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.
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
@@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.
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".
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.
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
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."
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!
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.
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!
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.
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 UA-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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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...
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. 🙏🏻
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 am a Heart junkie. Play their music all the time. When I realize that we are the same age and she still sings like she does, I am amazed. "Alone" is one of my favorites but I play them all, even the individual albums from both Ann and Nancy. My mother died on 09/14, and I listened to Nancy's "You & Me" to get me through my worst down days. It's personal to me how I feel about their music. Sisters who have held it together through all the music industry madness to be icons and heroes to those who follow them. Thanks for your stories. Always on point.
Ann Wilson is clearly one of the greats among female Rock vocalists/artists. Her obvious love of Zeppelin and masterful tribute to the heroes..... warms the "heart", pun intended. She also, importantly, comes across as warm and sincere, and self-reflective. Thank you. Sam McNally, Australia.
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.
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.
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
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!
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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!.
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. 💓
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.
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.
I recently had the privilege of covering the Ann and Nancy version of Battle of Evermore. That’s a tall measuring stick to be up against, as a vocalist. Trying to walk in Ann’s footsteps is humbling, illuminating and inspirational.
I've loved Heart since day 1 of their first release. The Kennedy Center Awards performance was the greatest tribute to any band ever, as it should be! I couldn't sleep one night in the early 70's so I turned the radio on only to find an interview of Ann & Nancy in one of their homes by a personal friend who was a radio DJ. The most amazing thing happened. They picked up two acoustics & did a live rendition of Dear Prudence that just blew me away. I had recorded it, but the tape got eaten a couple of years later & I couldn't ever find it again. It was so beautiful, so killer! So dumb of me for not making a copy & keeping the original... Thanks so much for your post, luv your channel!
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.
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.
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.
For me, Heart's best is STRAIGHT ON. It's funky and sexy and cool as hell. And then, Nancy comes in with this brilliant harmony vocal just underneath Ann's lead. Which is evenly tied (for me) with Paul's brilliant harmony vocal just under John's lead in the equally funky, sexy and cool as hell COME TOGETHER. I can never decide which is my all-time favorite.
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!
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 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.
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!
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,
I don't know how I missed this interview. Well done. and to Ann Wilson!! The best Rock and Roll Woman to everr hit the stage. I saw Heart a number of times and as a guitar player I was always blown away by Nancy's capabilities in her talent on the guitar. These sisters came out swinging and never left, always a knock out every time. Thanks Ann, and thanks for a great interview.
I have watched this video numerous times. First of all, I love Professor of Rock as I did Casey Kasem when I was growing up. Secondly, Ann Wison is the real deal. She is AMAZING ❤❤❤ Definitely the Queen of Rock!!! No one can ever compare to her vocals. Just saw her a little over a month ago, and her voice was fantastic ❤❤❤
Gotta love Heart. The hits were ubiquitous when I was a kid so now, I get to both enjoy the music I haven’t heard AND be drenched in nostalgia along the way.
I love zepplin, i truly do. However, I had never really cared for stairway to heaven. The first time i felt anything for this song was watching heart’s performance, and i finally realized why people are attached to this track. This performance by heart, was so remarkable, from both sisters absolutely knocking it out of the park, and the plethora of great musicians they were accompanied by. Some great choices like you said, Jason, but also the additional singers, followed by the choir.
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!
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.
The Wilson sisters are the undisputed reigning queens of rock. Great songwriters and musicians.
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
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.
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??? 🤔
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
Hearing Ann’s voice, and realizing that it is an instrument on it’s very own, captivated me. She is a true treasure.
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.
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.
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.
Her voice is positively operatic. Zep 4 was rock poetry. The combination of the 2 at the Kennedy center was pure heaven.
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.
I've seen so many concerts back in the day. Heart is one of my favorite concerts ❤️. They never disappoint!!!
One of the classiest woman in rock n' roll bar none! I tear up everytime i listen to their Kennedy center Honors appearance
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."
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!
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.
By far one of the most pure voices I have ever heard. The power she has is undeniable!
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!
You can tell that she loved this interview by you. Never seen her so relaxed, etc. Great job!!!
I had a very large crush on Ann from the age of 12 and it’s never gone away.
The performance at the Kennedy Center was amazing. To have Jason Bonham playing the drums made it legendary.
One of the few live performances that gives me chills every single time I watch it. That melody. That voice. That choir.Just perfect!
That is one classy lady! I've always admired and worshipped, I mean respected her. Every album had gold on it!
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.
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 UA-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!
That Stairway to Heaven cover at Kennedy Center right in front of Led Zeppelin was EPIC!!
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!
Fell in love with Ann’s voice back in the 70’s...... had a crush on her ever since......
She's so stunning!! And calm... Im always mesmerized with her
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.
Listened to the album "Brigade" just yesterday! Anyone else likes that one?
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.
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.
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.
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 was at On the Road Home concert in San Diego and Ann was jaw dropping especially Crazy on You. It was fucking amazing live.
Heart and Zepp…words that come to mind…strength, beauty, mesmerizing, pioneers, class, dignity and soulful…Wow ❤️❤️
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. 🤘🏻
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 am a Heart junkie. Play their music all the time. When I realize that we are the same age and she still sings like she does, I am amazed. "Alone" is one of my favorites but I play them all, even the individual albums from both Ann and Nancy. My mother died on 09/14, and I listened to Nancy's "You & Me" to get me through my worst down days. It's personal to me how I feel about their music. Sisters who have held it together through all the music industry madness to be icons and heroes to those who follow them. Thanks for your stories. Always on point.
Ann Wilson is clearly one of the greats among female Rock vocalists/artists. Her obvious love of Zeppelin and masterful tribute to the heroes..... warms the "heart", pun intended. She also, importantly, comes across as warm and sincere, and self-reflective. Thank you. Sam McNally, Australia.
Most definitely THE BEST female rock vocalist that has ever been and ever will be. Forever.
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.
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.
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
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 love her eyes. There is a light, a fire still burning strongly.
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 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.
What a gracious, humble, and still beautiful woman.
Great interview Professor.
Heart’s cover of Stairway drive me to tears. I could see that the members of Zep were very deeply affected
What a VOICE she's got! Amazing range and control.....She rocks.
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!
Anne is THE Queen 👑! 🎸 🎼 Thank you both Anne and Nancy for your Heart! ❤️
Ann Wilson and Heart have always been one of my favourites just as Led Zeppelin are, great interview, I learned a lot.
Ann and Nancy are trailblazers! Ann's voice is unreal. And as a Led Zep fan--good stuff!
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.
The Kennedy Center Honors performance is absolute classic masterpiece! Greatest performance ever of all tributes!!
That performance still chokes me up
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.
Heart has always been my favorite rock group
Yes!!! Ann Wilson is the greatest female rock vocalist of All Time!!!
KCH performance one of the greatest I've ever seen. No question! Ann is a cut above... and beyond.
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!.
Hearts version of Stairway at The Kennedy Center Honors was AWESOME!
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.
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. 💓
LOVED, loved Heart and saw them in concert in 77 or 78. They were WOW!!!
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.
Heart is incredible live !!!!! Ann is my. Favorite singer !! Saw her last year still sounds amazing live !
She looks like she's in much better shape now, good for hear.
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.
I recently had the privilege of covering the Ann and Nancy version of Battle of Evermore. That’s a tall measuring stick to be up against, as a vocalist. Trying to walk in Ann’s footsteps is humbling, illuminating and inspirational.
I've loved Heart since day 1 of their first release. The Kennedy Center Awards performance was the greatest tribute to any band ever, as it should be! I couldn't sleep one night in the early 70's so I turned the radio on only to find an interview of Ann & Nancy in one of their homes by a personal friend who was a radio DJ. The most amazing thing happened. They picked up two acoustics & did a live rendition of Dear Prudence that just blew me away. I had recorded it, but the tape got eaten a couple of years later & I couldn't ever find it again. It was so beautiful, so killer! So dumb of me for not making a copy & keeping the original... Thanks so much for your post, luv your channel!
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.
The Desire to Rock! For Those Who Just Can't Stop! Great Job Adam!
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.
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.
For me, Heart's best is STRAIGHT ON. It's funky and sexy and cool as hell. And then, Nancy comes in with this brilliant harmony vocal just underneath Ann's lead.
Which is evenly tied (for me) with Paul's brilliant harmony vocal just under John's lead in the equally funky, sexy and cool as hell COME TOGETHER.
I can never decide which is my all-time favorite.
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!
That was a great interview. Ann Wilson is a awesome person♡
These Heart videos are really good! You're a really top notch interviewer man. I've enjoyed these.
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.
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.
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!
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,
One of the greatest moments of all time!
I don't know how I missed this interview. Well done. and to Ann Wilson!! The best Rock and Roll Woman to everr hit the stage. I saw Heart a number of times and as a guitar player I was always blown away by Nancy's capabilities in her talent on the guitar. These sisters came out swinging and never left, always a knock out every time. Thanks Ann, and thanks for a great interview.
Ann Wilson is an extraordinary vocalist!
Her speaking voice is amazing also !! Listen to Heart’s song Two Silver Rings
I have watched this video numerous times. First of all, I love Professor of Rock as I did Casey Kasem when I was growing up. Secondly, Ann Wison is the real deal. She is AMAZING ❤❤❤ Definitely the Queen of Rock!!! No one can ever compare to her vocals. Just saw her a little over a month ago, and her voice was fantastic ❤❤❤
Been my fav band of all time. I praise them both. Congrats for having that time with her!!!
Gotta love Heart. The hits were ubiquitous when I was a kid so now, I get to both enjoy the music I haven’t heard AND be drenched in nostalgia along the way.
one band I would love have play at my funeral is HEART! Ann is the definition of amazing.
Love Anne’s humility and down to earth demeanor! Great interview!
I love zepplin, i truly do. However, I had never really cared for stairway to heaven. The first time i felt anything for this song was watching heart’s performance, and i finally realized why people are attached to this track. This performance by heart, was so remarkable, from both sisters absolutely knocking it out of the park, and the plethora of great musicians they were accompanied by. Some great choices like you said, Jason, but also the additional singers, followed by the choir.