When they walked on stage to do it I thought "oh no, this could be a train wreck if they get it wrong". How WRONG was I! It absolutely blew me away. I must have also watched it about 15 times. When she delivered the line "To be a rock and not to roll" it put a lump in my throat.
@@MichaelMaxwell747 Agreed,. She's always been my #1 since I was 9. I go back and listen to her do "Crazy on You" at Cal Jam, and she outsings the original recording. When a vocalist makes you look at them in amazement, that's something. Her and Robin Zander of Cheap Trick are the only two that have done that.
Oh. I don’t know about that. There are so many great ones. I adored Ann Wilson and Barbra Streisand at the same time devouring each of their albums, but if I had to give a nod to one or the other, it goes to Streisand. That pains me as I adore Ann, but I suspect she’d agree. If all you know are Streisand’s plebeian popular songs, there’s an entire world for you to explore. I saw Streisand live in 2000. People had flown in from around the globe for a concert. When she started to sing, people began to cry and handed each other tissues to wipe their eyes with total understanding. She had just started performing live again. We’d waited decades. Neither one of these amazing women had any vocal training to speak of. A little here and there. Best female rock and roll… by far. Streisand did rock too with several hits, but not she didn’t rock like Ann.
Every time I see the Kennedy Centre performance I tear up. Their rendition of Stairway is beyond incredible. What the Wilson sisters have brought musically and more to my generation and others will most likely never be attained by others. They don't write like that anymore.
I've watched that video at least a few hundred times. It took balls to sing the greatest song ever to the greatest band ever that just happens to be their song....they nailed it
John & Robert were very close friends.After John died, Robert became like a second father for Jason.I saw, or read somewhere that Jason on the drums was a complete surprise to the guys. At one point, before Heart came on, Robert said to Jimmy "It would have been nice if we'd invited Jason to come".
Mike, I can appreciate your appreciation of Ann Wilson’s appreciation of Led Zeppelin. But I don’t know if she would appreciate the misspelling of her first name by you.
@@sgt.blkdog3840 I am sure she would get over it!😎 That is the thing: the English language is crucified constantly on the internet, and there are those who let it go, and those who do not.
@@sgt.blkdog3840 I appreciate your appreciation of my appreciation of **Ann's* appreciation of Zeppelin. ..And I appreciate you correcting my error. Say, did you know that Jimmy Hendrix had a great deal of appreciation for The Beetles? ;p
Like Heart, the Kennedy Center performance is AMAZING. Never have I seen or heard a cover song that so perfectly melded the original artist and the performing artist. The vocals and guitar playing were at the same time Led Zeppelin and Heart. Shear perfection. I watch that performance over and over and never get tired of it. Great interview. Nancy, as well as Ann are truly great and gentle people. Thank you for staying true to yourselves. And thanx to you Professor.
OMG... What else can be said?? She truly is the first lady/Queen of rock and roll. As a 60 y/o man, I'm not ashamed to admit to tears streaming down my face watching their performance of Stairway. Absolutely incredible. Life stamping.
Ann still has one of the best rock and roll voices ever. I've been a fan since I first heard her voice in '76. Oh, and I also had a big time crush on her and Nancy. What a great interview! She's so gracious, approachable, and humbled by her experiences. She really is "Dreamboat Annie."
Epic interview. I find it inconceivable that this channel has only 233k subscribers. This guy should have millions. "Professor" of rock is an understatement. This guy should have a Nobel Prize for rock-&-roll journalism.
@@ProfessorofRock 1 request that you eventually get to ‘Rock The Casbah’ as a way of exploring the Clash and their totally weird music business trajectory.
As a 50 year old, I remember the mid 70’s on the radio. I came of age in the 80’s, where 70’s were uncool. But Heart’s 1985 reinvention, albums and video, highlighted Ann Wilson’s more “Wagnerian” self. That’s authentic, but she always balances her high chest voice operatic vocals with her softer side. Loved her immediately, and for life. As for Zeppelin, I rediscovered their music in the ‘90’s. They were self made virtuosos, mysterious, amazing. Heart has covered at least ten Zep songs live at different times, and do a great job. Ann Wilson had far better technique as a vocalist, and a magic all her own. As a British reviewer described Ann: “Part witch doctor, part Queen” onstage.
And as a child of the 70's, I saw the 80's as a "sell out" decade. Everything became so commercialized. So looking back, who is right and who is wrong?
53 here... definitely prefer 70s as the ultimate LP decade, and reliably interesting, timeless music across all genres. Gotta admit 80s hits and one-offs have stood the test of time but the label executives got so greedy... by the 90s they more or less killed their own industry.
The only 80’s I listen to are alt rock bands.. 120 Minutes kind of stuff..I love That Petrol Emotion, The Sugarcubes, Sinead O’Connor’s “The Lion & The Cobra”..bands that had nothing to do with the “80’s”. I like the 70’s way better myself.
I was a kid of the 80's too, and never did anyone I know of believe that 70's music was "uncool". I agree with the person above who stated that bands, particularly rock band in the 80's were more or less 'selling out' and becoming corporate, commercial, plastic and common. Many compromised their own music and style to gain more money. It was nearly impossible for bands to turn that all down. Of course, not all bands changed their own unique formulas...but many very good and talented bands compromised their own sound and look in order to become more 'commercial' and appeal more to the lowest common denominator. Even as a 12 year old kid, I could see what was going on and it was not cool at all and the music truly suffered for it. Of course MTV made it all that much worse, due to image becoming far more important than musical chops. It was a decade for sell-outs, no doubt about it.
Loved this interview. Anne Wilson is my favorite female singer of all time. Their version of "Stairway to Heaven" was phenomenal; there are not a lot of songs or performances that move me to tears. Heart, with Jason and that wonderful choir, did. Anne's vocal was amazing, and the arrangement was wonderful. Thank you for this interview, Adam. Thank you, Anne!
Such a great song. I’ve heard it sung by my favorite vocalist, Lou Gramm, and thought it sounded amazing. But Ann’s version is just phenomenal. It’s easy to understand why her voice brings tears, you just don’t hear beauty like that. She is visibly stunning, but seems to have an equally beautiful soul. I’ve loved her voice & wished I could sing like & look as gorgeous as her since I was a kid & “These Dreams” was released. Since watching these interviews I realize she’s so much more & amazed just how beautiful she really is...soft spoken, humble, intelligent, independent. Thanks for another great interview Professor.
I've watched that performance of Stairway at least 100 times. I still get chills every single time. I can only imagine one of the most legendary songs by one of the most legendary bands in front of the surviving members of that legendary band. Ok, I can't even imagine what that must feel like.
Thank you, Professor Of Rock, for being so revering and bring out the best in the artists that you interview. You’re so great! 👍🏻 “Ann Wilson is such a class act. There will never be another.” Exactly right. 🙏🏻
I admit, in the 80's I was deep into heavy metal and didn't follow Heart. In more recent times I dug into them and I was astonished. Ann has the most amazing and powerful voice in all of Rock n Roll and the world. I will even throw Nancy in there because I consider them both pitch perfect. In older age I have seen her rework her octaves on some things. I don't know if it was just to change things up, or for notes that are harder to hit. I have to say her reworks are really great choices too. I have seen her hit her older octaves too. It all came to a head when I got to the Kennedy Center performance. The emotion you feel from that performance could have only been achieved by having Ann sing it. If you weren't paying attention to these things before, then it's time to take a deeper dive and really listen to her vocals.
I came upon the Wilson sisters during the Bad Animals tour and have been an enormous fan ever since. I'm so happy that they are finally getting the recognition that they deserve, helped in no small part by the Stairway cover. And while Ann is well complimented on her stellar performance, I feel that Nancy's playing often gets overlooked. Think about it: They were top of the bill, playing Stairway, infront of the President, with Bonzo's kid behind them and the remaining members of Zeppelin looking on. Can you imagine the pressure. And she doesn't put a note wrong. Every one of them clean and true. It is an impeccable performance. It is the greatest cover I've ever heard...
No Matter how many times I watch that performance at the Kennedy Center, I always get tears in my eyes. Led Zeppelin is probably my all-time favorite rock band and I have always appreciated Heart. Anne Wilson is such a class-act and is one of the greatest vocalists-- regardless of gender-- of all time.
Heart is the first band I bought a tape from. 💖 Nancy made me want to be a guitar wielding rock star back then lol. I wished I could sing like Ann. Definitely a huge influence on me.
I remember listening to their fantastic cover of Zeplin's Rock and Roll live on the album and then heard that they were huge fans of Zeplin. Then I come accross the TH-cam video at the Kennedy Center and thought what a huve honor to play Zeplins biggest song, before their heros, at an event to honor them! Then realized that sometimes life is beyond your wildest dreams! Then Nancy begins the intro all us guitarists have played and thinking,Don't screw up! And she did great, then Ann hit every note with her awesome powerful vocals! Then the choir shows up and brings the house down! The sight of Jimmy lovin it all, Robert taking it all in and I was wondering, Is he walking down memory lane right now! Seeing him tear up while Jimmy is really getting into it. Ann goin for it for all shes worth! What a moment in Rock History to witness! Now and then a moment in time comes along, this was one of those moments! Its inspiring to me also, you may think such a thing is out of the realm of possibility, and then it happens, your fifteen minutes of fame happens. So happy for all involved to be apart of that! I have followed Heart through the years and was very happy that they were able to do this, and pull it off in Grand fashion. Many covers are terrible in my opinion, but this is in the top ten of all time. I really enjoy these interviews with Ann, shes a very intelligent lady and so honest in her answers to questions. Some day I hope to meet her and Nancy, it has been a dream of mine. Who knows, maybe I can meet my lady heros too!
Every time I watch that performance in DC i start to well up about halfway through, then when the choir is unveiled as they join in the floodgates crack open. Have never had that complete of an emotional response to a piece of music before. Close, but not quite.
That Kennedy Center Honors 'Stairway to Heaven' is must-see rock'n'roll history for all. Led Zep / Heart fans or not. Watch it and experience it. Amazing.
2 years since this awesome interview! Ann is the best singer of all time! I am jealous but glad you interviewed her since you asked great, intelligent and heartfelt questions and comments. Well done Professor!
I was born in 1958 . So I went from Beatles to Zeppelin around 1969 , 70 . When I was 10/11 I had The Yardbirds Rave on album . So when I first started hearing Zep it felt very familiar to me for some reason . I knew nothing about the Clapton , Beck , Page trilogy till years later . So Led Zep felt and sounded to me like a natural progression of the form . Moving on a few years , Heart hits the airwaves . I immediately recognized that the sound was , to me , an evolution to what Led Zeppelin was doing . Then I went to the show for the first and every time since , they preformed were I live . From that 1st show on , I have always referred to the band HEART , as America,s Led Zeppelin . Of course these days ,the history of what the Wilson sisters contributed and accomplished in music , stands second too none . As long winded as I can be at time,s , I truly don`t have the word,s to express the Love I still have for Ann and Nancy,s music to this day . But You , Professor of Rock , do an outstanding job expressing , with all Your heart , soul and passion , what all these dear people and there artistry has meant to us the fans . For that , i thank You . My , awesome , granddaughter is in middle school now . At the end of every visit with her , I look into her eyes , and with a loving smile I remind her , Job one in this world is to , " KEEP YOUR LOVE ALIVE " . Thanx for letting Me share .
Love Heart snd the combo of Ann and Nancy Wilson working together. Saw those 2 on TV at the beginning of their band and fell in love with the Crazy On You. Went out immediately and bought the album. Still have it. The Led Zeppelin Stairway to Heaver tribute is perfect. I have listened to it 100 times. It is mesmerizing. Ann's voice can be heard loud and clear over the total chorus . What a singer...perfect. It was fun to see so many famous people groving over the performance. Once of the best Kennedy Center Honors ever.
As a kid from the 70s Heart has been a stable in my life. Anne and Nancy will always be at the forefront of women rockers. Anne's voice and both of their musical and lyrical prowess have left a huge mark on my mind and soul. Their performance at the Kennedy Center was an out of body experience to say the least and I have you beat; I'm certain I've watched it at least 30 times. 😊 Thank you for bringing light to and helping preserve such awesome albums, artists and their stories, job well done sir!
Ann Wilson was being VERY diplomatic about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame effectively, to paraphrase, expanding the meaning of “rock ‘n roll” by inducting performers from VERY different genres into their club.
You rank right up there with the best Ann. Not at all surprised that Led Zep was a huge inspiration. Heart is an equal powerhouse to LZ. I love you and admire you and Nancy!!! Thank you for this fascinating interview!
I loved her double A side. Barracuda didn't surprise me, but Dog and the Butterfly did and delighted me. I've always adored that song. I remember seeing them in concert for that album and was so bummed when my shirt from that concert became a rag that I could no longer justify its existence as clothing. It had done its job. Amazing, once in a lifetime artist. So glad I heard her and Nancy at their absolute peak.
This is an outstanding interview! I spoke to Jason Bonham about the Stairway performance back in 2014 or 15 after a show his band did with Heart. He said he was actually the one who had the idea for Ann and Nancy to play with him for the Kennedy Center Honors. The Kennedy Center folks weren't sure who to get, and he told them the only people who would do it true justice were Ann and Nancy. The whole thing got billed as Heart for marketing the single release (on the show it was Jason announced first, and then Ann and Nancy) but no one from Heart other than the Wilsons were involved (Heart was actually a true band then with a stable lineup unlike now where it's Ann and Nancy and a different set of backup players each time). I'm impressed with all of your interviews, but this series with Ms. Wilson is really outstanding.
Saw Heart's Dreamboat Annie tour in Hampton VA, after many many of rock's best (Stones, Who, Tull, etc etc) and they stood toe to toe with any of them. The kicker that made me a lifelong fan was their encore of Zep's "Rock & Roll"! Seriously blew the roof off that Coliseum.
I loved hearing Anne talk about playing in 🇨🇦 as an indie band. I grew up in the 70's listening to my older sisters music which included bands like Zepplin,Fleetwood mac,Bowie,Elton John etc but in that same pile of records was Dreamboat Annie by Heart. I had always assumed they were just as huge as all the other bands my older sisters listened to. Hearing Anne talk about their start in Canada had me waxing nostalgic about my childhood and really made me feel like I was a part of something. I listen to their music to this day. I felt for years that Anne was one of the most underrated vocalists of rock and roll. So happy to see her finally get her dues over the last few years. Awesome interview! Loved every minute of it.
For a 60 year old fan, this brought tears to my eyes. Absolutely outstanding interview, and she’s the Real Deal. I’ve seen them live over the years and they never, never disappoint. Great job!
I always come away with 'The Queen, she is regal!' after listening to Ann Wilson. One of my favorite musicians, vocalists and people. Makes me proud to be from the Northwest and represent out here on the East Coast.
Thank you, thank you, thank you...but wait, you and your wife only watched the Kennedy Centre performance 15 times ?? I'm in the 30's at least and still tear up every time. Thanks Professor,
She s so beautiful....for me personally, Ann is my Robert.....on the Woman side....Our greatest Female/Male Rock gods of all time....its not only in music either.....HEART...................ZEPPLIN has influenced all of us Rockers .....ANNd always will......Rock n Roll is Rock n Roll!!....and it wont die.......We re all blessed to be alive now and have these beautiful People to encourage us through their writing and magical music......Zep and Heart Forever......Great video Bro....Thanks
Ann Wilson as a musician intrigues me. She has a soft side would you hear on Dog and Butterfly, and then she has a gutsy sound would you hear on Crazy On You and Barracuda. She also has a very haunting sound, which you hear in Alone.
Ann & Nancy are such class acts. They are still (and will always be) my rock & roll heros. Thank you ladies for your inspiration & awesome music! Can't wait to see you on tour again! Go to hell COVID!.
I watch this and am in awe. Ann and Nancy Wilson are such class acts. I remember when they first started out, they played in a little bar in Saskatoon. That was back in the day when bars always had live music. Back then, who would have guessed they would become Rock and Roll icons.
When we buy a new television, I insist that the first thing it will play is the u-tube clip of Heart’s performance of Stairway to Heaven at the Kennedy Honors tribute to Led Zeppelin. I have watched that performance at least 30 times, and will continue to do so if I am able. Absolute icons saluting icons.
OK, call me a sap, but I was brought to tears by this interview! Everything about it, from your fantastic questions and comments, to Ann's amazing responses and her attitude, to the re-living of both the KCH performance, and especially the discussion about the "The Road Home" concerts! I have lost count of how many times I have watched the KCH performance, and I have watched "TRH" concert at least 5 times. The CD of the music alone, is one of my favorite CDs.! I really enjoy your content, even if I don't often comment! Oh, and you have such a cool aesthetic! Your set is beautiful and whimsical and creative, and I really dig your fashion sense! You have a great love for, and use of, color! I also really loved that you and Ann were color-coordinated! And that "Cassette Coffee Table" is just one of the coolest things ever! Did you make that table yourself? Keep up the good work!
I seriously love this man. he makes it so... effortless. and, can you imagine sitting in front of Ann Wilson??? I would want to ask her so many things... Adam is just pure class, thru and thru.
I've been a fan of Heart since Dreamboat Annie. I don't care for Ann's (or Nancy's) politics but I love their music. I've seen Heart in concert at least half a dozen times and would go again at the drop of a hat. I have to give them kudos for surviving and thriving in the Rock & Roll clique and not becoming a member of the 27 Club. Ann's voice has gotten stronger with age and that is no minor achievement. Her performance at the Kennedy Ctr Honors has set the bar higher than most artists will ever reach.
I've been a long-time fan of Heart with the Wilson sister's sitting at the core driving the creativity lyrically and musically. It was clear they had a real link with Led Zeppelin with their writing and themes but that performance at the Kennedy Center just makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and brings tears to my eyes. It is stunning, emotional, powerful. Long-live the Wilson sisters.
Love your honesty about being blown away that YOU are sitting there interviewing THE Ann Wilson. Thanks for taking us along for the ride! I first heard of Heart sitting on a towel at Moonlight Beach in California. June 1977. Someone had a new-fangled "ghetto blaster" (the size of a small car, yet "portable" 😉) tuned to KCBQ and Barracuda came on. Mind blown. Great content, Adam. 💓
Zeppelin 4 hit everyone where they lived at least everyone who knew good music. It did with me but I never had Ann Wilson's talent to start a band. The Kennedy Center Performance was mind-blowing it must have been amazing for Ann and Nancy as well as Robert Plant Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones of course with Jason Bonham on drums well that was just the icing on the cake and the great big bonus! And yes I was one of those kids who saved up their allowances and bought albums with their own money.
I don't think I heard Zeppelin's original version of "Evermore" before I first became aware of Ann and Nancy performing it as an acoustic duo. That first came to my attention in '95, while watching the concert for the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Though it's a cover, I personally think the sisters have claimed that song as their own, and Jimmy and Robert need to literally ask for it back.
Loved the interview! Heart have always been close to mine...lol. They were really the first female rockers that caught my ear, and it was Barracuda and Magic Man that made that first impression on me. I was blessed to see them at the Band Shell in Daytona Beach during Spring Break '84. Such an amazing show!
Heart has been a part of my life since... I can't remember. They are one of the best bands ever! Led Zeppelin, as well, so much in my repertoire, always! I get get choked up listening to both. I feel so much love for them. After watching this, I wish I could hang out with Ann. She seems so cool!
![Heart - Stairway to Heaven (Live at Kennedy Center Honors) [FULL VERSION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LFxOaDeJmXk/mqdefault.jpg)
That performance at the Kennedy Center Honors mesmerized me.
Starway to Heaven may be one of the hardest songs to cover, and they pulled it off masterfully.
When they walked on stage to do it I thought "oh no, this could be a train wreck if they get it wrong". How WRONG was I! It absolutely blew me away. I must have also watched it about 15 times. When she delivered the line "To be a rock and not to roll" it put a lump in my throat.
@@davidholmes2283 , most of the covers of Starway to Heaven are a bit of a train wreck. So we tend to be suspicious, but this one was amazing.
One of the best tributes ever!!!!!!!!!! The Kenedy center
Straight up tears! Especially when Jason did the boiler hat nod to his father. Robert Plant wept!
Best. Female vocalist. Ever.
Best vocalist ever.
@@MichaelMaxwell747 Agreed,. She's always been my #1 since I was 9. I go back and listen to her do "Crazy on You" at Cal Jam, and she outsings the original recording. When a vocalist makes you look at them in amazement, that's something. Her and Robin Zander of Cheap Trick are the only two that have done that.
Oh. I don’t know about that. There are so many great ones. I adored Ann Wilson and Barbra Streisand at the same time devouring each of their albums, but if I had to give a nod to one or the other, it goes to Streisand. That pains me as I adore Ann, but I suspect she’d agree. If all you know are Streisand’s plebeian popular songs, there’s an entire world for you to explore. I saw Streisand live in 2000. People had flown in from around the globe for a concert. When she started to sing, people began to cry and handed each other tissues to wipe their eyes with total understanding. She had just started performing live again. We’d waited decades. Neither one of these amazing women had any vocal training to speak of. A little here and there. Best female rock and roll… by far. Streisand did rock too with several hits, but not she didn’t rock like Ann.
Rock vocalist
Rock vocalist, I heartily agree. But better vocalist, regardless of genre, than Whitney Houston??? 🤔
Ann has one of the great voices ever and the performance with Nancy at the Kennedy Center is one of the best live performances ever.
Agree. Absolutely stunning and soul stirring.
Heart, especially Heart of the 1970’s, will ALWAYS be a part of the music that lies deep in my soul.
I agree. That’s a great way of putting it.
Every time I see the Kennedy Centre performance I tear up. Their rendition of Stairway is beyond incredible. What the Wilson sisters have brought musically and more to my generation and others will most likely never be attained by others. They don't write like that anymore.
I've watched that video at least a few hundred times. It took balls to sing the greatest song ever to the greatest band ever that just happens to be their song....they nailed it
The Wilson sisters are the undisputed reigning queens of rock. Great songwriters and musicians.
I cried along with Robert Plant and to see Jason on drums was extra special!
I'm not crying, you're crying
John & Robert were very close friends.After John died, Robert became like a second father for Jason.I saw, or read somewhere that Jason on the drums was a complete surprise to the guys. At one point, before Heart came on, Robert said to Jimmy "It would have been nice if we'd invited Jason to come".
As far as I’m concerned,
Ann is the true...
QUEEN of R’N’R!!
Without a doubt!
@@christianclements61 along with her sister, a real true professional kick ass female guitar player. she's among the best
I've always appreciated Anne's appreciation for Zeppelin. Regardless, she's one helluva singer!
Mike, I can appreciate your appreciation of Ann Wilson’s appreciation of Led Zeppelin. But I don’t know if she would appreciate the misspelling of her first name by you.
@@sgt.blkdog3840 I am sure she would get over it!😎
That is the thing: the English language is crucified constantly on the internet, and there are those who let it go, and those who do not.
Ann is amazing. Just amazing. Anne (Murray) ain't bad either, in her own right.
@@sgt.blkdog3840 I appreciate your appreciation of my appreciation of **Ann's* appreciation of Zeppelin. ..And I appreciate you correcting my error. Say, did you know that Jimmy Hendrix had a great deal of appreciation for The Beetles?
;p
@@UncleEbenezer77 I see what you did there.
Yes, l love Ann & Nancy's quote: 🎸"We Don't want to sleep.with Led Zeppelin, we want to be Led Zeppelin. "🎸❤
I love made up quotes that are posted as fact. Keep em comin dude. 🤘🏻
Like Heart, the Kennedy Center performance is AMAZING. Never have I seen or heard a cover song that so perfectly melded the original artist and the performing artist. The vocals and guitar playing were at the same time Led Zeppelin and Heart. Shear perfection. I watch that performance over and over and never get tired of it. Great interview. Nancy, as well as Ann are truly great and gentle people. Thank you for staying true to yourselves. And thanx to you Professor.
Ann is a gracious lady, one of my favorite artists. She just has a gift and stands there and belts it out like no one else.
Hearing Ann’s voice, and realizing that it is an instrument on it’s very own, captivated me. She is a true treasure.
Her voice is positively operatic. Zep 4 was rock poetry. The combination of the 2 at the Kennedy center was pure heaven.
OMG... What else can be said?? She truly is the first lady/Queen of rock and roll. As a 60 y/o man, I'm not ashamed to admit to tears streaming down my face watching their performance of Stairway. Absolutely incredible. Life stamping.
One of the classiest woman in rock n' roll bar none! I tear up everytime i listen to their Kennedy center Honors appearance
Ann Wilson one of the best vocal voice of all time. The Kennedy Center performance was one of the best things on tv ever.
Their performance of "Stairway" at the Kennedy Honors makes me cry every time I watch it. It is so amazing.
You can tell that she loved this interview by you. Never seen her so relaxed, etc. Great job!!!
By far one of the most pure voices I have ever heard. The power she has is undeniable!
Ann still has one of the best rock and roll voices ever. I've been a fan since I first heard her voice in '76. Oh, and I also had a big time crush on her and Nancy. What a great interview! She's so gracious, approachable, and humbled by her experiences. She really is "Dreamboat Annie."
I had a very large crush on Ann from the age of 12 and it’s never gone away.
The "Gettysburg address of rock and roll". Original and beautiful. Love ya adam.
The Gettysburg address was a lot shorter. And made a lot more sense.
Funny and true.Regardless a great song.
The performance at the Kennedy Center was amazing. To have Jason Bonham playing the drums made it legendary.
Epic interview. I find it inconceivable that this channel has only 233k subscribers. This guy should have millions. "Professor" of rock is an understatement. This guy should have a Nobel Prize for rock-&-roll journalism.
Couldn’t agree more!!
His work has more heart and care and dignity than most online and paper outlets put together!!
@@BRO77TX Abso-fucking-lutely!
Wow! Thank you !. We'll get there because of people like you!
You said it best!
@@ProfessorofRock 1 request that you eventually get to ‘Rock The Casbah’ as a way of exploring the Clash and their totally weird music business trajectory.
As a 50 year old, I remember the mid 70’s on the radio. I came of age in the 80’s, where 70’s were uncool. But Heart’s 1985 reinvention, albums and video, highlighted Ann Wilson’s more “Wagnerian” self. That’s authentic, but she always balances her high chest voice operatic vocals with her softer side. Loved her immediately, and for life. As for Zeppelin, I rediscovered their music in the ‘90’s. They were self made virtuosos, mysterious, amazing. Heart has covered at least ten Zep songs live at different times, and do a great job. Ann Wilson had far better technique as a vocalist, and a magic all her own. As a British reviewer described Ann: “Part witch doctor, part Queen” onstage.
And as a child of the 70's, I saw the 80's as a "sell out" decade. Everything became so commercialized. So looking back, who is right and who is wrong?
@@williambenner5550 myself as well and I have to agree.
53 here... definitely prefer 70s as the ultimate LP decade, and reliably interesting, timeless music across all genres. Gotta admit 80s hits and one-offs have stood the test of time but the label executives got so greedy... by the 90s they more or less killed their own industry.
The only 80’s I listen to are alt rock bands.. 120 Minutes kind of stuff..I love That Petrol Emotion, The Sugarcubes, Sinead O’Connor’s “The Lion & The Cobra”..bands that had nothing to do with the “80’s”. I like the 70’s way better myself.
I was a kid of the 80's too, and never did anyone I know of believe that 70's music was "uncool".
I agree with the person above who stated that bands, particularly rock band in the 80's were more or less 'selling out' and becoming corporate, commercial, plastic and common. Many compromised their own music and style to gain more money. It was nearly impossible for bands to turn that all down.
Of course, not all bands changed their own unique formulas...but many very good and talented bands compromised their own sound and look in order to become more 'commercial' and appeal more to the lowest common denominator. Even as a 12 year old kid, I could see what was going on and it was not cool at all and the music truly suffered for it. Of course MTV made it all that much worse, due to image becoming far more important than musical chops. It was a decade for sell-outs, no doubt about it.
Loved this interview. Anne Wilson is my favorite female singer of all time. Their version of "Stairway to Heaven" was phenomenal; there are not a lot of songs or performances that move me to tears. Heart, with Jason and that wonderful choir, did. Anne's vocal was amazing, and the arrangement was wonderful. Thank you for this interview, Adam. Thank you, Anne!
Your fave singer of all time is Ann, not Anne!
That Stairway to Heaven cover at Kennedy Center right in front of Led Zeppelin was EPIC!!
Such a great song. I’ve heard it sung by my favorite vocalist, Lou Gramm, and thought it sounded amazing. But Ann’s version is just phenomenal. It’s easy to understand why her voice brings tears, you just don’t hear beauty like that. She is visibly stunning, but seems to have an equally beautiful soul. I’ve loved her voice & wished I could sing like & look as gorgeous as her since I was a kid & “These Dreams” was released. Since watching these interviews I realize she’s so much more & amazed just how beautiful she really is...soft spoken, humble, intelligent, independent. Thanks for another great interview Professor.
That is one classy lady! I've always admired and worshipped, I mean respected her. Every album had gold on it!
One of the few live performances that gives me chills every single time I watch it. That melody. That voice. That choir.Just perfect!
Fell in love with Ann’s voice back in the 70’s...... had a crush on her ever since......
Listened to the album "Brigade" just yesterday! Anyone else likes that one?
I've watched that performance of Stairway at least 100 times. I still get chills every single time. I can only imagine one of the most legendary songs by one of the most legendary bands in front of the surviving members of that legendary band. Ok, I can't even imagine what that must feel like.
I love her eyes. There is a light, a fire still burning strongly.
That performance still chokes me up
Thank you, Professor Of Rock, for being so revering and bring out the best in the artists that you interview. You’re so great! 👍🏻 “Ann Wilson is such a class act. There will never be another.” Exactly right. 🙏🏻
She really is. Likewise I must say that these two sisters are simply polite based on each and every interview that I have watched.
I admit, in the 80's I was deep into heavy metal and didn't follow Heart. In more recent times I dug into them and I was astonished. Ann has the most amazing and powerful voice in all of Rock n Roll and the world. I will even throw Nancy in there because I consider them both pitch perfect.
In older age I have seen her rework her octaves on some things. I don't know if it was just to change things up, or for notes that are harder to hit. I have to say her reworks are really great choices too. I have seen her hit her older octaves too. It all came to a head when I got to the Kennedy Center performance. The emotion you feel from that performance could have only been achieved by having Ann sing it. If you weren't paying attention to these things before, then it's time to take a deeper dive and really listen to her vocals.
She looks like she's in much better shape now, good for hear.
I came upon the Wilson sisters during the Bad Animals tour and have been an enormous fan ever since. I'm so happy that they are finally getting the recognition that they deserve, helped in no small part by the Stairway cover. And while Ann is well complimented on her stellar performance, I feel that Nancy's playing often gets overlooked. Think about it: They were top of the bill, playing Stairway, infront of the President, with Bonzo's kid behind them and the remaining members of Zeppelin looking on. Can you imagine the pressure. And she doesn't put a note wrong. Every one of them clean and true. It is an impeccable performance. It is the greatest cover I've ever heard...
Nancy is an amazing musician and performer.
Heart’s cover of Stairway drive me to tears. I could see that the members of Zep were very deeply affected
No Matter how many times I watch that performance at the Kennedy Center, I always get tears in my eyes. Led Zeppelin is probably my all-time favorite rock band and I have always appreciated Heart. Anne Wilson is such a class-act and is one of the greatest vocalists-- regardless of gender-- of all time.
Hearts version of Stairway at The Kennedy Center Honors was AWESOME!
Most definitely THE BEST female rock vocalist that has ever been and ever will be. Forever.
What a VOICE she's got! Amazing range and control.....She rocks.
Heart is the first band I bought a tape from. 💖 Nancy made me want to be a guitar wielding rock star back then lol. I wished I could sing like Ann. Definitely a huge influence on me.
I remember listening to their fantastic cover of Zeplin's Rock and Roll live on the album and then heard that they were huge fans of Zeplin. Then I come accross the TH-cam video at the Kennedy Center and thought what a huve honor to play Zeplins biggest song, before their heros, at an event to honor them! Then realized that sometimes life is beyond your wildest dreams! Then Nancy begins the intro all us guitarists have played and thinking,Don't screw up! And she did great, then Ann hit every note with her awesome powerful vocals! Then the choir shows up and brings the house down! The sight of Jimmy lovin it all, Robert taking it all in and I was wondering, Is he walking down memory lane right now! Seeing him tear up while Jimmy is really getting into it. Ann goin for it for all shes worth! What a moment in Rock History to witness! Now and then a moment in time comes along, this was one of those moments! Its inspiring to me also, you may think such a thing is out of the realm of possibility, and then it happens, your fifteen minutes of fame happens. So happy for all involved to be apart of that!
I have followed Heart through the years and was very happy that they were able to do this, and pull it off in Grand fashion. Many covers are terrible in my opinion, but this is in the top ten of all time.
I really enjoy these interviews with Ann, shes a very intelligent lady and so honest in her answers to questions. Some day I hope to meet her and Nancy, it has been a dream of mine. Who knows, maybe I can meet my lady heros too!
Every time I watch that performance in DC i start to well up about halfway through, then when the choir is unveiled as they join in the floodgates crack open. Have never had that complete of an emotional response to a piece of music before. Close, but not quite.
That Kennedy Center Honors 'Stairway to Heaven' is must-see rock'n'roll history for all. Led Zep / Heart fans or not. Watch it and experience it. Amazing.
I think Kennedy Centers Honors Zep should have been a Grammy winning performance. I hope all musicians use this as a tool for young musicians.
2 years since this awesome interview! Ann is the best singer of all time! I am jealous but glad you interviewed her since you asked great, intelligent and heartfelt questions and comments. Well done Professor!
I was born in 1958 . So I went from Beatles to Zeppelin around 1969 , 70 . When I was 10/11 I had The Yardbirds Rave on album . So when I first
started hearing Zep it felt very familiar to me for some reason . I knew nothing about the Clapton , Beck , Page trilogy till years later .
So Led Zep felt and sounded to me like a natural progression of the form .
Moving on a few years , Heart hits the airwaves . I immediately recognized that the sound was , to me , an evolution to what Led Zeppelin was doing .
Then I went to the show for the first and every time since , they preformed were I live . From that 1st show on , I have always referred to the band HEART , as
America,s Led Zeppelin . Of course these days ,the history of what the Wilson sisters contributed and accomplished in music , stands second too none .
As long winded as I can be at time,s , I truly don`t have the word,s to express the Love I still have for Ann and Nancy,s music to this day .
But You , Professor of Rock , do an outstanding job expressing , with all Your heart , soul and passion , what all these dear people and there artistry
has meant to us the fans . For that , i thank You .
My , awesome , granddaughter is in middle school now . At the end of every visit with her , I look into her eyes , and with a loving smile I remind her ,
Job one in this world is to , " KEEP YOUR LOVE ALIVE " . Thanx for letting Me share .
Well said I will add my intent to yours!
Heart and Zepp…words that come to mind…strength, beauty, mesmerizing, pioneers, class, dignity and soulful…Wow ❤️❤️
Heart has always been my favorite rock group
Yes!!! Ann Wilson is the greatest female rock vocalist of All Time!!!
Love Heart snd the combo of Ann and Nancy Wilson working together. Saw those 2 on TV at the beginning of their band and fell in love with the Crazy On You. Went out immediately and bought the album. Still have it. The Led Zeppelin Stairway to Heaver tribute is perfect. I have listened to it 100 times. It is mesmerizing. Ann's voice can be heard loud and clear over the total chorus . What a singer...perfect. It was fun to see so many famous people groving over the performance. Once of the best Kennedy Center Honors ever.
I was at On the Road Home concert in San Diego and Ann was jaw dropping especially Crazy on You. It was fucking amazing live.
As a kid from the 70s Heart has been a stable in my life. Anne and Nancy will always be at the forefront of women rockers. Anne's voice and both of their musical and lyrical prowess have left a huge mark on my mind and soul. Their performance at the Kennedy Center was an out of body experience to say the least and I have you beat; I'm certain I've watched it at least 30 times. 😊
Thank you for bringing light to and helping preserve such awesome albums, artists and their stories, job well done sir!
Ann Wilson was being VERY diplomatic about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame effectively, to paraphrase, expanding the meaning of “rock ‘n roll” by inducting performers from VERY different genres into their club.
The Kennedy Center Honors performance is absolute classic masterpiece! Greatest performance ever of all tributes!!
Ann Wilson is an extraordinary vocalist!
You rank right up there with the best Ann. Not at all surprised that Led Zep was a huge inspiration. Heart is an equal powerhouse to LZ. I love you and admire you and Nancy!!! Thank you for this fascinating interview!
I loved her double A side. Barracuda didn't surprise me, but Dog and the Butterfly did and delighted me. I've always adored that song. I remember seeing them in concert for that album and was so bummed when my shirt from that concert became a rag that I could no longer justify its existence as clothing. It had done its job. Amazing, once in a lifetime artist. So glad I heard her and Nancy at their absolute peak.
LOVED, loved Heart and saw them in concert in 77 or 78. They were WOW!!!
This is an outstanding interview! I spoke to Jason Bonham about the Stairway performance back in 2014 or 15 after a show his band did with Heart. He said he was actually the one who had the idea for Ann and Nancy to play with him for the Kennedy Center Honors. The Kennedy Center folks weren't sure who to get, and he told them the only people who would do it true justice were Ann and Nancy. The whole thing got billed as Heart for marketing the single release (on the show it was Jason announced first, and then Ann and Nancy) but no one from Heart other than the Wilsons were involved (Heart was actually a true band then with a stable lineup unlike now where it's Ann and Nancy and a different set of backup players each time). I'm impressed with all of your interviews, but this series with Ms. Wilson is really outstanding.
I've seen so many concerts back in the day. Heart is one of my favorite concerts ❤️. They never disappoint!!!
KCH performance one of the greatest I've ever seen. No question! Ann is a cut above... and beyond.
Heart is incredible live !!!!! Ann is my. Favorite singer !! Saw her last year still sounds amazing live !
What a gracious, humble, and still beautiful woman.
Great interview Professor.
Ann and Nancy are trailblazers! Ann's voice is unreal. And as a Led Zep fan--good stuff!
She's so stunning!! And calm... Im always mesmerized with her
Saw Heart's Dreamboat Annie tour in Hampton VA, after many many of rock's best (Stones, Who, Tull, etc etc) and they stood toe to toe with any of them. The kicker that made me a lifelong fan was their encore of Zep's "Rock & Roll"! Seriously blew the roof off that Coliseum.
I loved hearing Anne talk about playing in 🇨🇦 as an indie band. I grew up in the 70's listening to my older sisters music which included bands like Zepplin,Fleetwood mac,Bowie,Elton John etc but in that same pile of records was Dreamboat Annie by Heart. I had always assumed they were just as huge as all the other bands my older sisters listened to. Hearing Anne talk about their start in Canada had me waxing nostalgic about my childhood and really made me feel like I was a part of something. I listen to their music to this day. I felt for years that Anne was one of the most underrated vocalists of rock and roll. So happy to see her finally get her dues over the last few years. Awesome interview! Loved every minute of it.
For a 60 year old fan, this brought tears to my eyes. Absolutely outstanding interview, and she’s the Real Deal. I’ve seen them live over the years and they never, never disappoint. Great job!
There's no way I could have sat that close to the amazing Ann Wilson and not been a drooling idiot. Such an icon. Right up there.
I always come away with 'The Queen, she is regal!' after listening to Ann Wilson. One of my favorite musicians, vocalists and people. Makes me proud to be from the Northwest and represent out here on the East Coast.
Thank you, thank you, thank you...but wait, you and your wife only watched the Kennedy Centre performance 15 times ?? I'm in the 30's at least and still tear up every time. Thanks Professor,
She s so beautiful....for me personally, Ann is my Robert.....on the Woman side....Our greatest Female/Male Rock gods of all time....its not only in music either.....HEART...................ZEPPLIN has influenced all of us Rockers .....ANNd always will......Rock n Roll is Rock n Roll!!....and it wont die.......We re all blessed to be alive now and have these beautiful People to encourage us through their writing and magical music......Zep and Heart Forever......Great video Bro....Thanks
Ann Wilson as a musician intrigues me. She has a soft side would you hear on Dog and Butterfly, and then she has a gutsy sound would you hear on Crazy On You and Barracuda. She also has a very haunting sound, which you hear in Alone.
Ann & Nancy are such class acts. They are still (and will always be) my rock & roll heros. Thank you ladies for your inspiration & awesome music! Can't wait to see you on tour again! Go to hell COVID!.
That was a great interview. Ann Wilson is a awesome person♡
I watch this and am in awe.
Ann and Nancy Wilson are such class acts.
I remember when they first started out, they played in a little bar in Saskatoon. That was back in the day when bars always had live music.
Back then, who would have guessed they would become Rock and Roll icons.
When we buy a new television, I insist that the first thing it will play is the u-tube clip of Heart’s performance of Stairway to Heaven at the Kennedy Honors tribute to Led Zeppelin. I have watched that performance at least 30 times, and will continue to do so if I am able. Absolute icons saluting icons.
OK, call me a sap, but I was brought to tears by this interview! Everything about it, from your fantastic questions and comments, to Ann's amazing responses and her attitude, to the re-living of both the KCH performance, and especially the discussion about the "The Road Home" concerts!
I have lost count of how many times I have watched the KCH performance, and I have watched "TRH" concert at least 5 times. The CD of the music alone, is one of my favorite CDs.!
I really enjoy your content, even if I don't often comment!
Oh, and you have such a cool aesthetic! Your set is beautiful and whimsical and creative, and I really dig your fashion sense! You have a great love for, and use of, color! I also really loved that you and Ann were color-coordinated!
And that "Cassette Coffee Table" is just one of the coolest things ever! Did you make that table yourself?
Keep up the good work!
Ann Wilson and Heart have always been one of my favourites just as Led Zeppelin are, great interview, I learned a lot.
One of the greatest moments of all time!
I still remember the first song I ever heard that made me fall in love with rock music.
Heart Barracuda!
Now I’m 47 seen the peak of rock.
Ann & Nancy playing stair way to heaven at Kennedy center was, is epic, some days I'll just play it 5-6 times in a roll
I seriously love this man. he makes it so... effortless. and, can you imagine sitting in front of Ann Wilson??? I would want to ask her so many things... Adam is just pure class, thru and thru.
The Desire to Rock! For Those Who Just Can't Stop! Great Job Adam!
I've been a fan of Heart since Dreamboat Annie. I don't care for Ann's (or Nancy's) politics but I love their music. I've seen Heart in concert at least half a dozen times and would go again at the drop of a hat. I have to give them kudos for surviving and thriving in the Rock & Roll clique and not becoming a member of the 27 Club. Ann's voice has gotten stronger with age and that is no minor achievement. Her performance at the Kennedy Ctr Honors has set the bar higher than most artists will ever reach.
I've been a long-time fan of Heart with the Wilson sister's sitting at the core driving the creativity lyrically and musically. It was clear they had a real link with Led Zeppelin with their writing and themes but that performance at the Kennedy Center just makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and brings tears to my eyes. It is stunning, emotional, powerful. Long-live the Wilson sisters.
9:06 - Referring to "Stairway to Heaven" as the "Gettysburg Address of Rock 'n' Roll" was a nice analogy!
She definitely paved the way.
Love your honesty about being blown away that YOU are sitting there interviewing THE Ann Wilson. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!
I first heard of Heart sitting on a towel at Moonlight Beach in California. June 1977. Someone had a new-fangled "ghetto blaster" (the size of a small car, yet "portable" 😉) tuned to KCBQ and Barracuda came on. Mind blown.
Great content, Adam. 💓
Zeppelin 4 hit everyone where they lived at least everyone who knew good music. It did with me but I never had Ann Wilson's talent to start a band. The Kennedy Center Performance was mind-blowing it must have been amazing for Ann and Nancy as well as Robert Plant Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones of course with Jason Bonham on drums well that was just the icing on the cake and the great big bonus! And yes I was one of those kids who saved up their allowances and bought albums with their own money.
My paper route money purchased Little Queen. I think it was the third or fourth album I ever bought!
Anne is THE Queen 👑! 🎸 🎼 Thank you both Anne and Nancy for your Heart! ❤️
I don't think I heard Zeppelin's original version of "Evermore" before I first became aware of Ann and Nancy performing it as an acoustic duo. That first came to my attention in '95, while watching the concert for the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Though it's a cover, I personally think the sisters have claimed that song as their own, and Jimmy and Robert need to literally ask for it back.
I saw them in 2010. Still excellent. They did Rock n Roll as the encore. Everyone went nuts.
Loved the interview! Heart have always been close to mine...lol. They were really the first female rockers that caught my ear, and it was Barracuda and Magic Man that made that first impression on me. I was blessed to see them at the Band Shell in Daytona Beach during Spring Break '84. Such an amazing show!
I've watched it double digit times too. Greatest single song performance ever.
Heart has been a part of my life since... I can't remember. They are one of the best bands ever! Led Zeppelin, as well, so much in my repertoire, always! I get get choked up listening to both. I feel so much love for them. After watching this, I wish I could hang out with Ann. She seems so cool!