Was Nancy Wilson’s father in the military? Singer calls out Trump for using song without permission at anniversary military parade

Nancy Wilson, 71, publicly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for using "Barracuda" without obtaining permission from the rock band Heart. The 1977 hit song was played during a military parade in Washington, D.C., organized to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.

The "I Can't Make You Love Me" singer expressed dismay via an Instagram post. Nancy shared a photo of herself wearing a cap with "NO KINGS BUT US" embroidered on it and conveyed her message in an elaborate caption, penning,

"Earlier today, during a parade held in support of our nation’s military and organized by President Donald Trump, the song Barracuda by Heart was played without permission or authorization from us. Barracuda, written and performed by Ann and I, is a powerful piece of music that was never intended for political use."

Nancy Wilson and her sibling, Ann Wilson, were born into a military family. Their father, John Wilson, was a major in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Calling herself and Ann "daughters of a U.S. Marine Corps major," Wilson further explained,

"we hold a deep and abiding respect for the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces."

Nancy concluded her Instagram post, writing in her caption,

"On a day meant to honor that service, it’s important that music used in such settings reflects not only the tone of the event but also the wishes of the artists who created it."

Released in May 1977, "Barracuda" is a song from Heart's third studio album, "Little Queen." The track was written by Nancy Wilson, Ann Wilson, Michael Derosier, and Roger Fisher.

Everything we know about Nancy Wilson’s father, John Wilson

According to Family Search, Major John Bushrod Wilson Jr. was born on April 8, 1922, in Bremerton. He followed in his father's footsteps and adhered to the family tradition of joining the military service, contributing to his nation. His father was Brigadier General John Bushrod Wilson Sr.

Major John B. Wilson Jr. was a lifelong Marine Corps officer. Throughout his career, he moved to over twenty cities and lived in thirty houses with his family, according to a Shortform report. According to Pocketmags, the Wilson family relocated to stations in Panama and Taiwan due to John's assignments in various parts of the world.

On November 12, 2019, Nancy Wilson posted a picture of herself posing with her guitar and saluting the United States Marine Corps. She shared her tribute to her father and wrote in the heartfelt caption,

"I salute you Major John Bushrod Wilson Jr! Thanks to all our heroes!"

The Wilson sisters were raised with a strong influence of music throughout their upbringing, regardless of where they lived. At times, their father also joined them in listening to music together.

After the war in Vietnam, their father left the military. Following this decision, the Wilson family eventually moved to the quiet suburb of Bellevue in Seattle. Both Nancy Wilson and Ann Wilson attended Sammamish High School in Bellevue.

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The iconic rock band Heart started with Steve Fossen and Roger Fisher. Over time, the lineup evolved as Ann Wilson joined the group. The band gained momentum and rose to fame due to Ann's remarkable vocal talent and performances. In 1974, Nancy joined her older sister, stepping into Heart as a skilled guitarist and songwriter.

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