The Heart Chart-Topper That A 2-Time Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer Passed On—The Daily Earworm
Seattle rockers Heart hit it big with the single “These Dreams” in 1986. At the time, it was the band’s biggest chart success. What most people don’t know, though, is that the song was not initially intended for them. Today’s Daily Earworm reveals who turned down the song, as well as some other behind-the-scenes gems.
Heart’s Commercial and Retail Success
Heart had already had a number of hits when they signed with Capitol Records to record their 1985 self-titled album. Songs like “Magic Man,” Barracuda,” and “Crazy on You” had already earned the band a reputation as a band on the rise. Their eponymous album, though, established them as one of the top rock acts of their time.
The album produced four Top 10 singles: “What About Love,” “Never,” “These Dreams,” and “Nothin’ at All.” However, it was today’s focus, “These Dreams,” that became Heart’s breakthrough. The single, the album’s third, was their first to top the Billboard Hot 100, and also their first to hit #1 on the magazine’s Adult Contemporary chart. It helped power the album to the top of the charts as well—another first for the band. The self-titled album received five platinum certifications in the United States and six in Canada. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 1986 for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Dream Another Dream
While “These Dreams” was a huge success for Heart, they were not the first act to be offered the song. Bernie Taupin (famous for his work with Elton John) and Martin Page (who penned hits for acts like Starship and Go West) wrote the song with Stevie Nicks in mind. However, the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer turned them down. She felt the song was too similar to a song she had written while with Fleetwood Mac, “Dreams.” After some consideration, Taupin and Page offered the song to Heart.
Missing the Sound of Her Voice
Heart had previously focused on recording their own material, but Nancy Wilson really connected with “These Dreams” and wanted to sing it. The band decided to take the song and let Nancy try her hand at lead vocals for the first time, instead of her older sister, Ann Wilson. When it came time for the younger Wilson to record her vocals, she was battling a bit of a cold. Her vocals came out raspy and a bit gravelly at times.
As it turned out, that only seemed to add to the song’s charm. When Heart’s first song with the younger Wilson on lead vocals became a huge success, the producers came to Nancy Wilson and asked if she could recreate the vocal sound on future recordings. They even went so far as to ask her if she could get sick again! The younger Wilson would go on to sing lead on other hits like “Stranded” and “There’s the Girl.”
Standing the Test of Time
“These Dreams” has maintained its relevance through the years. The song has been used in movies like “Love & Mercy” (2015) and “The Nest” (2020), as well as on television in shows like “Family Guy” (1999) and “The Challenge: All Stars” (2021). After 40 years of their song’s popularity, Taupin and Page probably aren’t all that upset that Nicks turned them down.
The Daily Earworm is a daily column that tells the stories, from the historic to the lesser-known, of some of the music industry’s greatest songs, albums, and artists. Here are some other music tales that you may find interesting:
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