In December 2012, Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart stepped onto the Kennedy Center stage to perform one of the most memorable covers of Stairway to Heaven — with Led Zeppelin themselves watching from the audience.
The night was special. Led Zeppelin were being honored with the prestigious Kennedy Center Award, given to people who’ve made a huge impact on American culture. President Barack Obama was there to present it, joining a list of past honorees like Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles.
On this evening, the surviving members — Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones — were treated to a breathtaking version of their 1971 classic. The performance featured a full choir, orchestra, and Jason Bonham (son of the late John Bonham) on drums. Guitarist Shane Fontayne, known for playing with stars like Graham Nash and Bruce Springsteen, took on the daunting task of performing the legendary solo while Nancy Wilson opened with the song’s timeless riff.
From the first note to the final crescendo, the performance was flawless. Nancy’s gentle opening, Fontayne’s heartfelt solo, and the soaring finale left the crowd stunned. Jimmy Page was visibly impressed, and Robert Plant was moved to tears.
Surprisingly, the Wilson sisters later revealed they had only one rehearsal and a quick soundcheck before the show. Ann believes Plant’s emotions were partly due to seeing Jason Bonham on drums — a reminder of the band’s early days when Jason was just a child at rehearsals.
At the after-party, Led Zeppelin made their feelings clear. Plant admitted he normally disliked covers of Stairway to Heaven, but this one had won him over. Page himself told Nancy, “You nailed the guitar part!”
Over the years, Plant has revisited that night in interviews, calling it one of the standout moments of his career. He’s described the experience as “humbling” and “mind-altering,” still amazed that a song from over 50 years ago could feel so alive.
For Nancy Wilson, one memory stands out: it was cold backstage, and she had to keep her fingers warm. “You can’t play Stairway to Heaven with cold hands in front of Jimmy Page,” she laughed. But the sisters agree — if anyone deserved such a powerful tribute, it was Led Zeppelin.
