Stairway to Heaven (Live At the Kennedy Center Honors) [With Jason Bonham] - Single

Ann Wilson's voice is the 8th wonder of the world. I think this performance, which got a standing ovation from the entire audience, including President & 1st Lady Barack & Michelle Obama, and the members of Led Zeppelin. Ann & Nancy's version brought tears to Robert Plant's eyes. In an interview with Dan Rather, Ann humbly denied that it was she who brought that much emotion out in him, and said she believed he was overwhelmed by how legendary the song was and still is, and always will be. Methinks Mr. Plant was very moved by Ann's beyond phenomenal, flawless performance. This was the turning point for Heart, when they FINALLY started getting the recognition they deserved as one of the most successful, talented, and groundbreaking rock bands of all time. This was in 2012, and in 2013, after being nominated twice prior, they FINALLY were inducted into the Rock & Rol Hall Of Fame. For those of you who are only familiar with Heart's 1985-1990 commercial era, I encourage you to dig into their back catalog. There best album is 1978's Dog & Butterfly. It had 2 big hits, the title track, and "Straight On." My personal next favorite is 1982's "Private Audition," which was actually their 2nd least comercially successful album, but an artistic peak. You can't go wrong with Dreamboat Annie, Little Queen (the most Zeppelinesque of their albums), Bebe Le Strange. The self-titled album from 1985, which is surprisingly out of print right now, was on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 96 weeks, and spent a good amount of time in the top 40, top 20, top 10, and at #1. Skip Bad Animals & Brigade. Desire Walks On was the beginning of the return to their true sound, and Jupiter's Darling (which went sadly unnoticed due to the record label going bankrupt and failing to promote the album and the tour) is one of my favorite rock albums of all time, by any band. Everything they have done since is amazing too. They have a plethora of official live albums as well. Yes, Heart can cover Zeppelin better than anyone, but they are far more than just a female-fronted copy. Their music is unique and I encourage everyone to immerse themseves in it.

5 out of 5? I’d give it a 10.

Stairway had long held a special place in my heart, but this performance brought it to stellar heights! It was my favorite song in high school, and it will be the only version I ask my family to play when I leave this world.

Had NO idea the audio of this performance was available to buy. It brought me to tears the first time I saw video of the abridged version on YT, and did again today as I heard this audio of the whole thing. Wow...just wow. Phenomenal. Ann and Nancy are in a class all their own. Ann’s voice is unparalleled.

As good as this is it’s not the same recording as the Kennedy honors recording. I have both and this one is not as good.

This is the best rock song ever made and this cover is the one that adds the kick to it. Gives me so much energy. Love it.

Seriously this is an unbelievable performance.

Anything this woman sings is fantastic. Still going strong after all these years, still beautiful both of them.

Easily the best cover ever done of the timeless 70's rock anthem. Great guitar, great vocals. The orchestral arrangement and the addition of strings and choir make a timeless classic food for your soul!

I've watched the video probably 20 times on YouTube. I've welled up, if not flat out bawled 20 times. One of the all time great, iconic performances of this particular song. Gets me every time.