Becoming a rock star is a terrific dream, but one that only very few ever realize, and for those who achieve success, many end up at the wrong end of unscrupulous agents or abusing drugs and alcohol, which ruin their lives. But this real-life story of two very close sisters who lived an all-American life growing up in the sixties, idolizing the Beatles and learning to play music from their inspiration, is a story that is not only remarkable but quite uplifting. After all these years, Ann Wilson, the leading force of the rock band Heart, later joined by her sister, Nancy Wilson, persevered and sustained success over some 30 years, and today, the band is still rocking!
About Kicking & Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul and Rock & Roll
The story in “Kicking & Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul and Rock & Roll,” the biographical account of Heart and the Wilson sisters, covers their early life in a very close family who referred to themselves as the “Big Five” including Ann, Nancy, their mother, father, and older sister Lynn, and chronicles the artistic development, success, disappointments, and ultimate triumph of Heart.
The early days for Ann were far less glamorous than her days as a rock star. In fact, she tells the story of an overweight girl with a stutter and one who endured many insults and disappointments, living a simple life with her family while moving frequently to follow her father, a proud officer in the United States Marines.
When Ann was young, teen girls everywhere loved the Beatles because they were fab and cute. Ann loved the Beatles too, but what she loved was their music, and she simply wanted to play those guitar riffs and chords on stage. A true Beatle fanatic, Ann Wilson had started an all-girl band called Viewpoint, and they even sewed their own outfits similar to the Beatles. This was just the beginning of her musical career. After several attempts with different bands and band names, Ann finally landed on Heart, and when Nancy later joined the band, they were off and running.
While drugs and alcohol did play a role in the lives of these driven siblings, their commitment to the band and their music prevailed. At the beginning of their career, when a prospective label, Mushroom, offered Ann Wilson a contract but only as a single act with no interest in the rest of the band, she walked out of loyalty to the band. Later, when Nancy Wilson joined the band, they endured “Sister Act” jokes with comments on Nancy’s guitar capabilities and sarcastic questions as to “if it was even plugged in,” not to mention the predictable sex jokes and fantasizing about these two as lesbians in a sexy rock setting.
Heart was like many rock ‘n’ roll bands in that they had early original compositions, written about men in their lives, that were hits (“Magic Man,” “Barracuda,” “Crazy on You”), which catapulted them into the spotlight signing with a record label and touring the country playing in front of large, adoring fans.
What was different about this band was the tight bond between two sisters who were the nucleus of this act and who found themselves under the increasing control of producers and managers who pushed them to be someone they did not want to be. From doing MTV video production with the big hair of the ‘80s and pushing them to show more cleavage to making albums under the Heart name with compositions they did not write (“These Dreams,” “What about Love”), the Wilson sisters struggled to find meaning in what they had become and more importantly, where they would go from there.
Throughout their journey, with the songs that became such a big part of pop music, these women wove a sense of honesty and sincerity into their music, writing their own lyrics and music, overcoming drugs and alcohol that were at their disposal, and the skeptics, to rise above it all. Now, as mothers and Ann as a grandmother, they have embarked on a new journey with a brand new album and tour for 2012. The story reveals the true fanaticism of these two, which was each other…the true love of two sisters who cared for each other and loved their family past, present, and future…true legends of life!
Conclusion
In the heartwarming and rocky tale of Kicking & Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul and Rock & Roll, Ann and Nancy Wilson’s journey from Beatles-inspired dreamers to rock legends is a testament to the power of family, passion, and perseverance. Through the highs and lows of fame, the challenges of the music industry, and personal trials, the Wilson sisters’ unbreakable bond and dedication to their art stand as a beacon of inspiration. This book not only charts the course of an iconic band but also celebrates the enduring love and loyalty between two sisters who navigated the tumultuous waters of rock and roll together. Their story is a vivid reminder that at the core of every dream realized is the heart and soul poured into it, making Kicking & Dreaming a must-read for fans and aspiring musicians alike, illuminating the essence of what it truly means to chase and live your dreams.
5 Key Takeaways from Kicking & Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul and Rock & Roll
- The Power of Family Bonds: The Wilson sisters’ journey underscores the significance of family in navigating the challenges of life and the music industry. Their story is a testament to how strong familial relationships can provide a foundation of support and resilience, enabling individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.
- Perseverance Through Adversity: Ann and Nancy Wilson’s career highlights the importance of persistence and loyalty, both to one’s craft and to each other. Despite facing sexism, industry pressures, and personal struggles, their commitment to their music and to each other helped them to sustain a successful career over decades.
- The Role of Passion in Creativity: The Wilson sisters’ love for music, inspired by their early admiration for the Beatles, fueled their creative journey. Their passion for songwriting and performing was the driving force behind their success, illustrating how genuine enthusiasm and dedication to one’s art can lead to groundbreaking achievements.
- Navigating Success and Identity: “Kicking & Dreaming” delves into the complexities of fame and the music industry, highlighting how the Wilson sisters maintained their authenticity amid commercial pressures. Their struggle to retain control over their artistic expression and resist being molded by producers and managers reflects the broader challenge artists face in preserving their identity.
- Legacy of Female Empowerment: Ann and Nancy Wilson’s story is a powerful narrative of female empowerment in a male-dominated industry. Their trailblazing roles as leaders of Heart and their success on their own terms have paved the way for future generations of female musicians, making their story an inspiring example of breaking barriers and setting new standards.
~ Updated 2/26/24
