Goodbye Blue Sky (featuring Nancy Wilson)

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Goodbye Blue Sky (featuring Nancy Wilson)" by Ann Wilson from her 2007 solo album Hope & Glory, and Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this haunting cover of Pink Floyd’s classic. One fascinating piece of trivia comes from the album’s production notes: Ann Wilson, known for her powerhouse vocals with Heart, chose this song for its anti-war resonance, a theme that permeates Hope & Glory. The track features her sister, Nancy Wilson, whose guitar work and backing vocals add a chilling layer to the song’s atmosphere. In a 2007 interview with No Depression, Ann shared that the song’s dark mood was intentional, reflecting her concerns about war and environmental issues, making it a poignant opener for the album. The collaboration with Nancy was particularly special, as the sisters harmonized on three tracks, including this one, showcasing their lifelong musical bond.

Another tidbit comes from the recording process, where producer Ben Mink, known for his work with k.d. lang and Feist, pushed for a raw, emotive sound. According to a review on American Songwriter, Ann and Nancy’s rendition transforms the original’s stark minimalism into a more dynamic rock arrangement, with Ann’s vocals soaring over Nancy’s intricate guitar lines. Fans on X have praised the track for its emotional depth, with one post from 2020 calling it “a gut-punch cover that feels as relevant now as ever.” The song’s inclusion on Hope & Glory, released on September 11, 2007, was no coincidence, as Ann aimed to address timeless issues of conflict and loss, a sentiment echoed in her Facebook posts around the album’s anniversary, where she reflected on its enduring message.

Ann Wilson got her start in music growing up in Bellevue, Washington, where she and her younger sister Nancy were captivated by rock and roll. Inspired by the Beatles’ 1966 Seattle performance, which they attended as kids, Ann recalls in a Washington Post interview how they “studied fanzines” and practiced air guitar in their living room, dreaming of a music career. Ann joined a local band called Whiteheart in the early 1970s, which soon evolved into Heart after Nancy came on board. Her commanding voice and flute-playing, paired with Nancy’s guitar prowess, set them apart in the male-dominated rock scene. Their 1975 debut album, Dreamboat Annie, featuring hits like “Crazy on You” and “Magic Man,” catapulted them to fame, establishing Heart as the first hard rock band fronted by women to achieve major commercial success, with over 35 million records sold worldwide.

Ann’s journey wasn’t without challenges. In the HubPages biography, it’s noted that she faced industry pushback, including a publicist’s offensive suggestion to exploit rumors about the sisters’ relationship for publicity, inspiring the scathing 1977 hit “Barracuda.” Despite these hurdles, Ann’s raw talent and fierce determination made her a rock icon, often compared to Robert Plant for her vocal intensity. Her solo career kicked off with Hope & Glory in 2007, a covers-heavy project that allowed her to explore social commentary through songs like “Goodbye Blue Sky.” Fans can connect with Ann on her official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For community vibes, check out the Heart Fan Club on Facebook or visit fan sites like Heart’s official page for tour updates and merch.