Heart’s Ann Wilson names the four songs that shaped her the most
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Sun 14 December 2025 19:00, UK
Standing out as a major force in rock during the 1970s was no small feat. Yet Heart, the duo of sisters Nancy and Ann Wilson, managed to carve out a distinctive place in the scene.
The challenge wasn’t merely about skill level, though talent was essential. It was about offering something unique, something beyond mere echoes of the 1960s icons everyone tried to imitate. That era produced enduring legends like The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, after all.
From the moment the Wilson sisters picked up their instruments, they faced a steep climb. They had to prove themselves twice as hard to earn respect from peers and fans, knowing that women in rock weren’t as readily embraced as their male counterparts.
This struggle is something they’ve reflected on, mirroring the experiences of many female artists who rose to prominence around that time. Nancy, in particular, has spoken about how the broader landscape often discouraged women from even attempting to enter the rock world, a significant obstacle. “I don’t know whether the woman thing in rock was the chicken or the egg because, for a long time, women didn’t even try to enter the rock scene because it was just too hard,” she explained.
From their perspective, credibility was hard to come by, but change began when a small group—including the Wilson sisters—kicked the door open and proved that success was possible with enough ambition and resilience to meet the challenges at every step.
Heart didn’t have a long list of female role models to follow, yet much of their drive to become a major name came from a variety of influences. The Beatles provided clear inspiration as they learned the ropes, but when it came to shaping Heart’s own sound and fueling their momentum, several other songs played crucial roles.
In an interview with The Red Bulletin, Ann Wilson discussed the different musical currents that helped Heart endure over the years. One influential track was Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.” It was pivotal at the start of their journey because, as Ann put it, it “takes you on a real journey” and remains timeless, ageless, and beautiful.
Another piece that stirred a similar emotional response was Peter Gabriel’s “Don’t Give Up” from the So era. Ann praised the duet with Kate Bush, calling it “so beautiful.” She described it as hopeful, optimistic, soulful, and capable of moving you deeply—almost tear-inducing in its beauty.
She also connected with The Who’s “Love, Reign O’er Me,” calling it “gorgeous” and describing it as a soul crying out for love.
A surprising entry in her list was James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful.” Ann argued it’s one of the most emotionally raw radio songs she’s heard in recent years. “For a radio song in this era, it has the most substance I’ve heard in a long time,” she said. She noted its simplicity allows listeners to find their own meaning—whether as a conversation with a friend or with something divine. A friend who’s a Buddhist monk texted her, saying, “Have you heard this? I can’t believe it. He’s speaking to the one.” That universality, she added, is what makes the song so powerful.
Ultimately, any song can resonate with Ann if it carries a strong emotional core and room for personal interpretation. Her preference for simplicity often shines through, underscoring the personal themes that have been central to Heart’s enduring appeal.
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