Nancy Wilson of Heart turns 58 today. Back in 1986, she got quite the present for her 32nd birthday, as “These Dreams,” one of the rare songs on which she sings lead vocals, hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was Heart’s first number one single, coming 10 years after the Seattle band’s debut chart entry, “Crazy On You,” which fizzled at #35 in 1976.

The power ballad “These Dreams” marked a shift in sound from the harder-edged “Crazy On You.” Previously Nancy Wilson and sister Ann wrote their own material, but as Heart’s career had cooled a bit and were newly signed to Capitol, they were persuaded to include others’ songs. The third single from Heart’s self-titled album, “These Dreams” was penned by Martin Page and Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s longtime writing partner.

Heart was produced by Rob Nevison, who had similarly resuscitated Starship, Chicago, and Survivor by ushering in a more commercial sound, supported by some fine power balladry. Peter Wolf, with whom Page and Taupin had written Starship’s “We Built This City,” contributed synthesizers and acoustic piano to the album.

No doubt it has everything to do with the time of year that “These Dreams” was released, but in my memory the song is forever imbued with a wintry feel. These dreams that sleep when it’s cold outside…

Heart scored a second number one single the following year with “Alone,” written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. This time Ann was out in front, giving each of the Wilson sisters a lead-vocal hit, though “Alone” enjoyed a three-week run in the top spot.

Purchase Heart – “These Dreams” via iTunes, Amazon MP3.

P.S. Whenever “These Dreams” comes on the radio — which is more often than you might think — my boyfriend likes to sing, “These trees lose their leaves when it’s cold outside.” Not only does it support my association of the song with winter, it makes me laugh every single time.