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In 1985, Singer/Songwriter Martin Page teamed up with Elton John's collaborator, Bernie Taupin, to write what turned out to be a Great Song of 1986.
First, they offered "These Dreams" to Stevie Nicks...but Stevie "nixed" it. (Sorry...the pun was too good to pass up!)
Not to be deterred, Martin and Bernie then pitched the song to Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, who fell in love with it and recorded it for their self-titled eighth studio album.
Ann was normally the lead singer for Heart, but with "These Dreams," Nancy took over and nailed it! Cashbox Magazine called it "tender and forlorn," which was right on the money.
Martin and Bernie's lyrics were about a woman who, when facing a difficult life situation, falls asleep and enters a fantasy world. On the album's liner notes, it was dedicated to Sharon Hess, a friend of the Wilsons, who died of leukemia just before the album's release.
As a single, it was a triple chart hit in the US, a double chart hit in Canada--and the first #1 for Heart!
Here's the breakdown: In the US, "These Dreams" went to #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 and Adult contemporary Charts, as well as #2 on the Mainstream Rock Chart.
Fun Fact: Nancy had a cold when she recorded the vocals, and sounded a bit raspy. When it came time to record Heart's NEXT album, they wanted her to recreate the rasp. When she told them why she sounded that way on "These Dreams," they asked, "Can't you just get sick again?"
"These Dreams" by Heart: one of their biggest hits (Thank you, Martin, Bernie...and Stevie!) and a "Great Song of 1986! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41P8UxneDJE
Tomorrow: Starship lands a hit!
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