Ann Wilson of Heart: The voice that earned Bruce Dickinson’s praise

by

As a long-time fan with a deep appreciation for rock and metal music, I wholeheartedly agree with Bruce Dickinson’s choice of Ann Wilson as his favorite female vocalist. Her exceptional talent spans across genres, from folk to hard rock to metal, making her one of the most versatile artists in the industry.

For a long time, rock and heavy metal music scenes have predominantly showcased male artists. However, exceptional female vocalists have made a substantial impact in these genres too. Despite the industry being historically biased towards men, numerous women have brought distinctive and powerful voices to the limelight within rock and metal. Unfortunately, they don’t always get the recognition they truly deserve for their contributions.

During a live Q&A event in Columbus, Ohio, held in 2022, the legendary lead vocalist of Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson, expressed his admiration for one of his favorite female singers. When queried about his top pick, Dickinson didn’t hold back, extolling the virtues of Hall of Famer Ann Wilson from Heart, as reported by Blabbermouth.

“The one that rolls off the tip of my tongue is Ann Wilson from Heart. Although she didn’t have the kind of — not charisma; notoriety or whatever of somebody like a Janis Joplin, an equally great voice and things like that, she’s just a complete all-arounder. The most amazing voice… A beautiful folk singer, fantastic metal singer with a lovely edge to it, flawless technique. Honestly, not worthy. Amazing.”

Ann Wilson has served as the lead vocalist for the band Heart ever since their formation in the mid-70s. With hits such as “Barracuda”, “Magic Man”, and “Crazy on You”, Heart gained considerable fame, earning them a place among the most influential rock bands in music history (and for many, they are considered the greatest of all time).

Why it’s great that Bruce Dickinson praised Ann Wilson

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at Ann Wilson’s remarkable versatility in the realm of music. Her knack for seamlessly transitioning between genres, from folk to rock to metal, has undeniably earned her a place among the most gifted and adaptable vocalists in the industry. It’s truly inspiring that even a legend like Bruce Dickinson, renowned as the frontman of Iron Maiden since 1981 with brief pauses only in the 1990s, admires her talent. His influence on some of Iron Maiden’s most iconic albums, such as “The Number of the Beast” (1982), “Powerslave” (1984), and “Brave New World” (2000), has left an indelible mark on the metal world.

In 2022, when Bruce Dickinson was touring with spoken-word performances, his distinctive voice, marked by its expansive operatic tones and potent delivery, continued to be a significant aspect of Iron Maiden’s music. At one of these events, he captivated the audience by performing an unaccompanied rendition of “Writing on the Wall,” showcasing his assurance that they would enjoy what he brought to the table.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but echo Bruce Dickinson’s praise for Ann Wilson. Her exceptional talent and lasting impact on the music scene are undeniable, even in a genre historically dominated by men. Artists like Wilson have managed to carve out their unique spaces within rock and metal, commanding respect and adoration not just from fans, but also from their fellow musicians.

Read More

2024-08-08 15:01