Tell It Like It Is

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some cool vibes as the Zoo Crew spins "Tell It Like It Is" by Heart from their 1980 album Bebe Le Strange. This track, a cover of Aaron Neville’s 1966 soul classic, marked a turning point for the band. Unlike their original single "Bebe le Strange," which didn’t chart on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, "Tell It Like It Is" soared to the top ten, peaking at number eight. It was a bold move for Heart to take on a soul standard, but sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson infused it with their signature rock energy, backed by the iconic Tower of Power horn section for that extra punch. According to a 1980 interview with Ann Wilson, the band chose the song because they wanted to pay homage to their R&B influences while proving they could step outside their hard rock roots. The result? A soulful, gritty rendition that became one of Heart’s biggest hits of the era.

Another tidbit about "Tell It Like It Is" comes from a fan story shared on the Heartmongers Facebook group. A longtime fan recalled seeing Heart perform the song live in 1980, describing how Ann Wilson’s powerhouse vocals brought the crowd to its feet, with some fans tossing roses onstage during the horn-driven outro. The song’s success also helped Bebe le Strange achieve Gold certification by the RIAA, cementing Heart’s ability to bounce back after lineup changes, including the departure of guitarist Roger Fisher. On X, the band once posted about the album’s 40th anniversary in 2020, calling it a “labor of love” and hinting that "Tell It Like It Is" was a studio favorite for its raw, collaborative energy.

Heart’s journey began in Seattle, Washington, in the late 1960s. Originally formed as The Army in 1967, the band went through several name changes—Hocus Pocus, White Heart—before settling on Heart in 1973. Ann Wilson joined the group in 1970, bringing her commanding vocals, while Nancy Wilson hopped on board in 1974, adding her flair for guitar and harmonies. The sisters’ chemistry became the band’s cornerstone, blending folk, rock, and blues into a sound that captivated audiences. Their big break came with the 1975 debut album Dreamboat Annie, featuring hits like "Crazy on You" and "Magic Man." Inspired by bands like Led Zeppelin and their own Pacific Northwest roots, Heart carved out a space as one of the first female-fronted hard rock bands, breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry.

Over the years, Heart has sold over 53 million albums worldwide, with their music evolving from ’70s rock anthems to ’80s power ballads and beyond. Ann and Nancy’s resilience and songwriting prowess kept the band relevant through decades of changing trends. Fans can dive deeper into their story on the official website, heart-music.com, where you’ll find tour dates, merch, and news. Connect with the band on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and throwback posts. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the fan community, check out the Heartmongers group on Facebook or visit fan sites like heartfans.net for forums, rare photos, and concert memories. Keep rockin’ with the Zoo Crew!