Legendary 70s Band CRASHED & BURNED in the 80s Till BACKUP SINGER Took 'Em to #1 | Professor of Rock
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- čas přidán 21. 07. 2023
- Back in 1984, today’s featured band was teetering on the brink of extinction… After crushing it with four straight landmark LPs in the 70s, everything went sideways for the rock band Heart led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson to start the neon decade. Band members quit, three albums failed to deliver, and their record company kicked them to the curb. Word on the street was they had lost their mojo. In fact, five labels in a row took a hard pass on them. And they really wondered if their careers were over. Then miraculously, they were given one last chance… and they had to make the best of this chance. They had arguably the greatest female voice to deliver the songs in Ann Wilson but their first #1 came from the backup singer slash guitarist sister Nancy who never sang lead. and she got a distinct vocal performance because she was sick… In fact, she tried to re-record when she got better and it wasn’t the same… Find out how this band pulled off a miracle comeback in the strangest way.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you had big hair or remember the big hair of the 80s you are going to love this channel. We also have a Patreon you'll want to check out. There you’ll find an additional catalog of exclusive content and you can even become an honorary producer to help us curate this music history.
So today we’re covering a song by one of the most influential bands in the 70s, 80s, and beyond. Fronted by two of the most well-known names in rock, the legendary sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. The song? The massively success These Dreams, from their 1985 comeback self-titled album.
So back in the 70s Heart put together a truly impressive run of 4 US Top 20 albums in a matter of just a few years… beginning with Dreamboat Annie in 1975 and closing out with Dog & Butterfly in 1978. Heart, consisting of Ann Wilson on lead vocals, Nancy Wilson on guitar, Roger Fisher on guitar, Howard Leese on guitar, Steve Fossen on bass, and Michael Derosier on drums, kicked out three Top 15 entries during this time: Magic Man, Barracuda, and Straight On
But I also have to mention some of their lower charting, but just as iconic, singles as well. Songs like Crazy On You, Heartless, and Dog & Butterfly would all become essential entries in their catalog as well.
However, beginning with Roger Fisher’s departure in 79, the beginning of the next decade would be a different story for the band. Heart’s 1980 album Bebe Le Strange was released to mixed reviews. It was a departure from the heavier stadium rock that had made them stars. And some reviewers suggested the record suffered due to Fisher’s absence. The album’s lead single ‘Even It Up’ went Top 40 and the album peaked at #5, but neither was enough to counter the record’s disappointing sales…
Bebe Le Strange became Heart's first album to only certify Gold by the RIAA… that’s an achievement a lot of bands would be thrilled with. But for Heart, who had never scored less than platinum in the 70s, it was a warning sign. And really things didn’t get much better from there. 1983’s Private Audition dropped to #25 on the Billboard 200 and yielded - Zábava
Poll: What is your pick for the greatest ballad of the 80s?
Prince - "Purple Rain".
Bonnie Tyler - "Total Eclipse Of The Heart".
Foreigner- I Want to Know What Love Is
Miss You Like Crazy Natalie Cole
Will You Still Love Me Chicago
When I See You Smile Bad English
Can't Fight This Feeling REO Speedwagon
Everybody's gotta learn Sometime - The Korgis
T’Pau - Heart and Soul
I get goosebumps every time I hear the pre-chorus; Such a powerful build.
In 1985 I was a lost kid of 13. My mother was a drunk who found herself in new men every other week. My father was newly remarried and I had a 1 year old half brother. Neither parent really wanted me on the weekends. My mother couldn't party as hard and my stepmother had her own little family where I didn't belong. So in came my uncle who was only 10 years older. He had a new family, baby son and wife, and he basically adopted me. I spent every weekend with him- all summer, every summer for the next 4 years. He saved my life and soul.
It was my uncle Paul who turned the radio up one Saturday afternoon in early 1986 and said listen to this song. I'm pretty sure it's about vampires. I did. I listened and I could see where he got the idea. The song is sexy, ethereal, seductive. I loved, absolutely loved this song from the first time I heard it.
Honestly, I have no idea if it's about vampires, I'm sure I could find out, the internet is a big place, but do I really want to know? Nah, because just like all those incredible memories I made with the man who saved my life, showed me I was worth something to another human being, gave me love and security, and attention and his time, helped build the self confidence and worth I have used to forge a pretty damn good life for myself, this a shared mystery that I'm ok with staying between him and me. Sometimes we need a little mystery in our lives.
Calling Nancy as a "backup singer" is like calling Randy Mesner of the Eagles as simply the "bass player". It complete disrespects Nancy's CONSTANT influences all over Heart's history. From writing, to arrangements, to guitar playing to vocals AND ignores all the OTHER tracks prior to this where she was vital in harmonizing with Ann to CREATE the "Heart sound" that we know to this day.
I wouldn't call Nancy a back-up singer. She has such a sweet voice, a great balance to Ann's power vocals.
Yet she was a backup singer. That's how it works!
@@crungefactoryyes, when you are with Ann Wilson, you are a backup singer!
Eddy and Michael were backup singers in VH
She sang backup and harmony while Ann sang lead. Facts don't care about your feelings.
Technically she is the back up vocals
Not only is this vocal performance a career statement. But, I think her intro to Crazy on You the greatest acoustic guitar intro ever written and recorded. In a sea of brilliance it's just off the charts.
The intro to Crazy on You is one of my all time favorites.
Agreed!!!
What happened to music now? I think the late seventies All eighties and early nineties was some of the best music I have ever listened to what The hell is going on with today's music? Something has to change?
@@user-xv1uw7ss1zStarted in late 60s.
I was surprised to see that, "Crazy on You" only charted in the top 35 in the US. I think that it's an epic hit.
As a guitar aficionada, I can't help but rankle a little at dismissing Nancy's contribution to the band as a 'Backup singer'. She's a founding member and a legend within the guitar community...
She is so much more than that. Her guitar work is phenomenal.
I believe it was Nancy's band that Ann joined. Then they got our attention. They still do!
I totally agree - that headline was a little bit below the standard that the Professor usually sets. Shame on him!
100% I was like, who's the backup singer of Heart? Oh, y'mean Nancy Wilson? NANCY F*@KING WILSON!? Suck crappy clickbait. I gotta stop watching this guy's videos...
Click bait title, sadly. I think Prof. of rock knows that Nancy Wilson was the lead guitarist of Heart and calling her a backup singer is misleading.
I saw Heart several years ago at a local outdoor venue. When Nancy sang, These Dreams,....the crowd went crazy. Then Ann did Alone and she was visibly in tears when the crowd gave her a standing ovation. Towards the end they did their Led Zeppelin covers...one of which was Stairway to Heaven. Needless to say, we left that concert mesmerized and breathless....Ann and Nancy blew us all away!! One of the best concerts I have ever been to....I will never forget it!!😊
When Led Zeppelin was feted by the Kennedy Center Honors, it was Heart (backed up by hundreds) who brought the house down and Robert Plant to tears with their version of Stairway to Heaven. I’ve watched it on CZcams dozens of times and it still gives me chills and never gets old.
I had no idea that Heart could do amazing Led Zep covers --- they are jaw dropping!
Heart supported local musicians in Seattle for many years. Very good musicians and very good people.
seen them in the 70's their coves were better than the originals
@@Nicksonianthat performance was amazing. I've watched it many times as well. And now I've gotta watch it again lol
No one can sing a rock song like Ann Wilson. I've always loved her powerful voice since the first time I heard Barracuda. And her songs never get old. You just have to listen to Ann sing the hell out of Alone to prove she's one of the hardest and most powerful rock singers of all time. And to top it off, she did what I thought was completely impossible - she sang Stairway to Heaven, made it her own, and made the members of Led Zeppelin proud. I don't think there's another band that could do that to an almost untouchable song like Stairway, but Heart took the challenge and crushed it.
Ann and Janis Joplin could belt it out for real!!😁
Grace Slick, Ann Wilson and Wynonna Judd. I'll let God decide who he made best.
I agree wholeheartedly!!
Agreed about Ann's voice, but have you heard Gretchen Wilson cover Barracuda with Alice In Chains?
Moriah Formica can!
The success of These Dreams really proves just how talented and gifted Nancy truly is. The duo was a fantastic pairing with a sound like no other but I still wonder what we missed having her always in Ann’s shadow.
Ann Wilson is EASILY the greatest female rock vocalist of all time. Such a powerhouse! How funny that Nancy being sick is what gave this song such a distinctive sound. I always felt like the raspy vocals made it sound like she was suffering from sheer exhaustion after many sleepless, dream-filled nights and was intentional, LOL.
Nancy Wilson also has a great voice and this shouldn’t surprise anyone!!
I agree only I remove “female” from the statement
And I don’t even want to say thank God for Nancy’s illness on that one…
@@chiefline7084 Zillions of fans worldwide would respectfully disagree !!
Stevie Nicks
Nancy's vocals on Battle of Evermore turns beauty into a sound.
I think the transition from the 70's to the 80's was a tough one, especially for a lot of hard rock bands. The ones that persevered made themselves truly legendary. Heart is one of them.
While Ann is a huge voice and Heart would not be Heart without her, Nancy was, in my opinion, just as huge a talent as Ann. Ann and Nancy are legends, true legends of rock and of music in general. Here they are in their late 60s and older (God Bless you both forever) and still singing their songs for crowds of people. Thank you for sharing your talent and your beauty with us all.
Please come to Boston. We are waiting for you.
They started the band together and they are both extremely talented.
Ann is 73.
I loved Ann’s rendition of stairway, it even made Robert Plant tear up. ❤️❤️❤️🥲🥲🥲
Bob doesn’t like Stairway.
@@mv8141 neither does Robert Plant. 🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁
Seeing his good buddy's son on drums was more emotional to him.
I think that Ann is one of the only people in the world that could've pulled that off! One of my favorite covers ever!
@@shanarchy614 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Heart ♥️ Ann & Nancy Wilson are two of the BEST female singers IMO. I’ve had the privilege to see them multiple times and they never disappointed.
'These Dreams' grabbed me from the minute I first heard it - the gritty rasp of Nancy's vocal was totally magnetic. Classic Heart, classic 80s rock!
Dude, this is the best music channel on CZcams. As a Gen X, we got to grow up with the best era of music. Love love this channel. Keep it up. Please.
I think Heart is the most underrated band ever. They are top notch rockers and every young girl who aspires to be a musician should know their story. Why a movie hasn't been made about Heart is ridiculous.
I would love to see a movie about Heart.
There are many documentaries on heart but i agree a movie would be awesome
You are spot on! If Heart was not a “female-fronted” band they would have been outrageously more successful. But male dominated rock just never knew what to do with women as talented as the Wilson sisters.
I’m 17 and I think Heart is one of the greatest ever.
they weren't underrated when was young, every one i know loved them and had at least 1 Heart LP.. i don't know if any human alive doesn't like barracuda ?
The people you get to interview is absolutely amazing. Ann Wilson is Rock and Roll Royalty, yet so down to earth.
The professor’s full interview with Ann Wilson is amazing. She’s a very thoughtful, intelligent, down-to-earth woman you’d never expect to be a Rock Goddess.
I agree with you that Ann and Nancy are the greatest ever. I absolutely adore them. Ann’s vocal range is amazing. I have always been moved by their songs. Last year when I saw them pay tribute to Led Zeppelin I was totally blown away. Thanks so much for this segment.
I've wore out my albums of Dreamboat Annie and Little Queen. Never get tired of these classics. Ann's voice is unreal. I've learned a lot vocally from her(she and Robert Plant). Thanks always Ann. Much love to you all.
I love These Dreams, I love Heart. I even love Nancy, but for me, Ann can sing the back of a ketchup bottle and I'm hooked. She was my first crush. And the way she sang such things as the verses on Crazy On You, or the various notes that pop on Barracuda, the sensual Love Alive... she is the best. Still is. She's still my Rock and Roll crush. Fat, thin, old, young, I don't care. I love Ann and all she's done for us as Heart fans.
They’re both badasses. Ann is the best.
Hey JT, listen up
14 year old me called dibs on Ann in 1976
My understanding of dibs pursuant to the Bro-Code of1947 Article 8 sub paragraph B states clearly that dibs are good until said dibs are relinquished (highly unlikely) or aUnilateral peace is declared in the Middle East and pigs are afforded the ability fly.
Sorry , it’s just the rules.
According to a couple of bandmates it should be called The Ann Wilson Band.....she never wanted anyone else’s opinions or input on anything! It was all about Ann....she was a great singer despite her arrogance! The sisters didn’t speak for years because one of them opened the door to the others RV and her dog ran out and got run over and she couldn’t get over it....
@@trailerparkcryptoking5213 - And you thought the feuds between Don and Phil Everly or Ray and Dave Davies were bad enough . . . let alone Noel and Liam Gallagher . . .
@@trailerparkcryptoking5213 Having known her ALL of my life, I can attest to the truth of this notion, lol!
Imagine being those execs who said "Naah, we'll pass on that thanks" to HEART.
5 labels run by IDIOTS😂😂😂😂😂😂
😂 great point
No kidding!
Executives should of been given the Spanish archer “El Bow”😎🥃
They had no heart 💔 🤔
Blonde, georgeous, beautiful voice, and a guitarist. Are you kidding me? Nancy Wilson was my teen-age crush! In all seriousness, I can see why Ann had a hard time singing this song in that key. Nancy's voice is a little lower, a little less powerful, and worked better for the song. Besides, she absolutely kills it! I was glad to see Heart come back in the 80's. That was a GREAT album!
I wanted to be her
More strawberry blonde than straight blonde, which is even better for me
Ann has one of the best voices to ever grace the airwaves, but let's not forget, backup vocalists are just as talented, equally formidable and can often rival the lead if given a chance (rarely are given the chance lol). Look at The Edge from U2, Mike Mills from R.E.M., Jesse Valenzuela of Gin Blossoms, Dave Grohl of Nirvana - these guys all have amazing voices, perhaps not the frontman pizzazz (Dave obviously does!), but certainly chops and keep in mind they have to sing harmony, which is so much harder than lead vocal. 2 great examples - both Bonnie Raitt and Sheryl Crow started as backup singers to major artists and look how they turned out when given the chance. I actually think Ann's backup vocals make this song so much stronger and give it extra melodic punch - Nancy had been killing it for years doing Ann's backups, I think it's so cool she got this one for herself.
Don't forget that Whitney Houston sang backup for Chaka Khan, Dolly Parton sang backup for Porter Wagoner and Mariah Carey sang backup for Brenda K Starr
Who from that era doesn’t love Heart. Frankly, I loved Nancy’s voice and wish she sang more! But true, Anne was a spectacular lead vocalist. Either way, Heart with those two up front, made ours thump like hell!
1970s Ann Wilson is EASILY the greatest rock vocalist of all time.
Female vocalist....
her and Freddie Mercury - my top female and top male
All I know is this album reminds me how much more I like the 70s Heart songs. Those songs still rock. Does anyone listen to the hits of this album anymore?
I'd say she has a slight edge over Pat Benatar
I was born in 1964. Got my driver's license at age 18, in 1982. This song was a new release on America's Top 40. Rocking out to this song driving to college and coming home from college Monday to Friday.
I think I played the dreamboat Annie album 1M times as a teenager. I love Ann’s voice , especially on “If looks could kill”. What a powerhouse.
I was born in 80’ and discovered These Dreams in 94-95 as a severely depressed teen. This song’s magical imagery really soothed my pain and for that I will always love it. Also, Never is one of my favorite songs to scream sing! 😊 I adore Heart to this day.
I agree. Same here 😊
I was born in the 80's, too, and I was lucky enough to be introduced to this song by my Mom before the decade was over! I totally agree with your description of the song, though ❤️
Matthew 24:13
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Drama 😂
My favorite song to "scream sing" is "She's on Fire!"🔥💕 by Aerosmith from 1987.
Everyone always talks about Anne's voice, but let's talk about Nancy's chops for a second. Not only was Dreamboat Annie one of the greatest rock albums ever, Nancy's finger-picking intro on Crazy on You is just plain SICK! I have been playing guitar for almost 30 years, and I could not only never come close to reproducing it, but to have the skills, and imagination to write it? Forget about it!
She's one of a kind. Thanks for bringing this up. What's your fave by them?
@@ProfessorofRock hard to say. But, top three have to be Magic Man, Crazy on You, and Dreamboat Annie. The songwriting and execution of those three is amazing. From Anne's voice to Nancy's crazy fingerpicking, to the skills of the whole band just being dead nuts on time and in sync with each other.
One of the top guitarists. She was on her A-game on Dreamboat Annie.
I can't play, but other than that, I completely agree. Dreamboat Annie is one of my most favorite albums. It's one of my desert island albums. 🎼Oh Annie, dreamboat Annie, little ship of dreams 🎶
It’s Ann, not Anne. You’ve never seen it in print? Not even the five hundred times it appears in this comment thread? 🙄
Heart was my first concert and the concert I judge all other concerts by! I saw them in 77 at the age of 14 and became a concert and Heart junkie afterwards! Ann and Nancy reached right in and grabbed my soul, creating a love for music and lyrics. Thank you for highlighting and respecting their incredible talent! They were and still are my female super heroes!
That story of Sharon Hess and Heart gave me chills ! Wow ! 😊
The older I get, the more I look back to decades when I wasn't even born or under 10. I find myself drawn to these bands because I feel they put so much into their records. Talent that will never be lost, these bands will last centuries.
Totally agree. I was born in '68 and most of the '70's rock went right over my young head, but it's the decade I appreciate the most in hindsight due to the quality of the music.
I feel that. Now they get an entire broadway production when they go to a concert. I much prefer the days it was just lyrics, great music and amazing talent coming together. So much talent. In so many ways.
Well said
@@kellidinit3725 Yep, nowdays you don't have to be that good, and we know the shit is everywhere that is supposed to be music, as long as you have a big arena BS light show, screen show ect. Just take us lovers of real actual music back to the days of medium arena when it was just the band and the audience rockin out together
@@Pretties4alice wouldn’t trade those days for anything.
Another Bernie Taupin song! It was such a beautiful song, too. Nancy's vocals were so good I wondered why she didn't sing more often.
didnt know that.
I know. It was a cool surprise
@@ProfessorofRockNancy has a great back up vocal voice though. Incredible harmony. Like many have stated, These Dreams was just written for her.
Nancy has sung lead on quite a few songs. I had 4 of their early albums. On Littkle Queen she sings a lovely gem called Treat Me Well. One of my faves.
Nancy's voice has never been as strong as Ann's, and it's always been taxing for her to take the leads. That rasp you hear in "These Dreams" is actually vocal chord damage from too much over-horsing. She eventually recovered, but she runs that risk whenever she does to much lead work.
There is no way Nancy was a backup singer. Her voice is just as iconic as Ann's but in a different tone. Love these LADIES.
There's no doubt Ann is the driving voice of Heart, but Nancy has a stunningly pretty voice, with or without a cold! What Ann has in vocal power, Nancy has as much in vocal sweetness. Legendary pair!
I've seen Heart four times and they were always great, I just recently saw Ann on her solo tour. As far as I'm concerned ANN is the greatest female voice in rock. Age eventually catches up with us all, it will be a sad day when she decides to retire from singing.
She isn't going to retire very soon. She was born to sing.
From the first time I heard the song, Nancy's rasp on the high notes is what hooked me so hard. I absolutely loved that performance. And I absolutely have always had a thing for Nancy from the time I saw them on TV the first time they performed Crazy On You.
She’s pretty stunning.
Join the club, bro!! Nancy is a real heart breaker!!😊
I grew up with Heart. They were a band that my mom loved, so was introduced to them as a small child. Ann's voice is one to aspire to. I finally got to see them in concert a few years back and was not disappointed. It wasn't a large venue, we were packed like sardines, but we all were there for Ann and Nancy. We were not disappointed. It's really cool seeing these bands that were around when my mom was young together with her as an adult. Great times.
I love the reverse echo that Ann gives before Nancy sings the lines. Ann comes in softly like she is giving the right words to Nancy. It is just so clever.
I am not surprise "These Dreams" does not have many covers. It kind of is a hard song to sing and even imitate and project the "intimate" and delightful the atmosphere the song has. And quite frankly, the song is filled with that magic optimistic atmosphere that characterized the 80's. Thanks professor from discussing this most special hit!
I think a great singer could do a beautiful piano and string quartet ballad version. I wonder if anybody has stripped it back like that?
@@tonycowinthat is a very good idea. ❤
Exactly - The song is TOUGH to sing, as the range alone on it is a challenge no matter what key you put it in. I loved this song when it came out, and even though I could belt it with Whitney and hold my own, this one was always a test and I never felt like I could pull it off in the eighties or the last 10 years of singing karaoke =D It's actually a bit encouraging that maybe the key is to just lean into the imperfections as they present themselves, as maybe the purity of the note was what was keeping me from being able to sing it and feel satisfied. The fact that she was sick and actually cracking on those high notes, that gives me a new perspective on this tune and I might give it another shot without trying so hard on the pitch and going more for the emotional content and let it go.... Might be the ticket!
The Wilson Sisters are the greatest. I remember listening to These Dreams and Alone on AC as a kid. I got into karaoke in the 90s and found female power ballads the easiest to sing, These Dreams became one of my standards and often requested by "fans". I've since listened to most if not all of their catalog. Heart is something I can listen to all day.
‘Under the Sky’ …. Soothes my heart every time. Underrated and underplayed and I wish that it was just a minute or two longer ❤️
This song reminds me of wearing my Walkman head phones, on a yellow school bus, traveling to my first 8th grade basketball tournament.
What great memories.
Thank you for your channel!❤
This album was released only 2 days after my 15th birthday. After MTV put What About Love and Never in heavy rotation, I bought the cassette and about wore it out. My dad thought it was funny that I had "discovered" this really great band. Turned out that he had been a fan since Dreamboat Annie. To be totally honest, I developed a huge crush on Ann from the videos and I found out some years later that she and I have the same birthday. Anyway, These Dreams totally blew me away. Now that I know Nancy was sick when she sang the vocals, I can hear it - like John's vocals on Twist and Shout. I would eventually outgrow my crush on Ann but never outgrew Heart's music. Almost 40 years later, I'm still happy to say that Heart is one of my favorite bands (behind only AC/DC, Queen, Zeppelin and, of course, The Beatles).
And that means you were born in 1971, amirite?
Nancy sang lead on at least one song on almost every album prior to the 1985 eponymous album. Treat Me Well on Little Queen, Nada One on Dog and Butterfly, Raised on You on Bebe Le Strange, One Word and The Situation on Private Audition and Love Mistake on Passionworks.
They are one of the greatest bands ever. I saw their last tour in 2019... Timeless...
2001st! I was born in 1956, and grew up listening to mostly rock and roll, then metal. The eighties were a bad time for music because of DISCO. But Heart was there to help me through it. They were hit machines that were played on the car radio quite a bit. When disco finally came to its inevitable fiery conclusion and demise metal came back but Heart was still going strong. Loved your interviews on this show with the legendary song writer and singer! Will be watching for more of your work! Roger in Pierre South Dakota
One of my most favourite bands. And Ann is absolutely the best female vocalist of all time. It’s not even close.
Agreed, she's 72 now and has never had her voice electronically altered like Cher, Madonna and many others. Ann and Pat Benatar are 2 best as they have been operetically trained . No one else has the pipes or range that those 2 have
I would counter with Karen Carpenter.
Maria Carey's 7 octave voice is to be considered as "the best female vocalist ever."
Maria McKee
"Backup singer"? That is soooo misleading. She had her own songs that she sang lead on almost from the start. Treat Me Well, Nada One, The Situation, One Word, There's The Girl, Stranded...those come to mind.
I seen Ann Wilson and Tripsitter at the Goodyear Theater here in grand old Akron Ohio this past year. Oh how I love my city! 😊 I took my father to see them. He’s been a huge fan since Heart formed, and I’m right behind him. Ann still sounded wonderful, and she still has that mesmerizing raspy sound. No, she couldn’t get to all of the higher notes, but she sure as hell gave it her all. I mean she’s “73” years old so…!
My dad will be 77 this year, and his health is fleeting him more and more every day. But, he said out of all times we’ve been to a concert together, he will remember this one the most, so will I. We had such a wonderful time together that night. More importantly we patched up some differences we had let form between us. We talked things out, we laughed with one another, we hugged each other, and we told one another we were sorry and that we loved each other. It’s hard to see my dad so frail when he was always so strong, and that entire evening he needed my arm to help him walk. It was hard to see Ann so frail also, and at the end of the concert she also needed help and held on to some of the other band members arms as she made her way off of the stage. A few of the “YOUNGER” audience members left very disrespectful comments concerning her performance that night in later reviews, but many of these “CHILDREN” today have little respect for themselves, let alone anyone or anything else. I guess many of the young adults who go to see her today expect her sound exactly like she sounded in the 70’s, 80s, 90s etc? I guess they don’t realize that after all those years of belting out song after song after song, it takes a very heavy toll on one’s voice and body. One day I it will be you who needs the arm of your family and friends, so be kind! A big thanks to Ann Wilson and Tripsitter for taking the time to come to our city, and for jamming us out. My father and I both appreciate you.
YES SHE IS....... the voice, very iconic... very one of a kind....... loving, strong great story teller and feelings even the crowd sometimes feel....I would have loved to be at the Kennedy center when she sang stairway to heaven.... GOOSEBUMPS ALL OVER...and I'm not the only one...a d yes I did CRY..it was that GOOD!!!!,
Much respect to Ann and Nancy. Nancy's acoustic opening on Crazy on you and Ann's vocals on that track are utter magic.
EDIT: I had not heard the story of Sharon Hess and the recording of These Dreams. That will forever change my understanding of that song. Very powerful.
Crazy on You is classic.
Nancy isn’t the reason Crazy on You was great. It was Roger Fishers great guitar work on that song.
@@SuperDrJeckyl Really? Can you play the intro? I'd like to see it.
@@David-ri3hi Stupid reply. You don't have to be a guitar player to know what is good and what is not. Nancy is just an average guitar player you simps think is some master just because she's a pretty girl. She's not bad, just average. That solo Fisher did was the magic in that song.
I hope you go to a restaurant and your food is not cooked correctly and the waiter says, "Oh, so you are a master chef?"
@@SuperDrJeckyl lol it was Howard Leese who came up with the electric guitar solo to begin with, based on Ann's vocalizations in the demo, which is not "the magic in that song" either. If you're talking about the guitar intro, then you have no idea idea what you're talking about because that's 100% Nancy.
I continue to be surprised by how versatile Martin Page is, he's either written, co written, or performed in so many classic hits!
Check out his solo albums that he’s done in the past 10 years or so, phenomenal writing as usual from him.
I'm in my late 50s, grew up on 1970s Heart & that will always be my favorite version of their sound. If you look in my Pandora today, you'll find the first playlist is Heart and starts with Crazy on You because how can you not begin with that intro? It ends with Kick It Out, my personal favorite. As I did when I was a teen, I can either fall asleep to it, rock to it, or relax to it, because 70s music is versatile. Heart's Wilson sisters are still my musical heroines, and do not get the recognition they deserve, musically or culturally.
Heart is truly one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. Whether or not they had "assistance" with outside writers, their ability to adapt in the 1980s brought them an entirely new generation of fans. For some of us, it just deepened our love affair with the band.
I actually believe if Ann sang this song, it would have been a number one hit anyway ... Both have great voices!
I disagree, if you really know each of their voices I think Nancy's is more suited for the ethereal sound of These Dreams. I'm not saying Ann would do a bad job, she never does a bad job, but I think the best choice was made. Ann isn't raspy, she's clear as glass. That rasp was perfect for the song. Sort of like trying to compare Bonnie Raitt to Ann. You can't.
These Dreams was re-issued in the UK as a double A side with Never in 1988 and it went to number 8 in the UK charts.
Bad Animals had been a huge hit in the UK, so the record company re-issued their earlier album the following year, along with some of the songs from it.
I've been lucky enough to meet a few members of Heart, and even record a demo with Roger Fisher. They have all been really nice people to hang with. I once asked a dude who worked for the sisters, what they were like like off camera, and I quote, "They're sweethearts!"
I think I was in love with Nancy Wilson. I actually had a dream, which I'll never forget about playing on stage with Ann and Nancy. For some strange reason Pete Townsend was in it too, but I digress.
The voices of the Wilson sisters and Nancy's incredible guitar playing hold a fond spot in my ❤ Heart!
This is a beautiful song and Nancy's vocal performance was perfect.
No one makes the music I have loved all my life sound new like the Professor of Rock. Thanks, Adam.
I was in high school during the 80s and I discovered Heart on their self-titled album. When a classmate of mine did a cover of Straight On, I was made aware of their 70s hits and was blown away. Always been a big fan and loved this episode. Thanks!
The Heart sisters are both blessed with wonderful talent! Ann is on my very short list of favorite singers ever. Nancy, as I understand, is a top guitar player. Their tops! The last I heard they're working on a new album. Cool!
One thing I feel, is overlooked on their earlier albums, is the quality of the production. The SOUND on Straight On For You, Even It Up, etc., is stellar! Listen to them LOUD, they are amazing ;)
Magic Man ! I still listen to it
Pretty much the entire Little Queen album, as well..
Heart came back STRONG in ‘85! Ann Wilson actually sang lead as usual on the song that got the band out of its commercial slump, “What About Love,” in 1985. That first single from their self-titled album went No. 10 pop (Hot 100 chart), Heart’s first top 10 in four years.
The follow-up, “Never” with a powerhouse lead vocal by Ann, became the band’s biggest pop hit to date reaching No. 4, besting the No. 8 peak of “Tell It Like It Is” in ’81.
While “Never” was a hit, the “Heart” album became the band’s first, and to date only, No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
In March ’86, the LP’s third single, with a rare lead by Nancy Wilson, became Heart’s first to top the Hot 100!
The “Heart” album had one more top 10 hit with its next single, “Nothin’ at All.” Ann was back on lead vocals for that one, and it went No. 10 pop.
Saw them in like 2000 at Resorts AC and had the very best seats in the house since my wife was the boss of the entertainment Mgr there and it was a very small venue. I could almost see up their dresses, lol. They were absolutely incredible and talented. Great show.
Nancy was NOT a “backup singer”. That’s a sensationalized headline.
I liked it when you said "it was something that Nancy could have written herself" because it really is thematically like a lot of her own songs, specially one of my favorites, "Nada One." Which is probably why she also felt such a connection to the song in the first place.
Nada One is a masterpiece.
And as you say, it has Nancy's DNA all over it. But I've always also been a big fan of One Word and The Situation.
Great point. A look inside her window.
@@pokerface8242 Love those too. And One Word also has some lyrics about dreams.
Great song, great album, great band. So much of their music hooks you almost immediately and doesn't let you go. These Dreams has such an ethereal feel and great dynamics. Although the big hair in their music videos of the 80s is hard not to smile at today - but seemed perfectly normal at the time.
I got to see Heart in June 1980 at the Yale Bowl in New Haven CT, and they were phenomenal, performing at top form in 90°+ heat and absolutely destroying it. They were second on a triple bill between Eagles and the Little River Band. Still one of my favorite concert memories, even after nearly 44 years.
California State Fair July 1980 as well. Heart, Eddie Money and firefall. Great concert!!!!
Best memories for me!!
Love these videos, Professor!!! Really inspiring how Heart pulled out of their tailspin and learned how to adjust to the times. I had forgotten they were a 70s act. “These Dreams” is one for the ages!
Alone by Heart. No one can match Ann Wilson and her vocal performance on that track. She was amazing.
For me, no song ignites my 80s nostalgia like “These Dreams.” Every time I hear it, I think, “God, it’ll never be 1985 again.” Good times, baby.
Such beautiful voices
My first date with my future wife: April 8th, 1980, Heart, Nacogdoches, Texas. Still married. Thank you, Heart.
my first husband was in a band called Stormer and they opened for Heart during a Canadian tour in the 70’s. I asked him what the sisters were like and all he could say was “they were some bad ass rockers.”
That's so cool! Whatever happened to his band?
@@ProfessorofRockthey were signed to Apple right before it fell apart and never produced an album but Jimi was featured in Guitar Player magazine as a “top ten to look out for” lead guitarist. The band played all the clubs in Hollywood, side by side with Van Halen and others. Sadly, they never got the break they deserved and by the time I met Jimi, he had totally abandoned music.
Did his band have any hit songs?
I love these ladies. What's always irritated me about this era of their existence is the people who claimed they "sold out". Well, they don't say the same things about other big bands of the 70s who went pop and stayed relevant the exact same way.
Amen!
Rooted in sheer sexism. 😔
I grew up in the 80's and Heart is my all time favorite band. I have every one of their albums, even the most recent album.
Thank you, Prof, for filling in the gaps for those of us who grew up with these artists and wondered about their hits and misses. Have always loved Heart from their early masterpieces through their resurrection in the '80s.
Passionworks was such a criminally underrated album. How Can I Refuse flat out rocks. That said, the album contains the band’s most underrated and underappreciated song; ALLIES. Jonathan Cain wrote it and it’s better than the best Journey song. Brilliantly performed by Nancy on piano and Ann on vocals and flute.
Passion Works is actually my favorite Heart Lp. It's definitely underrated...
So is Bebe Le Strange. That song, Even It Up, and Rockin Heaven Down should have been major hits.
How Can I Refuse is their best song imo
Nancy didn't do the keys on the recording but she did do it live. She can play just about anything!
Allies is a great song, but it doesn't top Faithfully.
I heard These Dreams on the radio before seeing the video on MTV. My first thought was that Ann was losing her wonderful voice. I was greatly relieved when I saw that Nancy was singing. I saw Heart in concert twice in the 70’s. I always loved them and I still do!
Interesting that you first thought that! Many think they sound the same but not me!
That’d be sad to even think about.
I saw them 2 times in the 70's! I saw more bands back then. I've seen Fleetwood Mac 5 times. Ronstadt, ZZ Top. So many great artists back then. Chaka Kahn, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, The 5th Demension (group of the decade). Rock, Jazz, Soul. What a great time to be young!
I had the biggest crush on Ann Wilson. She's still beautiful!
Nancy singing these dreams always sends chills down my spine.
Heart was one of the few bands I've seen perform live. They were the real deal FOR SURE. The others were Fleetwood Mac (opening band Genesis) Moody Blues, and CCR (cut short by a throng of fans rushing the stage.) All were superb. 🙂
Heart represents the pinnacle of rock. Ann and Nancy both have voices that just send lightening bolts through your heart. Pun freaking intended.
When I think of Heart of crazy powerful vocals and bigger than life cords. Thanks for this, what a story!
I was a big fan in the 70s, got busy getting married and having kids in the 80s so I missed out on any of the big hair drama. They’ve always been on the top of my playlist.
These Dreams had a reissue in March 88 in UK and reached #8 . Well deserved place in Rock n Roll Hall of Fame 😍😎
Hope they got all the royalties!
I was about to mention the UK re-issue, it was a double A side with "Never" but These Dreams got most of the airplay.
I. Ant believe it wasnt 1
I always loved this band, I'm so pleased that they were able to make an awesome comeback a decade after originally forming. ❤️💕
Same! What a comeback! What's your favorite era by them Trina?
...the moment....THE moment I heard "What About Love", and saw Ann (all moody) in the back of that Bus (in the Video), I said, "...they're back....they're BACK... I KNOW IT!.." ...ha-HAAA!! ...the singles didn't LIE.... ; )
@@ProfessorofRock Hmm, it's a tough call, but I'll probably pick the 80's, since their songs from that era are more memorable to me.
@@trinaqRight on!
@@ProfessorofRock
Whilst searching for the Styx version of this song, I found a twelve minute video of Nancy actually RECORDING it in the studio:
czcams.com/video/q31-_ufXiQY/video.html
I was always a Heart fan, 'I'm not a music aficionado, But when I watched the Wilson Sisters cover Stairway To Heaven I realized their talent Was far beyond the benchmark. Love their work.
I worked with Ann a few years ago and was a huge fan, but when I walked into the room to place a mic on Ann, I found a very thin person with black braids and my jaw dropped, I said "It's you..." Ann Wilson said "Yep it's me" I really did not know what to say and I was just speechless. It is always weird to meet your heroes. This was no exception. Her voice was still incredible
The Heart tour in 1985 was the first rock concert I ever went to. As much as I love their '70s stuff too, I still think this is one of those rare flawless albums that I can listen to the whole of and there's not a weak track on it.
I was extremely happy when Heart charted again because i knew they would tour and i could see them again. I didn't know she was sick when they recorded that track but now i can't unhear that and it definitely added something, great episode professor!
Same!!
Aerosmith went though a lul as well in the late 70’s and early 80’s but had a great comeback when they put out Permanent Vacation in 1987 and became stars again!
It’s an incredibly shocking fact. I wouldn’t have even sang a song if I was feeling sick.
They did NOT crash and burn in the 80s!! Their album HEART topped the charts in 1985 / 1986.
"What About Love"
"Never"
"These Dreams"
Great hits.
Saw Heart a decade ago when my daughter bought us both tickets. I loved Heart in the 70's but in the 2000's and beyond they overplayed them on the radio. So wasn't sure if I wanted to go. But glad I did. They were fantastic! Blew us all away!
It’s obvious to me you have discovered your niche. You’re a blessed man. Many of us never find the “Niche” that’s truly who we are. What we can put all our energy, focus and passion into following. Thank you for giving it your all. 👏🏻👍😎
Fun fact: While Heart had many hits in the 80s, including two #1 hits, How Can I Refuse was the ONLY #1 on the Mainstream Rock chart. Probably my favorite song of their post-70s career.
Heart is right up there in the soundtrack of our youth for us 80’s rockers. They were huge during that Metal era of the second half of the 80’s with the glam, the teased up hair, the ballads. Those songs were huge commercially but were so good and certainly stood the test of time. Those songs are in our hearts. Even if we weren’t running out and buying their cassettes, those songs found their way into our souls. Heart rocked!!! And for as much success they had with sales and top hits, they are still so underrated. There was quite a lot of competition from the era they originated in. That resurgence and reemergence happened in an era totally suited for them. The commercialism of the second half the 80’s was overkill. But is long haired rocker dudes and our hot rockin’ girlfriends with the zebra stripes pants and leather fringed jackets, the second half of the 80’s, the Metal was still going strong. We weren’t the “popular kids.” But we were having the most fun and there were a ton of us! That Heart image was right in line with what many of was were in those years.