Nancy Wilson’s rhythm-guitar playing is under-sung hero of Heart’s sound. After auditioning for her sister Ann’s band with a performance of Yes’ “The Clap,” she transformed their sound—just check out the intro to “Crazy On You” to instantly hear the influence of her acoustic playing. And together, they transformed classic rock. On this episode, we talk about how Wilson’s acoustic and electric playing is the element that delivers the band’s signature sound. Lindsay Ell calls in to drop a line, and our hosts go shopping for Gibson Nighthawks and vintage Ovations.
Nancy Wilson Is Heart's (Not-So) Secret Weapon

By Jason Shadrick,
Jason Shadrick
Since attending a Dave Matthews Band concert as a teenager, Jason has been into all things guitar. An Iowa native, Jason has degrees in Music Business from Minnesota State-Mankato and Jazz Pedagogy from the University of Northern Iowa. Since then, he has spent time doing everything from promotion at an indie music label to organizing guitar workshops all over the country. Currently, Jason lives with his wife, son, and daughter in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Nick Millevoi
Nick Millevoi is Premier Guitar’s senior editor and co-host of the 100 Guitarists podcast. His work as a journalist and musician reflects his curiosity for the ever-expanding possibilities of guitar music. Nick has recorded punk-jazz-doo-wop, psychedelic surf, brutal prog, extreme noise, and much more for labels such as Tzadik, Cuneiform, The Flenser, and Ropeadope, and he has worked alongside artists including Nels Cline, John Zorn, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, and many others.