Bridge of Sighs

Zoo Freaks, your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning the soul-stirring "Bridge of Sighs" by Ann Wilson from her 2022 album Fierce Bliss, and we’ve got some juicy trivia to share! In an interview with The Maine Edge, Ann revealed that she’s long considered Robin Trower’s original 1974 track one of the best blues songs ever written, describing it as "the bluesiest, darkest song you could imagine." She’d wanted to cover it for years but couldn’t convince her band Heart to take it on. With her solo project, she finally seized the chance, and the result is a haunting rendition that’s become a centerpiece of the album. Ann’s version, recorded at the iconic Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, features blistering guitar work from Kenny Wayne Shepherd, who she said "played his butt off," elevating the track to new heights.

Another tidbit from a Sonic Perspectives interview shows how deeply Ann connected with the song’s existential weight. She called it "a blues song for the ages," not just about fleeting troubles but about "standing on the edge of existential abyss." This perspective infuses her performance with raw emotion, making it a standout for fans and critics alike. Ann also shared with American Songwriter that she aimed to stay faithful to the original melody, honoring its soul while adding her own vocal fire. The track’s psychedelic vibe is amplified by the album’s artwork, created by legendary fantasy artist Roger Dean, known for his iconic Yes album covers, which Ann specifically chose to match the album’s trippy, immersive feel.

Now, let’s dive into how Ann Wilson became the rock legend she is today. Born in San Diego, California, in 1950, Ann’s musical journey began in her teens, singing in local bands around Seattle. Her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence quickly set her apart. In the early 1970s, she joined a band called White Heart, which soon evolved into Heart, with her sister Nancy Wilson on guitar. Their 1975 debut album, Dreamboat Annie, featuring hits like "Crazy on You" and "Magic Man," catapulted them to fame, blending hard rock with folk and pop influences. Ann’s soaring vocals and fearless lyricism broke barriers for women in rock, earning Heart a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Over decades, she’s navigated fame’s highs and lows, releasing solo projects like Fierce Bliss to showcase her evolving artistry.

Stay connected with Ann Wilson through her official channels: visit her website at annwilson.com, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates. Fans can also join the vibrant community at the Heartmongers Facebook group, a dedicated space for Zoo Freaks and devotees to celebrate Ann and Heart’s legacy. For more fan-driven content, check out Heart’s official site, which links to fan clubs and exclusive merch. Keep rocking with THE ZOO, and let Ann’s "Bridge of Sighs" carry you to that soulful, bluesy abyss!