Introduction
Prepare to be swept away by a rendition of “Stairway to Heaven” that transcends expectations. Rather than hearing the iconic Led Zeppelin, you’ll witness the powerhouse sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart take the lead. During the golden age of 1970s rock, both bands reached pinnacles of success and carved out their own legacies.
In 2012, Led Zeppelin was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors by President Barack Obama for their immeasurable impact on American music and culture. This award joined the ranks of previous honorees such as Frank Sinatra, Joni Mitchell, Sammy Davis Jr., and Ella Fitzgerald.
Heart emerged as one of the few female-fronted rock bands to achieve widespread acclaim, delivering chart-toppers like “These Dreams,” “Alone,” and “All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You.” Their fearless musicianship and compelling vocals set a new standard for women in rock.
Meanwhile, Led Zeppelin’s influence echoes through generations of artists—from Def Leppard and Metallica to Madonna and Lady Gaga—underscoring the band’s vast creative reach across genres.
At the 2012 gala, Ann and Nancy Wilson joined Jason Bonham, son of Led Zeppelin’s late drummer John Bonham, for a stirring performance of “Stairway to Heaven.” With original members of Zeppelin and the President in attendance, the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
The performance overflowed with passion. Camera shots captured Robert Plant wiping away tears as he watched. For a moment, the crowd shared in a collective nostalgia, smiling and exchanging knowing looks. In a heartfelt gesture, the gospel choir wore black bowler hats to honor John Bonham’s memory.
The audience, packed with fellow musicians, actors, and dignitaries, leapt to their feet in a thunderous standing ovation. The room pulsed with the enduring magic of Led Zeppelin’s songwriting as guests sang and swayed in unison.
In a later interview, Plant admitted he was astonished that the song he penned in his early twenties still resonated so deeply with listeners decades later.
Ann and Nancy confessed to feeling intense pressure when tackling such a beloved anthem. But their nerves quickly gave way when Robert Plant himself praised their delivery. Even Jimmy Page congratulated them, saying, “You played that so well.” It was a night that affirmed the timeless power of “Stairway to Heaven” and celebrated two generations of rock royalty.