Heart Returns To Charleston June 22nd, Planning Royal Flush Summer Tour, While Nancy Stays Busy With Roadcase Management

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer 

In a career spanning more than five decades, Ann and Nancy Wilson better known to the world collectively as Heart, the sister duo have sold over 40 million albums, garnered 10 Top Ten albums, been nominated for four GRAMMY Awards, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame back in 2013. 

Furthermore, their 50 year run encompasses 20 top 40 hits, including classic pop and rock radio staples such as 'Magic Man', 'Crazy on You', 'Barracuda', 'What About Love', 'These Dreams', and 'Alone'. The latter two songs would top the Billboard Charts in 1986 and '87 respectively.

Raised in a musical family, Nancy like many of her veteran rock n' roll contemporaries says seeing The Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 lit a spark in her. "Absolutely. Rock n' roll was in good shape and evolving from the Elvis Presley era, but when The Beatles hit it was like a cultural lightning bolt. Like a 'flash mob' that took over the world."

Almost from that moment on Nancy was drawn to the guitar. "I was already pretty good on the ukulele. I had a lot of family members who played instruments or sang, so I had a little bit of a head start. However, seeing The Beatles was my pre-destiny. So when I picked up the guitar I was good at it pretty quick. "

Regarding her instrument of choice Nancy says, "For me the guitar has always been my calling. Whether I'm feeling down or in a good mood, it's always been there for me. Honestly, it's my best friend and my soul-mate." And when Nancy combines her guitar artistry with Ann's voice to create Heart. "It's a force of nature".

Aside from the Fab Four Nancy's early guitar influences were as close as her AM radio. "I played by ear, so everything on the Top 40 back in the 1960's made an impression on me. I admired Paul Simon and bands like The Association who had really good harmonies." She adds, "I had taken a few piano lessons, so I understood chord structures. With that, I would just listen to songs and try to learn how to play. Thankfully I was a quick study."

While early rock n' roll was seasoned with female artists such as Janis Joplin, Grace Slick, Mama Cass, and Joni Mitchell, until Heart arrived on the scene, no band had been fronted solely by females. Given the record label industry in the 1970's was driven by men, did it pose any obstacles for Heart.

"Looking back I feel certain there was that potential, but being sisters we were a united front. We did most of the writing and decision making for the band. It didn't hurt that we were military brats so we knew how to stand our ground."

Nancy draws comparisons. "There were other females back then making their way like Suzi Quatro, and Stevie and Christine in Fleetwood Mac, who were more of a melodic band. But no one was doing what we (Heart) were doing. Ann and I were adamant about the direction of the band." Being talented was a plus. "We were proficient from a young age, so we had a lot going for us."

That kind of mindset carried over into the 1980's when video became more the dominate factor. Despite the suits wanting to mold Heart into a certain look, Nancy says they fought back. "With the advent of MTV the music industry shifted to video. It was all about image. That wasn't us. We've always been about the music." She goes on to say, "It was too much of an over correction. Thankfully by the 1990's it all changed, and you can see it in how MTV basically went in a different direction."

Nancy is often reminded of what another prominent female rocker told her back in the day. "Chrissie Hynde (lead singer & guitarist with The Pretenders) said to me, 'you're really lucky, I'm the only girl in a rock band, at least you get to lean on your sister."

Although remnants of Heart began to take shape in the late 60's, they hit big in 1975 with the release of 'Dreamboat Annie' with 'Magic Man', 'Crazy on You', and the title track becoming instant classics, as well as showcasing their varied music styles. 

Riding on their success they released 'Little Queen' in 1977, scoring three additional Top 40 songs with the title track, 'Kick It Out', and 'Barracuda' which has become Heart's signature song. 'Dog & Butterfly' followed in 1978 spawning two more Top 40 hits with the 'Straight On' and the title track. Despite scoring well with the singles 'Even It Up' and a cover of 'Tell It Like It Is' both in 1980, the first half of the new decade came with diminishing record sales.

Regardless of radio airplay Heart continued to be a huge concert draw. "That's where we thrive. We rock really well. Obviously our songs have stood the test of time. And there's lots of variation in our show. Were capable of romantic ballads, funky songs, and delivering hard rock. We're not mono-dimensional, we are a multi-dimensional band and our fans appreciate all we bring to our live shows."

Heart re-emerged bigger and better than ever, with their 1985 self-titled album yielding four Top 40 hits, among them 'What About Love', 'Never', 'Nothin' at All', and their first chart topper 'These Dreams' featuring Nancy on lead vocals for the first time. 'Bad Animals' released in 1987 rocketed Heart into the arena rock era finding success with 'Alone' becoming Heart's most successful song, spending three weeks at number one. 'Who Will You Run To' and 'There's the Girl' helped push the album to triple platinum sales.

As the 1990's were taking off Heart scored again with 'Brigade' becoming the band's sixth multi-platinum LP, adding three more Top 40 Billboard hits. 'Stranded' reached number 13, with 'I Didn't Want to Need You' peaking at number 23. The lead single, 'All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You', went all the way to number two on the charts, reaching the top spot on Cashbox.

Throughout the years, amid all the highs and lows Nancy Wilson has been lauded for her guitar work. She's continually been listed among the Top 10 female guitarists of all time, a nod she takes humbly. "I'm honored but I don't put as much stock in it. I love my acoustic guitar, any instrument with strings." Adding, "I'm doing what I was born to do, and what's really cool is I get to do it with my sister."

Renowned guitar company Gibson has recognized Nancy's appeal and artistry. Together they've released the 'Nancy Wilson  Fanatic' based on the female silhouette. Wilson's first Epiphone signature guitar and her second guitar overall with Gibson Brands.

Nancy and Ann, along with the original Heart lineup were inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame back in 2013. "The best thing about that for me is getting acknowledgement for a lifetime of our work. And what made it even more special was the introduction from Chris Cornell (late Soundgarden lead singer). It was just so beautiful." Cornell's heartfelt address only solidified Nancy and Ann as true rock goddesses.

During a hiatus from Heart Nancy formed a band called Roadcase Royale with former Prince band member and R&B singer Liv Warfield, lead guitarist Ryan Waters (musical director for Liv's solo work & Prince protégé), Heart keyboardist Chris Joyner, bassist Dan Rothchild, and drummer Ben Smith. They released their first single, 'Get Loud', in January 2017, and their debut full-length album 'First Things First' in September of that year. Roadcase references a beat up case musicians use to carry their instruments, with Royale providing a rock and soul vibe. "Just an extension of who I am."

Wilson carried the same title into her latest management company. Roadcase Management which she co-founded cultivates new talent. She oversees all operations and assists her team, working directly with the artists. "I'm super excited about Roadcase Management . I love to help new and upcoming artists and musicians find their way. I especially love working with artists that have the same passion and drive I did when I first started out." 

Two such artists signed to the management company and that Nancy is excited about include Madisenxoxo and Deloyd Elze. "Both very different, yet talented and driven in their own way." Oregon native Madisenxoxo's soft harmonies and gritty guitar are evident on her single 'You're So Pretty', whereas Deloyd, a Jacksonville native leans more to alternative country music. "What I really admire about them is their original songs are just so pure." For more visit https://roadcasemanagement.com/

She may have a foothold in several projects, but Heart is where Nancy's allegiance lies. The Seattle based band that originated more than five decades ago are still on the road. When they're not headlining solo shows, they are often grouped with fellow 70's and 80's hitmakers such as Def Leppard, Joan Jett, and Cheap Trick.

Nancy understands the packaged tours. "With the economy the way that it is, it's an optimum way for concert goers to see several big bands at the same time. And usually our demographic appeals to the same audience. The upside for us is that we get to play with bands we can up with. We know each other, so it's more like friends and family when we're out on the road."

71 years young, having begun her musical journey with Heart at the tender age of 19, did Nancy imagine being at it in 2025. "In my particular case I''ve always been a dreamer. Although I'm always fantasizing in the present, I'm living out history simultaneously. I knew this was our destiny, and I never imagined anything else."

Given Ann had a health concern last year that cancelled shows, Nancy says her sister is doing fine. "We weren't sure for eight months. Ann kicked the ass of cancer and is completely clean. She's sweeter than ever, and she and I are ready to savor new experiences. We're ready to ride this big metal horse and take on this pretty big machine we call Heart and rock on." 

Nancy and Ann will ride into Charleston bringing a ton of memorable hits for an intimate 'Evening with Heart' show on Sunday June 22nd at the North Charleston Coliseum. Despite performing in the Holy City on numerous occasions she admits she's never had an opportunity to explore Charleston. "When we're on the road, we're like moving targets. Always super busy. I've heard only good things about Charleston, so I hope to get back at some point when I can truly enjoy all it has to offer."

For tickets and information regarding the Charleston show visit https://www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com/events/detail/heart-2  Heart's Royal Flush summer tour includes select dates with Todd Rundgren, Cheap Trick, Squeeze, and Lucinda Williams. For more on those dates visit https://www.heart-music.com/