of Led Zeppelin & the President & 1st Lady is daunting. But they absolutely hit it out of the park. And now it’s part of their legacy.

[@virginiaviola5097]

If I could just go back to the ‘70’s, with my little transistor radio all day and night..Annie’s ethereal voice and face to die for, unique songs. Magic still gives me goosebumps. Great times, great music.

[@stevenr3134]

I didn’t think my love and admiration for the Heart sisters could get any deeper…. I was wrong. So grateful I grew up listening to their music

[@shavonlynn9317]

Prayers for Ann Wilson❤

[@moniquelegarda1842]

Ann's voice was created for rock and roll. I pray for Ann's healing and that she may continue to sing for many more years.

[@LloydGM]

Holy moly, I stopped when you mentioned Ann & Nancy performing Stairway to Heaven at the Kennedy Center, absorbed it, and now I can't listen to anything else today. Wow. Just wow. Thank you so much for using that in today's episode. Thank you.

[@SamMees-dy6gw]

The minute I watch/listen to that video it is on repeat for hours. I love watching reaction vids to it too. Tears are shead!

[@donnahansen4940]

This is probably my favorite of all the videos that you've posted, Professor. To my astonishment, I cried watching Stairway to Heaven, the Wilson sisters, and Led Zeppelin. Your narrative undoubtedly contributed. You, sir, are a treasure.

[@brendastanley8703]

I’ve lost so many people in my life and recently found that my sister and best friend doesn’t have long . Dog and Butterfly has always given me a sense of peace. I find myself listening to it even more at 58 than I did in my teens.❤

[@mindycatriz5195]

😿😿😿🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

Brenda, so very sorry to hear re your heartbreaking news. Hope the remaining time you had/have together is deep & meaningful despite all the inevitable challenges. I can't imagine having to say goodbye to my own beloved sisters - huge empathy for all your family as you journey through this.

[@ittybittykittymama7582]

I have lost my younger sister and both my older and younger brothers. I hope you will remember the wonderful days of love you shared and that the memories are stronger than the pain. 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@rhondahall9832]

I have always thought Ann Wilson was so beautiful! And…..wow! Can she sing! Her sister is excellent on the guitar, too! ❤

[@glauvie]

Not even to mention how Ann is THE MOST STUNNING woman of all time at every age.

[@kittyblak393]

She tried so hard to hide her Beauty and still does

[@sharonrose1226]

I agree! Ann Wilson IS the greatest female rock voices ever. Such a POWERFUL voice! That woman can SING! I always loved the band Heart. I have their greatest hits CDs and love listening to it. I had no idea about her health. That’s horrible. That would be such a heartbreaking loss. Love you Ann. Stay strong!