Iconic female rock band, Heart, to take stage at the '09 Fair

(Photo submitted) Heart, led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, will perform at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18 on the Clay County Fair.

Formed in Seattle, Heart has often been credited as one of the first mainstream rock bands where women were in complete creative control. The group became very popular in the mid-1970's with the release of their debut album, Dreamboat Annie. Two hit singles emerged from that album, "Crazy on You" and "Magic Man" which reached number nine on the billboard music charts in 1976.

Following up their first album's success, the group released a second album in 1977 entitled, Little Queen. It was from that album where "Barracuda", one of Heart's most popular songs, was debuted. Since then the song has appeared on numerous movies and television shows as well as featured on the video game, "Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock".

After a short sabbatical, Heart hit the charts again in 1985, but this time with a softer sound. The self-titled album, Heart, sold five million copies and garnered four Top-10 hits including, "What about Love?", "Never", "These Dreams," and "Nothin' at All".

Their success carried over through the late 1980's and into the early 1990's. Their hit "Alone" reached the number one spot on the Billboard charts in 1987, followed by another Top-10 hit "Who Will You Run To?". In 1990, Heart achieved their sixth multi-platinum album with Brigade which harvested the hit "All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You".

In recent years, Heart has re-established their presence on the music scene. In 2003 they released the DVD Alive in Seattle, which was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. A year later they released an album entitled Jupiter's Darling that featured songs comparable to that of Heart's original rock sound.

In 2007 Ann Wilson released a solo album entitled, Hope & Glory, which featured guest appearances by Elton John, Alison Krauss, Wynonna Judd, Gretchen Wilson and many other influential artists.

Heart's Friday, Sept. 18 concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in front of the Clay County Fair Grandstands. Further announcement on ticket sales will be released at a later time. The 2009 Clay County Fair runs Sept. 12-20. For more information visit www.claycountyfair.com or call, 262-4740.