“Had a Dream (For the Heart)”, a song written by Dennis Linde, was first recorded by Teresa Brewer for the Signature label, the song was included on the album, Unliberated Woman (Signature 1975).
The Judds recorded it for the RCA / Curb label on March 23, 1983, at Creative Workshop, 2804 Azalea Ave., Nashville, TN. On the recording session of The Judds they were accompanied by: Don Potter (guitar), Mark Casstevens (rhythm guitar and harmonica), Sonny Garrish (steel and dobro), Jack Williams (bass), Eddie Bayers (drums), Bobby Ogdin and Gene Sisk (piano). With the production of Brent Maher, the song was released on December 17, 1983, on March 10, 1984, reached # 17 on the US Hot Country Songs charts, with a total of 18 weeks remaining on the charts. Canadian RPM Country Tracks charts, it reached at #15.
The song was included in their debut album, Wynonna & Naomi (RCA / Curb 1984), was released in EP format, in January 1984, and on September 29, 1984, reached number 8 on the US Top Country charts Albums, remaining a total of 61 weeks on the charts. The EP was certified gold in the USA.
Although this song barely broke the Top 20, ‘Had A Dream (For The Heart)’ is one of the most important songs in The Judds ’catalog. Released as their very first single for RCA in 1983, the Elvis cover would introduce the world to the music of a duo that would become the hottest act in Country Music by the mid-‘80s. Appropriately, the song was used as the opening number on The Judds ’En Last Encore’ reunion tour.
Elvis Presley, also covered , “For the Heart”, on his 1976 album From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee (RCA 1976). Presley’s version, the B-side to the album’s single “Hurt”, peaked at number 45 on the Hot Country Songs charts that year.
Versions:
Teresa Brewer 1975 (Signature)
Elvis Presley 1976 (RCA)
Jerry Walker 1978 (Sivelle Records)
Elvis Wade 1987 (EWM)
The Jordanaires 1990 (World Wide Music)
Ray Ellis 2010 (Raytone Records)