History of Ann Wilson in Timeline

Ann Wilson is an American singer and songwriter, most famously known as the lead vocalist for the rock band Heart. Along with her sister Nancy Wilson, she formed the core of the band, achieving significant commercial success throughout the 1970s and 1980s with hits like "Barracuda", "Crazy on You", and "Alone." Wilson is celebrated for her powerful vocals, wide range, and stage presence, making her a notable figure in rock music. Beyond Heart, she has also pursued a solo career and collaborated with other artists, further cementing her legacy as a prominent female vocalist in rock.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

June 19, 1950: Ann Wilson's Birth

On June 19, 1950, Ann Dustin Wilson was born. She is an American singer, best known as the lead singer of the rock band Heart.

Others born on this day/year

1968: Graduation from Sammamish High School

In 1968, Ann Wilson graduated from Sammamish High School. During this time, she sought fulfillment in music due to her shyness and a stutter.

1974: Joining Heart

In 1974, Ann Wilson joined a local band which changed its name to Heart, a pivotal moment in her music career.

1975: Heart's Debut Album Release

In 1975, Heart released their debut album, Dreamboat Annie, marking a significant milestone in their career. This album helped establish Heart as one of the first hard rock bands fronted by women.

1975: Recording 'Dreamboat Annie'

In 1975, Heart, including Ann Wilson, recorded their first album, Dreamboat Annie, in Vancouver, Canada, marking the beginning of their journey to success.

1976: 'Magic Man' Becomes a Top 10 Hit

In 1976, Heart's album, 'Dreamboat Annie' was released in the United States and the song "Magic Man" became their first Top 10 hit in the US, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Loading Video...

1977: Release of 'Little Queen'

In 1977, Heart released the album Little Queen, adding to their catalog of successful albums.

1978: Release of 'Dog & Butterfly'

In 1978, Heart released the album Dog & Butterfly, contributing further to their musical repertoire.

1979: End of Relationship with Michael Fisher

In 1979, Ann Wilson's relationship with Michael Fisher ended. Michael had fallen in love with another woman, leading to their separation.

1986: 'These Dreams' Reaches No. 1

In 1986, the song "These Dreams" rose to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant achievement for Heart.

Loading Video...

1991: Adoption of Daughter Marie

In 1991, Ann Wilson adopted her daughter, Marie, expanding her family.

1992: Appearance on Alice in Chains' EP

In 1992, Ann Wilson appeared on Alice in Chains' EP Sap, lending her vocals to the tracks "Brother" and "Am I Inside".

Loading Video...

1992: Lovemongers Perform on 'Singles' Soundtrack

In 1992, The Lovemongers, a side band formed by the Wilson sisters, performed Led Zeppelin's song "The Battle of Evermore" on the soundtrack to the movie Singles.

Loading Video...

1997: Lovemongers' Debut Album Release

In 1997, The Lovemongers released their debut album, Whirlygig, expanding their musical contributions beyond Heart.

1998: Adoption of Son Dustin

In 1998, Ann Wilson adopted her son, Dustin, further expanding her family.

2001: Participation in Beatles Tribute Tour

In 2001, Ann Wilson joined producer Alan Parsons in 'A Walk Down Abbey Road', a live tribute tour dedicated to the music of The Beatles.

January 2002: Gastric Band Surgery

In January 2002, Ann Wilson underwent adjustable gastric band weight-loss surgery after struggling with her weight for many years.

2006: Ranked in Hit Parader's List

In 2006, Ann Wilson was ranked number 78 in Hit Parader's list of the "Greatest Rock Vocalists of All Time", recognizing her vocal talent and contribution to rock music.

September 11, 2007: Release of 'Hope & Glory' Solo Album

On September 11, 2007, Ann Wilson released her first solo album, Hope & Glory, featuring collaborations with various artists, and including three singles such as 'Little Problems, Little Lies'.

Loading Video...

2009: Sober Since 2009

Ann Wilson stated in the band's 2012 autobiography that she had been sober since 2009, marking a significant turning point in her personal life.

November 22, 2012: Sings "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Thanksgiving Game

On November 22, 2012, Ann Wilson sang an original arrangement of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the beginning of the Thanksgiving Day football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins, accompanied by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

December 2, 2012: Kennedy Center Tribute to Led Zeppelin

On December 2, 2012, the Wilson sisters performed at the Kennedy Center tribute to Led Zeppelin, performing "Stairway To Heaven" backed by an orchestra and choir. The surviving members of Led Zeppelin were present.

Loading Video...

2012: Reveals Struggles in Autobiography

In 2012, Ann Wilson revealed her past struggles with cocaine and alcoholism in the band's autobiography.

2013: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 2013, Ann Wilson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Heart, solidifying her legacy in rock music history.

April 2015: Marriage to Dean Wetter

In April 2015, Ann Wilson married Dean Wetter. The pair had dated briefly in the 1980s, rekindling their relationship years later.

July 13, 2015: Ann Wilson Announces Solo Tour

On July 13, 2015, Ann Wilson announced a solo tour named 'The Ann Wilson Thing', which began on September 21.

September 18, 2015: Release of First EP

On September 18, 2015, Ann Wilson digitally released her first EP, The Ann Wilson Thing! – #1.

July 22, 2016: Ann Wilson Announces Release of Focus EP

On July 22, 2016, Ann Wilson announced the release of focus, the second EP from The Ann Wilson Thing! series, further solidifying her solo endeavors.

August 27, 2016: Arrest of Dean Wetter

On the morning of August 27, 2016, Dean Wetter, Ann Wilson's husband, was arrested for assaulting his nephews during a Heart performance at the White River Amphitheatre in Auburn, Washington.

September 2016: Florida Mini-Tour as The Ann Wilson Thing!

In September 2016, Ann Wilson performed a Florida mini-tour as The Ann Wilson Thing! to support the release of her second EP, focus.

2016: Heart's Album Releases

By 2016, Heart had released numerous albums since 1975 and sold over 35 million records worldwide, showcasing their enduring success and influence in the music industry.

March 21, 2017: Ann Wilson of Heart Tour Stop in Wilmington

On March 21, 2017, a tour stop in Wilmington, North Carolina was recorded for the 'Ann Wilson: In Focus' feature film.

April 2017: Heart on Hiatus

In April 2017, following the end of Heart's 2016 tour and strained by the incident involving Dean Wetter, the sisters opted to tour with their own side-project bands, with Ann announcing that Heart was on hiatus.

October 12, 2017: Release of 'Ann Wilson: In Focus' Feature Film

On October 12, 2017, Ann Wilson's first feature film, Ann Wilson: In Focus, was released. The film featured an intimate interview and live song performances.

Loading Video...

April 14, 2018: Tribute to Chris Cornell

On April 14, 2018, Ann Wilson and Jerry Cantrell paid tribute to Chris Cornell with a rendition of Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun" during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony.

Loading Video...

August 3, 2018: Release of 'You Don't Own Me' as a Single

On August 3, 2018, Ann Wilson released "You Don't Own Me" as the second single from her solo album, Immortal.

September 14, 2018: Release of 'Immortal' Solo Album

On September 14, 2018, Ann Wilson released her solo album, Immortal, featuring ten tracks that pay tribute to her influences and friends.

February 2019: End of Heart's Hiatus Announced

In February 2019, the sisters announced that Heart's hiatus had ended and that the band would embark on the Love Alive tour in the summer.

March 2019: Reunion at Love Rocks NYC Benefit Concert

In March 2019, Ann and Nancy Wilson reunited on stage for the first time since the band went on hiatus, performing at the Love Rocks NYC benefit concert.

May 2021: Announces Rite of June Mini-Tour

In May 2021, Ann Wilson announced her first dates since the COVID-19 pandemic with the Rite of June mini-tour.

November 2022: Featured on Disturbed Song

In November 2022, Ann Wilson was featured on the Disturbed song "Don't Tell Me" from their album Divisive. The song reached number 2 on Billboard's Hard Rock Song Sales chart.

Loading Video...

2022: Nomination for Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 2022, Ann Wilson was nominated for consideration into the 2023 Songwriters Hall of Fame.

2023: Consideration for Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 2023, Ann Wilson was up for consideration into the Songwriters Hall of Fame following her nomination in 2022.

April 25, 2024: Royal Flush 2024 Tour Kickoff

On April 25, 2024, Heart kicked off their Royal Flush 2024 Tour at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

July 2024: Cancellation of UK/Europe Tour Dates

In July 2024, Heart cancelled their June and July 2024 tour dates in the UK and Europe due to Ann Wilson needing a time-sensitive medical procedure and recovery.

July 2024: Diagnosis of Cancer

In July 2024, it was announced that Ann Wilson had been diagnosed with cancer. She had a tumor surgically removed, and Heart postponed touring until 2025 to allow her to undergo preventative chemotherapy.

2025: Tour Postponed until 2025

In July 2024, it was announced that Heart postponed touring until 2025 to allow Ann Wilson to undergo preventative chemotherapy, following her diagnosis of cancer and surgical removal of a tumor.