The Rising of Nancy Wilson

Nancy Wilson of Heart called the Q105.7 studios to talk with Karolyi about life during a pandemic, going solo and The Rising.

The last time that the band Heart visited the Capital Region was July of 2019 when they performed at Saratoga Performing Arts Center with Sheryl Crow on the Love Alive Tour. Maybe you were there. Touring is uncertain for 2021 but we now know that new music from Nancy Wilson is on the way.

Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart debuted with an album called "Dreamboat Annie" in 1975. That was their very first release on Mushroom Records, Forty five years later Nancy decided it's time for a solo album.

What took so long? What makes now the right time for Nancy Wilson to take on the challenge of writing, recording and releasing her first ever solo album? Before we get into that let's look back and get some perspective on Heart's career so far. This band, fronted by two sisters, were up against the odds in the male dominated genre of Hard Rock. Since their initial release Heart have received four Grammy nominations, were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2013 and have sold over 35 million records worldwide. With accomplishments of this magnitude one could see why Nancy might not want to mess with the recipe.

In her conversation with Karolyi on Q105.7 Nancy explains what makes now the right time to prepare a solo album due March of 2021 on Carry On Records. Having seen Springsteen On Broadway Nancy gained a new appreciation for his storytelling and lyrical content. After considering several Bruce songs to cover she settled on "The Rising" which is out now. The yet to be titled solo album will feature a cover of Pearl Jam's "Daughter", Simon & Garfunkel's "The Boxer" and seven original compositions. Sammy Hagar will be featured on one song and more guest spots to be announced as the album nears completion.

Nancy explains that she would love to perform live to support her solo album and that Heart has "a big offer on the table" to tour in 2021. We would love that as well. Should a return to the Capital Region happen Q105.7 will take you there. For now we have new music from an icon in Classic Rock with a full album coming early 2021 and that is something to look forward to.