Heart to Channel Led Zeppelin in Upcoming "Heartbreaker Tour" with Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience

Ann and Nancy Wilson have successfully covered Led Zeppelin songs as both Heart and The Lovemongers for many years. In fact, their cover of "Battle of Evermore" is, in my opinion, superior to the original. The sisters have covered "Rock and Roll," "Misty Mountain Hop," "The Immigrant Song," "Going to California," "What Is and What Should Never Be," "Black Dog" and "Stairway to Heaven," which they most recently covered again at last year's Kennedy Center Honors, to much fanfare. This year, they are teaming with Jason Bonham, son of the late Led Zeppelin drummer, John Bonham, for the Heartbreaker Tour. See complete press release information below.



“HEARTBREAKER TOUR” with special guest Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience

LOS ANGELES, CA – March 11, 2013 -- 2013 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, HEART, will take their critically acclaimed live show on the road this summer with very special guest JASON BONHAM’S LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE. Ann and Nancy Wilson first met Jason Bonham, son of famed Led Zeppelin drummer, John Bonham, when they performed “Stairway to Heaven” together at the Kennedy Center Honors tribute to Led Zeppelin in December 2012.  Over 6 million fans have watched the performance online and purchased the track on ITunes.  Now, in addition to a full set of Heart classic hits including “Crazy on You,” “Barracuda,” “Alone,” “These Dreams,” “What About Love,” and many more, fans can experience this historical pairing live when Heart and Bonham close each show with a special thirty-minute finale tribute to Led Zeppelin.

Ann Wilson promises fans an incredibly special event.  “Nancy and I and the rest of Heart are thrilled to be playing with Jason and his band this summer. Awesome rock n roll music every night...miracles apt to happen any old time."  Nancy adds, “It's not a tribute as we have the blessings of the gods themselves.”

Jason adds, "What a great night it was for us at the Kennedy Center awards, and now to be able to do it again on the road with Ann and Nancy is such an honor for me. I am really looking forward to taking my Led Zep Experience show out this summer with Heart and to join them in a Zep-a-thon closing the show as well.  Just fantastic!”

                Tickets for the tour will go on sale beginning on March 22: 

6/17                       West Palm Beach, FL                        Cruzan Amphitheater

6/18                       Tampa, FL                                          Live Nation Amphitheater

6/20                       Atlanta, GA                                         Chastain Park Amphitheater

6/21                       Charlotte, NC                                      Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

6/22                       Raleigh, NC                                        Time Warner Cable Music 

                                                                                            Pavilion

6/24                       Virginia Beach, VA                             Farm Bureau Live

6/25                       Washington, DC                                 Jiffy Lube Live

6/27                       Wantagh, NY                                      Nikon at Jones Beach Theater

6/28                       Boston, MA                                        Comcast Center – Mansfield 

                                                                                             MA

6/29                       Bethel, NY                                           Bethel Woods   Center for the 

                                                                                             Arts        

7/2                         Holmdel, NJ                                        PNC Bank Arts Center

7/3                         Philadelphia, PA                                Susquehanna Bank Center - 

                                                                                           Camden

7/4                         Uncasville, CT                                     Mohegan Sun Arena

7/19                       Detroit, MI                                           DTE Energy Music Theater

7/21                       Pittsburgh, PA                         First Niagara Pavilion - Burgettstown

7/22                       Cleveland, OH                                    Blossom Music Center

7/27                       Cincinnati, OH                                 Riverbend Music Center

7/29                       Chicago, IL                                            Ravinia Festival

7/30                       Indianapolis, IN                                  Klipsch Music Center

8/1                         West Allis, WI                                     Wisconsin State Fair

8/14                       Houston, TX                                        Cynthia Woods Mitchell                                         

                                                                                            Pavilion

8/15                       Dallas, TX                                            Gexa Energy Pavilion

8/17                       St. Louis, MO                                      Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

8/18                       Kansas City, MO                                Starlight Theater

8/20                       Denver, CO                                        Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater

8/22                       Los Angeles, CA                                Greek Theater

8/23                       Los Angeles, CA                                Greek Theater

8/24                       Indio, CA                                             Fantasy Springs Resort 

                                                                                             Casino

8/26                       San Diego, CA                                    Open Air Theater

8/28                       San Francisco, CA                             America’s Cup Pavilion

8/30                       Portland, OR                                       Sleep Country Amphitheater

 A limited number of VIP experience packages with premium seating, exclusive music and merchandise, and a meet and greet with Ann and Nancy will be available for all shows.  Heart and Jason Bonham have each teamed up with VIP Nation to offer a variety of VIP Packages. For all of these details visit: www.vipnation.com. 

Ann Wilson and her younger sister, Nancy Wilson, first showed the world that women can rock when their band Heart stormed the charts in the '70s with hits like "Crazy on You," "Magic Man," "Barracuda," "Straight On," "Even It Up," "Kick It Out" and many more.  Not only did the Wilson sisters lead the band, they wrote the songs and played the instruments, making them the first women in rock to do so.  Heart continued topping the charts through the '80s and into the '90s with huge hits like "These Dreams," "Alone," "Never," and a string of other hits that showcased the sisters' enormous talents as both musicians and singers. Across four decades and 14 studio albums, Heart has sold more than 35 million records, had 21 top 40 hits, sold out arenas worldwide, and profoundly influenced the sound and direction of American rock music while inspiring women (and guys too!) around the world to rock out in bands of their own.

In 2010, Heart released its first album in a dozen years. Red Velvet Car received both critical and commercial acclaim, debuting in the Top 10 in Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart.  In 2012, Ann and Nancy released a memoir, “Kicking & Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul and Rock & Roll,” which became an immediate New York Times best seller. They also released a definitive box set, “Strange Euphoria,” a carefully considered anthology of biggest hits and best-loved songs set alongside deep catalog treasures, rarities, demos and live performances, on three compact discs and one DVD in a deluxe box.  In addition, they released a new album, “Fanatic,” which features three hit singles, the title track “Fanatic,” “Walking Good” featuring Sarah McLachlan, and “Dear Old America.”  The Wilson Sisters were also awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

On December 11, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced the induction of Heart.  The induction ceremony will be held in Los Angeles on April 18, 2013 and broadcast on HBO on May 18, 2013.

Recap: PopCultureGuy's 2012 Entertainers of the Year

Number 1 - Heart

Number 2 - Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Number 3 - Ryan Murphy

Number 4 - Jennifer Lawrence

Number 5 - Chris Hemsworth

PopCultureGuy's 2012 Entertainers of the Year: Number 1 - Heart

Photo Credit: Sony Legacy/Miles High

Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, along with their band Heart, had a banner year in 2012. They released their first ever box set, Strange Euphoria, as well as a new CD, Fanatic, and a memoir, Kicking & Dreaming. Heart also received a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame, were chosen for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, and the band also toured throughout most of the year. Ann and Nancy also made numerous appearances on various talk shows and news programs. In addition, Ann sang the National Anthem at the Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving day game and the sisters wowed the crowd at the Kennedy Center Honors with their "Stairway to Heaven" tribute to Led Zeppelin.

2012 has been an amazing year for the Wilson sisters, who started Heart more than 35 years ago and just now seem to be receiving long overdue recognition. They are clearly dedicated musicians whose drive and talent has stood the test of time. The recent accolades that they have received are a reminder of their significant contributions to the music industry and they clearly have much more to give. Anyone who attended a recent Heart concert can attest to the power of Ann's voice and Nancy's amazing guitar playing skills, as well as her boundless energy. I am not sure if Heart can ever top what they achieved in 2012, but I would not bet against them.

Holiday Gift Ideas from Miles High Productions: Heart's "Fanatic" & "Strange Euphoria" and the "Dirty Dancing" Soundtrack

The three music related options listed below are some of my favorites from 2012. Click on the title of each item to read my review.

Rock legends Ann and Nancy Wilson return to form with their latest CD Fanatic. (Sony/Legacy)

For the music/movie fan on your list. Dirty Dancing: The Deluxe Anniversary Edition. Be prepared to be transported back to 1987. (RCA/Legacy)

Strange Euphoria is a career spanning retrospective box set from Ann and Nancy Wilson and the ultimate gift for the Heart fan on your list. (Sony Legacy)

Heart to be Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Photo Credit: Sony Legacy/Miles High

The Wilson sisters have had an amazing year and to cap it all off, their band, Heart, will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013! Heart released a new CD, a box set, a memoir and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, not to mention their nationwide tour, in 2012. Their induction is long overdue and very well deserved! Congratulations to Ann and Nancy Wilson!

Other inductees include Rush, Donna Summer, Quincy Jones, Public Enemy, Randy Newman, Albert King and Lou Adler.

For additional information, go here - RockHall

Holiday Gift Ideas from It Books: Archer, Batman, Jeanne Cooper and Heart

The four books featured below are some of my favorites from 2012 and are all published by It Books, a division of Harper Collins. Click on the title of each book to read my review.

For fans of adult oriented humor, How to Archer turns the spy genre of its ear. Based on the FX animated hit series.

For the superhero fan, Wayne of Gotham features an older and weary Dark Knight. 

For fans of The Young and the Restless, Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor) tells all in Not Young, Still Restless

For the classic rock fan and the Lovemongers in your life, Ann and Nancy Wilson reveal their eye opening story in Kicking & Dreaming.


Also from It Books:

The Burning House
Talking Pictures

New Giveaway! Win a Copy of "Kicking & Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul and Rock & Roll" by Ann & Nancy Wilson

The giveaway has ended. Congrats to Jessica D. from Grapevine, TX, Bill G. from Morrisville, NC and Brian M. from Evans City, PA.

PopCultureGuy, in conjunction with Miles High Productions and It Books, would like to give three lucky readers an opportunity to win the recently released book Kicking & Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul and Rock & Roll by Ann & Nancy Wilson, with Charles R. Cross

Synopsis: Two sisters. Two voices. One Heart.

The mystery of "Magic Man." The wicked riff of "Barracuda." The sadness and beauty of "Alone." The raw energy of "Crazy On You." These songs, and so many more, are part of the fabric of American music. Heart, fronted by Ann and Nancy Wilson, has given fans everywhere classic, raw, and pure badass rock and roll for more than three decades. As the only sisters in rock who write their own music and play their own instruments, Ann and Nancy have always stood apart—certainly from their male counterparts but also from their female peers. By refusing to let themselves and their music be defined by their gender, and by never allowing their sexuality to overshadow their talent, the Wilson sisters have made their mark, and in the process paved the way for many of today's female artists. 

In Kicking and Dreaming, Ann and Nancy, with the help of critically acclaimed and bestselling music biographer Charles R. Cross, recount a journey that has taken them from a gypsy-like life as the children of a globe-trotting Marine to the frozen back roads of Vancouver, where they got their start as a band, to the pinnacle of success—and sometimes excess. In these pages, readers will learn the truth about the relationship that inspired "Magic Man" and "Crazy On You," the turmoil of inter-band romances gone awry, the reality of life on the road as single women and then as mothers of small children, and the thrill of performing and in some cases partying with the likes of the Rolling Stones, Stevie Nicks, Van Halen, Def Leppard, and other rock legends. It has not always been an easy path. Ann struggled with and triumphed over a childhood stutter, body image, and alcoholism; Nancy suffered the pain and disappointment of fertility issues and a failed marriage but ultimately found love again and happiness as a mom. Through it all, the sisters drew from the strength of a family bond that trumps everything else, as told in this intimate, honest, and uniquely female take on the rock and roll life. 

Throughout their career, Ann and Nancy have never found an answer to the question they are most frequently asked: "What is it like to be a woman in rock and roll?" Kicking and Dreaming puts that question to bed, once and for all. 

To enter the giveaway, send an e-mail to don.sauer@gmail.com, place Kicking & Dreaming in the subject line and tell me why you love Heart. The contest begins November 7, 2012 and runs through November 16, 2012. Winners will then be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter and will need to provide a shipping address at that time.

Good luck and thank you for reading PopCultureGuy!

Open to U.S. residents only. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

Giveaway! Win a Copy of "Kicking & Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul and Rock & Roll" by Ann & Nancy Wilson

Updated 11/03/12 - The giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Ned M. from Racine, WI, Lawrence C. from Bethesda, MD and Debra F. from Ames, IA!

PopCultureGuy, in conjunction with It Books and Harper Collins, would like to give three lucky readers an opportunity to win the recently released book Kicking & Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul and Rock & Roll by Ann & Nancy Wilson, with Charles R. Cross

Synopsis: Two sisters. Two voices. One Heart.

The mystery of "Magic Man." The wicked riff of "Barracuda." The sadness and beauty of "Alone." The raw energy of "Crazy On You." These songs, and so many more, are part of the fabric of American music. Heart, fronted by Ann and Nancy Wilson, has given fans everywhere classic, raw, and pure badass rock and roll for more than three decades. As the only sisters in rock who write their own music and play their own instruments, Ann and Nancy have always stood apart—certainly from their male counterparts but also from their female peers. By refusing to let themselves and their music be defined by their gender, and by never allowing their sexuality to overshadow their talent, the Wilson sisters have made their mark, and in the process paved the way for many of today's female artists.

In Kicking and Dreaming, Ann and Nancy, with the help of critically acclaimed and bestselling music biographer Charles R. Cross, recount a journey that has taken them from a gypsy-like life as the children of a globe-trotting Marine to the frozen back roads of Vancouver, where they got their start as a band, to the pinnacle of success—and sometimes excess. In these pages, readers will learn the truth about the relationship that inspired "Magic Man" and "Crazy On You," the turmoil of inter-band romances gone awry, the reality of life on the road as single women and then as mothers of small children, and the thrill of performing and in some cases partying with the likes of the Rolling Stones, Stevie Nicks, Van Halen, Def Leppard, and other rock legends. It has not always been an easy path. Ann struggled with and triumphed over a childhood stutter, body image, and alcoholism; Nancy suffered the pain and disappointment of fertility issues and a failed marriage but ultimately found love again and happiness as a mom. Through it all, the sisters drew from the strength of a family bond that trumps everything else, as told in this intimate, honest, and uniquely female take on the rock and roll life.

Throughout their career, Ann and Nancy have never found an answer to the question they are most frequently asked: "What is it like to be a woman in rock and roll?" Kicking and Dreaming puts that question to bed, once and for all.

To enter the giveaway, send an e-mail to don.sauer@gmail.com, place Kicking & Dreaming in the subject line and tell me why you like/love Heart. The contest begins October 24, 2012 and runs through October 31, 2012. Winners will then be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter and will need to provide a shipping address at that time.

Good luck and thank you for reading PopCultureGuy!

Open to U.S. residents only. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.


Ann & Nancy Wilson (of Heart) Share Their Story of Rock and Roll Survival in "Kicking & Dreaming"

True talent stands the test of time. After 35 years in the music business, Heart is still recording and touring and sounding as great as they ever have. How is that possible, when so many of their counterparts from the 1970's have fallen off the radar? Perhaps it was the adversity that sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson had to endure over the years. They were able to rise above all of the naysayers and emerged stronger and more intent on proving themselves and continue to demonstrate that they are the real deal. Sometimes when people are told that they cannot do something, they might give up on their dreams, but the Wilson sisters never did. Indeed, just over the past several months the band has released a box set, Strange Euphoria, a new CD, Fanatic, received a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame, received their second nomination for induction into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and have released a book about their career, Kicking & Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul and Rock & Roll (It Books), by Ann & Nancy Wilson, with Charles R. Cross.

Even before entering the music business, the Wilson sisters had to overcome a childhood that found them moving around constantly as a result of their father's job with the Marine Corp. The constant upheaval was difficult for their entire family. In addition, their father, John, was seriously injured twice in combat and was even presumed dead on one occasion. Furthermore, Ann talks about her struggles with weight and a speech impediment which made attending school very difficult. As a result, she often found herself being ridiculed by her classmates and even a few teachers. However, she was able to throw herself into music, which helped to form a lifelong bond with younger sister, Nancy, that still exists today. Nancy details her struggles with relationships, with band mates Roger Fisher and Mike Derosier, and also talks candidly about her lengthy marriage to writer/director Cameron Crowe, as well as dealing with problems of infertility.

After making their mark in the music industry, Nancy and Ann struggled with acceptance as the female leaders of a rock and roll group, which had been predominantly a man's job. They had to endure disrespect from many industry types, including male journalists who would suggest that the sisters were lesbian lovers and others who would focus on Ann's weight instead of her concert performances. Of course, those comments helped to inspire at least one of Heart's biggest hits, "Barracuda." On the other hand, a few of Heart's other early hits were inspired by love and rooted in Ann's long term relationship with Michael Fisher, who was the guiding force behind the original band.

The Wilson sisters also reveal their musical influences and the lengths that they went to in order to feel closer to their idols, including The Beatles, Joni Mitchell and Elton John. Nancy tells a particularly harrowing story about trying to find Joni Mitchell's farm in the days when it was relatively safe to hitchhike. Ann and Nancy discuss meeting some of those idols, as well as touring with John Mellencamp, Van Halen, Journey and Def Leppard. Nancy reveals an interesting story about Eddie Van Halen, while both sisters recount an unpleasant situation with John Mellencamp. Both make for interesting reading. I appreciated Ann filling in the blanks on some of her relationships, post Michael Fisher, as well as the stories of how she came to adopt her two children, Marie and Dustin. I also read with fascination about Nancy, who always seems so secure and confident on stage, but can be painfully shy off stage.

The story of Heart is a story of survival. The sisters recount their lives by taking turns in almost every chapter to detail their life story, both with Heart and in their personal lives. Of course, sometimes the two mixed and not always well. In addition, current and former band members and other associates of the band occasionally chime in with their recollections of Heart's long history. Even though I have followed the band closely for many years, several things caught me by surprise, including Ann's substance abuse problems, Nancy's departure from the band for several years, and an amusing story of a rather ominous figure from the Wilson family history. I also enjoyed learning about the early days of the "Big Five;" Ann, Nancy, their sister Lynn and parents John (Dotes) and Lois (Lou). Now that many of the puzzle pieces have been fit together in Kicking & Dreaming, it will be interesting to see what that future holds for the supremely talented sisters who have stood the test of time and appear to finally be receiving recognition that is long overdue.

Heart Concert Review - Cary, NC 10/14/2012

Photo Credit: Sony Legacy/Miles High

Heart returned to the Koka Booth Amphitheater in Cary, North Carolina for the first time since 2009 and rocked the house. Two thirds of the set list consisted of rock songs, many of which were originally recorded in the band's early days, proving that Heart has certainly not mellowed with age. Indeed, Ann's superior vocal range still packs immense power, while Nancy remains one of the best guitar players in the world and is still in fine vocal form herself. In addition, Nancy is somehow still able to do her trademark high leg kick while playing the guitar. All I can say is that the Wilson sisters appear to defy the aging process year after year.

One third of the set list was devoted to new songs featured on Heart's recently released CD, Fanatic, including "59 Crunch," "Dear Old America," "Walkin' Good," the title track and "Mashallah." Despite a great effort from the band, the rather lethargic crowd did not appear to appreciate the new selections, which is too bad. Even Ann's amazing vocals on "Mashallah" did not seem to make a difference. However, when Heart turned to their classic hits, such as "Crazy on You," "Magic Man" and "Barracuda," the audience seemed to be transformed and were very appreciative. Other well known songs, including the funky "Straight On" and the rocking "Heartless" were well received, while a change in arrangement brought new life to "Even it Up" and the ballad "Dog & Butterfly."

Sandwiched in between songs from the early days of the band and their latest release were mega-hits from the 1980's. The highlight of those efforts, as usual, was "Alone," with Ann delivering yet another searing vocal performance, while Nancy assumed lead vocals for "These Dreams" (as well as the aforementioned "Walkin' Good"), the band's first number one hit. Another hit from that era, "What About Love," was also well received. The encore included a cover of "Black Dog" from Led Zeppelin. Anyone familiar with Heart's history understands that they do justice to every Led Zeppelin song they undertake and, in some cases, sound better, as is the case with "The Battle of Evermore," which did not make the set list. Overall, Heart played another great, energetic and musically tight concert that showcased their strengths as artists and performers. Although I was disappointed that my favorite Heart song, "Mistral Wind," did not make the set list, even though it has been played at other venues during the tour. Maybe next year!

Heart Delivers Their Signature Rockers and Ballads on "Fanatic"

Photo credits: Sony Legacy/Miles High

Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson made a fresh start with Heart two years ago with the release of Red Velvet Car and while they are moving forward, they clearly have not forgotten their roots. The band's latest release, Fanatic (Legacy), sounds fresh and contemporary, but long time fans will notice an appreciation for Heart's early releases from the 1970's. For instance, the titular song is all about keeping your love alive in an increasingly pessimistic world and a similar theme can be found on selections from the 1977 release Little Queen. In addition, revisiting the past is the subject of the ballad "Rock Deep (Vancouver)," which delves into the inspiration for "Dreamboat Annie," the title song from Heart's debut album, in 1976. The song is beautifully written and Ann's vocals are as pure as ever.

Speaking of which, how does Heart seem to defy the passage of time? The Wilson sisters are still touring regularly, they are creating interesting original material and Ann's amazing vocals still have the power to send chills up my spine. Their originality is expressed on "Mashallah!," a rocking effort with supernatural overtones (Mashallah can be interpreted as God's will) that is also part love song. The aforementioned title song is another key rock track, while "Skin and Bones" and "Corduroy Road" are more blues based, and the ballads "Pennsylvania" and "Walkin' Good" are pop and folk efforts, respectively, that help to even out the mood. Nancy Wilson assumes lead vocals on "Walkin' Good," with guest Sarah McLachlan, which speaks of overcoming the past and finding the strength to move on. Nancy's positive attitude is admirable and she always sings like she means exactly what the songs are trying to convey. Another key track is the somber "Dear Old America," which Ann and Nancy wrote for their father, a former veteran. The song details the often difficult experiences of a soldier returning home from war.

The most startling aspect of Fanatic are the eclectic musical trappings. Indeed, a variety of instruments and sounds ensure that no two songs are similar, which is refreshing, not to mention rare, and expresses the continuing creativity of the band. In addition to Nancy's always phenomenal guitar work, the band utilizes the banjo, viola and violin on various tracks. Producer Ben Mink, who is also credited as a co-writer on all ten tracks, has helped Heart create one of their most original efforts to date and also plays various instruments, including guitar, on every track. Overall, Fanatic does not hit a single false note and is an appropriate title that the band's long time fans can relate to and that new listeners may be calling themselves once they have listened to Heart's latest effort. Finally, Heart has been around for 35 plus years (I have been a devoted fan for 25 years) and I am constantly amazed at how the group evolves and continues to cement their legacy as one of the best, albeit underrated, bands of all time.

Heart to Receive A Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 25

 

 

Photo Credit and Press Release Information Courtesy of  Sony Legacy/Miles High

 

WHO:	Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart
EMCEE:	Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President/CEO Leron Gubler
GUEST SPEAKERS:	Alice and Chains’ Jerry Cantrell and Mike Inez and Rita Wilson
WHAT:	2,481st Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Category of RECORDING
WHERE:	6752 Hollywood Boulevard in front of The Musician’s Institute
WHEN:	September 25, 2012 at 11:30 a.m.
This ceremony will be live video-streamed at www.WalkofFame.com   Ann and Nancy Wilson will be honored with their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday, September 25, at 6752 Hollywood Boulevard. Their star will be unveiled in front of the Musician’s Institute. “This location is a coveted spot for many Rock n’ Rollers and these ladies will join the likes of bands Journey and Motley Crue who also have stars on that property. We are thrilled with this latest star addition as many young, aspiring female rockers look up to these legendary ladies of Rock n’ Roll”, stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremonies.   Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson first showed the world that women can rock when their band, Heart, storming the charts in the ‘70’s with hits like “Crazy on You,” “Magic Man,” “Barracuda,” “Straight On,” and so many more. Not only did the Wilson sisters lead the band, they wrote the songs and played the instruments, too, making them the first women in rock to do so. Heart continued topping the charts through the ‘80’s and ‘90’s with huge hits like “These Dreams,” “Alone,” “What About Love,” “If Looks Could Kill,” “Never,” and a string of other hits that showcased the sisters’ enormous talents as musicians and singers.   Nearly 35 years after their first big hit, Ann and Nancy Wilson were back in the Billboard Top 10 in 2010 with Heart’s “Red Velvet Car” album, and a Top 5 DVD (“Night at Sky Church”). As individuals, the sisters have also achieved significant success. Ann sang on songs that were both chart successes and motion picture themes, like “Almost Paradise” from Footloose, “Best Man in the World” from The Golden Child, and “Surrender to Me” from Tequila Sunrise, while Nancy composed and performed the scores to a half dozen motion pictures including the award winning “Jerry Maguire” and “Almost Famous.”   Although they got their start in Seattle, Heart is a worldwide phenomenon, and Heart singles, albums and videos have achieved chart success in virtually every major territory.   Along the way, music by Ann and Nancy Wilson and their band Heart has sold more than 35 million albums, sold out arenas worldwide, and found its way into the soundtrack of American life through radio, motion pictures, television, and associations with branded sponsors. Today, songs made famous by Heart are heard in every aspect of contemporary culture.   2012 is a big year for Heart: Their 50+ city tour kicked off on June 29. They recently released their first-ever box set, Strange Euphoria, on June 5, and their first-ever book, “Kicking & Dreaming,” was released by Harper Collins on September 18, and their brand new studio CD, “Fanatic,” being released by Sony Music on October 2nd.   Select Discography: Dreamboat Annie (1976) 100 weeks on chart, multi-platinum selling Little Queen (1977) 41 weeks on chart, multi-platinum selling Magazine (1978) 25 weeks on chart, platinum selling Dog & Butterfly (1978) 36 weeks on chart, multi-platinum selling Greatest Hits Live (1980) 5 weeks on charts, multi-platinum selling Heart (1985) 92 weeks on charts, five times platinum selling, Grammy nominated Bad Animals (1987) 50 weeks on charts, three times platinum, two Grammy nominations Brigade (1990) 49 weeks on the charts, multi-platinum selling, Grammy nominated Greatest Hits 1985-1995 (2000) platinum selling Essential Heart (2002) platinum selling Red Velvet Car (2010) Top 10 entry in Billboard Magazine, September 6 Honors & Achievements: Four GRAMMY nominations Lifetime Achievement Award GRAMMY Foundation Northwest Chapter Lifetime Achievement VH1 Rock Honors Image Award: Lifetime Achievement for Excellence in Songwriting ASCAP Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum Exhibit Electric Music Project Museum Exhibit Philanthropic Involvements & Contributions: Race to Erase MS, Make a Wish Foundation, Covenant House, Alzheimer’s Association, Barbara Davis Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Children’s Hospital of Seattle, Neil Young’s Bridge School



Heart Profiled on CBS News Sunday Morning

 

 

Photo Credit: Sony Legacy

 

Heart was featured in a profile yesterday on CBS News Sunday Morning with correspondent Tracy Smith. The nearly ten minute segment focused on the history of the band and provided a big surprise for this long time fan of sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson. I am pleased that Heart has been receiving so much exposure in recent months, with the release of their box set, Strange Euphoria, their upcoming CD, Fanatic, and a new book, Kicking and Dreaming, which is being released tomorrow.

 

You can watch the interview from Sunday Morning by going here.