Heart is one of the artists being recognized tonight at the 28th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Los Angeles, but surprisingly, lead singer Ann Wilson jokes that it isn't necessarily the band's greatest achievement.
"I'd say that our biggest accomplishment is standing here before you on two feet being alive," the singer suggested recently to ABC News Radio. "And having a voice and [my sister/band mate Nancy] having fingertips after all these years." She then admitted, "No, being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall is the ultimate accomplishment so far."
Joining the sister-led rock act on the Rock Hall's 2013 inductees are Rush, late disco queen Donna Summer, singer/songwriter Randy Newman, influential rap act Public Enemy and blues great Albert King. With Heart and Summer both entering the hallowed institution, guitarist Nancy Wilson points out that the female presence is greater than usual at this year's ceremony.
"Comparatively speaking, that's a pretty good average for the Rock [Hall] of Fame -- you know, for women," she maintains. Nancy adds that "it's really good to be represented, more just as rock 'n' roll people, though, than as just women," while pointing out, "We bridge the gender gap in our band."
As for Rush, the Canadian power trio's fans have long lobbied for the band's induction and their wish finally will come to fruition this evening. Guitarist Alex Lifeson and singer/bassist Geddy Lee both have the utmost appreciation for their faithful followers.
"Our fans are the most amazing fans in the world," declares Lifeson. He adds that it's "a wonderful, very satisfying feeling" when fans tell him that Rush has "helped them, through our music, to get through a difficult period."
Lee explains to ABC News Radio, "To be sitting here, all these years later and to still have people come up to us on the street on a daily basis, and to see the kind of thanks…they're thanking us for what we do -- I mean, that blows me away."
As usual, a variety of other famous music stars also will take part in the ceremony as presenters and performers. Soundgarden's Chris Cornell will induct Heart, who will perform with a pair of special guests, Pearl Jam's Mike McCready and Alice in Chains' Jerry Cantrell. The Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins will present Rush, who will give a performance of their own. The Eagles' Don Henley will acknowledge Newman, who will be celebrated with a performance from John Fogerty and Jackson Browne. Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Hudson will salute Summer with a performance. Albert King will be inducted by John Mayer, who also will honor the late bluesman by playing with young guitar whiz Gary Clark Jr. And, legendary actor/singer Harry Belafonte and filmmaker Spike Lee will honor Public Enemy, who also will perform at the ceremony.
In addition, two acclaimed producers, Lou Adler and Quincy Jones, will receive lifetime achievement awards at the event. Famed stoner duo Cheech & Chong will present Adler with his honor, while Carole King will perform for Lou. R&B star Usher, meanwhile, will sing a tribute to Jones.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE. The event will be filmed for an HBO special that will premiere May 18.