Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
Ann and Nancy Wilson and Heart have been making music for more than three decades. Their songs are a part of American pop culture. Radio stations still play “Crazy For You,” “Alone,” “Magic Man,” and other Heart songs constantly.
Now, Ann and Nancy have teamed with Charles R. Cross to tell this story.
From their early years as children of a Marine growing up all over the world, to Ann leaving home as a very young woman to join her “Magic Man” in Vancouver and form Heart, to Nancy joining the band and beyond, the story is honest and interesting.
Naturally, there are lots of stories about interaction with other groups, especially in the 70s and 80s.
Ann, especially, deals honestly with her drug use and alcoholism, which is now behind her. But there is also the story of Nancy’s relationships within the band and her long marriage to Cameron Crowe, as well as both sisters’ quest to be mothers at a mature age, even though Ann never married and Nancy was unable to carry a child herself.
Despite band members coming and going and Nancy’s break from the band, as well as career ups and downs, Heart has faltered but never stopped. Now they have a new CD, Fanatic and are still making great rock and roll.
Kicking and Dreaming is everything a rock memoir should be, and a testimony to the love and support of the Wilson sisters for each other and their tenacity in insisting on making the music they wanted to make the way they wanted to make it, overcoming stereotypes and inspiring many women rockers who have come after them.
Anyone who has ever enjoyed listening to Heart will enjoy this book.
