Our Top 10 Dan Hartman Songs list presents the best Dan Hartman Songs like “I Can Dream About You,” “Instant Replay” and many more. Singer-songwriter Dan Hartman was born on December 8, 1950, in Dauphin County’s Harrisburg. Hartman became an accomplished pianist even while he was still just a child. His niche at the time was classical music. As he got older, he also took up singing in the school choir, which saw him develop a fondness for Motown-style music. Starting in junior high school, he also practiced journalism and theater. He was thirteen years old when he joined his first band after his older brother, David, asked him to play keyboards. The musical style of Legends started off with soul-style music before venturing into and mixing the genres of hard rock and psychedelic.
Taking Over
In 1970, Dan replaced his older brother when David decided to leave the band. This new role witnessed the younger Hartman writing music, as well as playing more than just the keyboards. Although Legends released a number of recordings, they did not have their popularity as a band extend beyond the state of Pennsylvania. In the meantime, in order to make ends meet, Hartman worked at a bank. At the time, Hartman strove to earn better recognition for the band he took over from his brother. He went as far as recruiting the assistance of a highly influential radio celebrity named Ronnie G. Shaeffer, a man who helped Hartman iron out the performance kinks in his group, as well as establish record label connections. This led to a 1971 introduction of Edgar Winter to Dan Hartman, courtesy of Steve Paul, president of Blue Sky Records. Winter, after disbanding his previous band, White Trash, teamed up with his younger brother, Johnny Winter, to form his band.
Edgar Winter Group
In 1972, Dan Hartman was now full-time with the Edgar Winter Group, playing bass for the band. He also co-wrote many of their songs, which featured him singing on three of their studio albums, namely They Only Come Out at Night, Shock Treatment, and The Edgar Winter Group with Rick Derringer. One of Edgar Winter Group’s signature songs, “Free Ride” was written by Dan Hartman. While with the band, Hartman began to sport the infamous Guitar Suit, which was a rubbery fabric that allowed an electric guitar to be plugged into it through a pelvic pocket.
Going Solo
In 1976, Dan Hartman released his first recording as a solo artist, Who Is Dan Hartman and Why Is Everyone Saying Wonderful Things About Him?. The recordings featured a series of songs while he was with Johnny Winter and the Edgar Winter Group. His second album release as a musician officially embarking on a solo career was 1976’s Images. Working with him on this recording were members of a now-disbanded Edgar Winter Group, including Edgar Winter himself. Rick Derringer and Ronnie Montrose were also featured in the album, as were Randy Brecker and Clarence Clemons.
1978’s “Instant Replay” was Dan Hartman’s first single to become a big hit for the man as a solo musician. It was the title track from his third studio album, which also became a top ten hit in the UK. In 1979, Hartman recorded and released his fourth studio album, Relight My Fire, which featured its title track also becoming a number one hit in the dance music scene. As impressive as these two hits were, “I Can Dream About You” served as the biggest hit in the man’s career as a solo artist.
As successful as Dan Hartman was as a singer, songwriter, and recording artist, this did not make him immune to experiencing conflict with a major record label. White Boy was a studio album he spent 1985 and 1986 working on and it was supposed to be released by MCA Records. However, the label refused to do so as the company felt it was a sharp contrast to his previous material. Only among collectors and on the internet are some of the songs from that album that can be accessed. This was later followed in 1989 by Dan Hartman’s final studio album recording, New Green Clear Blue. Unlike his previous releases, this was a new-age instrumental album that showcased his musical talent without involving any vocals.
Dan Hartman Legacy
As a songwriter, Dan Hartman was responsible for backing, writing, co-writing, and producing hit albums and singles. World-class artists such as James Brown, Joe Cocker, Tina Turner, and Steve Winwood are among a few of the top names that worked with Hartman. Some of their most commercially successful material came from his collaboration with them. While Hartman was with Legends, he produced the band’s music for them. He did the same for 38 Special, Rick Derringer, Foghat, and David Johansen. The list of artists whom he has contributed is every bit as impressive as the man himself. He was instrumental in Charlie Midnight’s 1987 Grammy Award win for Best R&B Song, thanks to Hartman’s contribution. This was also the case for James Brown, “Living in America” earned him a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance after it made its iconic impression in 1985’s Rocky IV blockbuster and soundtrack.
Despite Dan Hartman’s incredible success as an artist of many talents, he never married nor did he have any children. His sexual preference leaned in the direction of men but made a point not to make it public news for the sake of enjoying a quieter, tabloid-free life. When he died in his Connecticut home on March 22, 1994, the cause of death was a brain tumor that manifested after he was diagnosed with the HIV virus. Not only did he keep his medical condition a secret but opted not to seek treatment. In May 1994, a memorial concert was held in his honor at the Sound Factory Bar in New York City.
In Dan Hartman’s will and testament, he created the Dan Hartman Acts and Music Foundation. His longtime friend and collaborator, Charlie Midnight, was named as the sole trustee. When Hartman died, he was in the process of recording another solo album. Keep the Fire Burnin’ was a posthumous compilation album that was released in 1994 and brought forth two singles, including its title track and “The Love in Your Eyes.” In 1995, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie, featured Hartman’s cover version of Edgar Winter Group’s “Free Ride,” which was a song that was co-written by Hartman while he was still a member of the band. Come 2020, he was inducted into the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame. Accepting this honor for him in his place was his sister, Kathy.
There were seven studio albums recorded and released by Dan Hartman, as well as the unreleased album, White Boy. Adding to this list are two compilation albums. In total, there are twenty-two singles to his credit and three of them become number one hits on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.
Top 10 Dan Hartman Songs
#10 – The Love You Take (featuring Denise Lopez)
Dan Hartman contributed a considerable amount of music that was featured in movies, soundtracks, and television. “The Love You Take” was a duet he performed with Denise Lopez for the 1988 motion picture, Scrooged. On the US Cash Box Top 100 Singles Chart, it peaked as high as number seventy-five. For Hartman, the style of this love song also served as a bit of a rebellious move against Hollywood as he felt their preference to choose rock songs to help sell the film in favor of good storylines and script-writing was out of place. It would be one of the last songs he agreed to contribute to a film soundtrack. It would be around this time he was diagnosed with HIV, which later elevated to AIDS, then to the brain tumor that would rob the world of one of its most gifted singer-songwriters of all time.
# 9 – Heaven in Your Arms
In 1981, “Heaven in Your Arms” was the first single released from Dan Hartman’s fourth studio album, It Hurts to Be in Love. On the US Billboard Hot 100, it peaked at number eighty-six and served as his final song to become a hit until 1984. Up until now, Hartman was regarded as a disco-style musician, so when “Heaven in Your Arms” was released as a mainstream mid-tempo pop ballad, it ventured the artist into new territory as a recording artist. “Heaven in Your Arms’ was performed as a romantic autobiography that brought about a refreshing take of vulnerable honesty that had the listeners witness a side to Dan Hartman they hadn’t experienced before.
#8 – Heart of the Beat
Under the name, 3V, Dan Hartman collaborated with Charlie Midnight, “Heart of the Beat” was a single released from the 1984 soundtrack, Breakin’. The reason behind the fictional band name came about due to the fact nobody else wanted to do the song. This resulted in Midnight earning a record deal that would launch his career into stardom. The two men continued to work together again, off and on, often contributing music to a number of big-screen productions and their soundtracks. Designed as a heavy synth-style heartbeat of its own, “Heart of the Beat” easily made the grade as a solid dance number that earned its place as a fan favorite.
#7 – Second Nature
“Second Nature” was Dan Hartman’s final globally-charted hit after it was released as a single in 1985. It came from the album, I Can Dream About You, as the fourth and final track to become a hit on the official music charts. It somewhat re-established his name on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart as it peaked at number forty but it was considerably more popular on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and the Canadian Adult Contemporary chart at number nineteen. As a love song, Hartman’s performance made “Second Nature” an easy-listening favorite that also served as the man’s ability to produce different styles of music than strictly dance routines.
#6 – Waiting to See You
Despite MCA Records refusing to release Dan Hartman’s sixth studio album, White Boy, “Waiting to See You” managed to become a song featured in the 1986 motion picture, Ruthless People. It also found its way to the hit movie’s soundtrack. “Waiting to See You” is a true, classic rock gem that did not get the attention it deserved as MCA Records opted not to release a musical style to Dan Hartman that better defined the man as a multi-dimensional artist.
Heavy with a rock-solid beat, many critics are in agreement that “Waiting to See You” was the Ruthless People soundtrack savior as the only song on it that was entertaining enough to listen to. At least in the Netherlands, the music charts there recognized the single enough to see it chart as high as number thirty-three on its Dutch Top 40 chart and at number thirty-four on its Dutch Single Top 100.
#5 – Free Ride
Dan Hartman co-wrote “Free Ride,” which became the second-biggest hit for the Edgar Winter Group in their recording career. As a group, this single was released in 1973 and became a number fourteen hit on the US Billboard Hot 100. At the time, Dan Hartman was the lead vocalist of the group. “Free Ride” became one of the band’s signature songs, as well as Hartman’s, as there is no mistaking this fan-favorite has rightfully earned its place as one of the most iconic cult classics in rock and roll’s phenomenal history. Interestingly enough, the enhanced 45 version of this mega-hit wasn’t played nearly as often as the album version that has become the radio station and streaming favorite.
#4 – Relight My Fire (featuring Loleatta Holloway)
“Relight My Fire” became Dan Hartman’s second number one hit for six weeks on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart after it was released as a disco single in 1979. This version featured the vocal talent of Loleatta Holloway. Coming from the album with the same name, it established Hartman as more than a one-hit-wonder. Later, an instrumental version of “Relight My Fire” became the theme music behind Tomorrow, the popular talk show hosted by the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). There are a few versions of this song, including the 12″ that became a popular favorite among disco clubs as it used a four-minute floor filler titled “Vertigo.” This extended version is featured on the 1994 compilation album, Keep the Fire Burnin’.
#3 – We Are the Young
“We Are the Young” was Dan Hartman’s third number one hit single on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart in 1985, as well as a number twenty-five hit on the US Billboard Hot 100. Originally, this was supposed to be a single for the motion picture, Breakin’, as Hartman was contracted to do so. However, the producer of Hartman’s album liked the song so much that he arranged to have it released as its first single. “We Are the Young” was supposed to be a dance number for the movie but it was withdrawn in place of “Heart Of the Beat,” which was credited to 3V as Hartman did not want to be officially featured as the artist behind it. However, Ollie and Jerry’s “There’s No Stopping Us” took the place of “We Are the Young” as the movie’s dance number and it became a big hit for the duo. Some of the musical scores from that single were identical to Hartman’s “We Are the Young.”
#2 – Instant Replay
In 1978, “Instant Replay” became Dan Hartman’s first number one hit as a solo artist, at least on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. On the US Billboard Hot 100, it peaked as high as number twenty-nine and was a number forty-four hit on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. In the UK, “Instant Replay” charted as high as number eight while in Australia it peaked at number six. It was at least a top thirty hit among the nations of Belgium, Canada, France, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.
The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified “Instant Replay” as silver after the single reached the 200,000 copies sold mark. Starting off with a countdown, “Instant Replay” bursts into a fast-paced disco number that was deservedly played over and over again the moment the dance and disco clubs got their hands on this musical masterpiece.
#1 – I Can Dream About You
The popularity of “I Can Dream About You” not only became Dan Hartman’s biggest hit and signature song but one of the most played singles during the mid-1980s. It served as the title track from his fifth studio album and was featured in the Streets of Fire soundtrack. On the US Billboard Hot 100, the song reached number six when it was released for the first time in 1984 and was at least a top forty hit among several nations around the world. In the UK, “I Can Dream About You” peaked as high as number twelve. There were two music videos shot for this single. The one that received a considerable amount of air time on popular programs such as MTV was the one featuring Dan Hartman as a bartender. This was the official single version, which differed from the album version. The movie, Streets of Fire featured a fictional group performing the album version of “I Can Dream About You” although Winston Ford covered it.
Dan Hartman wrote the song after Streets of Fire producer Jimmy Iovine approached him. “I Can Dream About You” was first released through the movie and its soundtrack. It was supposed to be a song engineered to appear as if a quartet of black male artists was performing it in a concert. This prompted Hartman to go back to his demo, “I Can Dream About You,” which saw itself become part of a legal issue so that the artist could rightfully earn the royalty rights of this hit song. Although Ford performed this song in the movie, Hartman had the right to perform it on the soundtrack. Lesser informed fans assumed “I Can Dream About You” was Hartman’s breakthrough single, failing to realize he already had two big hits as a solo artist previously.
Dan Haman standing in the center background – Feature Photo: Blue Sky Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
