The Journey of Nancy Wilson: Learning to Play Guitar

Nancy Wilson, the renowned guitarist and vocalist of the rock band Heart, embarked on her musical journey at a young age, heavily influenced by her family's rich musical heritage. Born into a family with a deep love for music, particularly her father's passion for guitar, Nancy Wilson's path to becoming a virtuoso guitarist began early in her life.

Early Influence and Inspiration

Music was always pervasive in Nancy's household. Her father, a musician and singer who was once a Marine and led the US Marine Corps band, had a profound impact on her musical career. His love for music, especially the Beatles, sparked Nancy's interest in playing the guitar. As a teenager, she began learning to play to accompany herself while singing, a process that was likely influenced by her father's teaching and her mother's background in music, being a concert pianist and choir teacher.

Early Learning and Development

Both Nancy and her sister Ann, who also became a prominent guitarist and vocalist in Heart, received their own guitars at a young age. According to their autobiography, "Kicking and Dreaming," the desire to play and perform was ignited in 1964 when they saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show. This exposure to rock and roll and their passion for Led Zeppelin were instrumental in shaping their musical interests.

Forming a Band and Early Performances

Nancy and Ann Wilson each received their guitars around the ages of 14 and 12.5, respectively. It's likely that their parents played a role in teaching them, with their mother's concert pianist and choir background and their father's musical expertise. Shortly after receiving their guitars, the sisters formed a small band with a couple of friends, performing at church socials and auto shows.

College Experience and Solo Performances

Nancy's journey continued as she pursued her education, further honing her skills through practice and performance. In college, she played solo acoustic shows and also played with other musicians, expanding her repertoire beyond just rock covers of Led Zeppelin. Ann, on the other hand, had already joined a group of guys, suggesting that the band dynamics and lineup differed during different parts of their careers.

Conclusion

The story of Nancy Wilson's journey to becoming a renowned guitarist is one of passion, dedication, and family influence. From her early days learning to play to accompany her vocals to her formation of a band and solo performances, Nancy Wilson's love for music and her family's support played a crucial role in her growth as a musician. Nancy's distinctive playing style and songwriting abilities within Heart have been the result of years of practice and inspiration. Her journey is a testament to the power of music and the importance of family in shaping one's destiny.