Heart is an American rock band formed in Seattle , Washington, in The band evolved from previous projects led by founding members Roger Fisher guitar and Steve Fossen bass guitar , including The Army — , Hocus Pocus — , and White Heart — By , original members Fisher, Fossen, and Ann Wilson lead vocals and flute , along with Nancy Wilson rhythm guitar, vocals , Michael Derosier drums , and Howard Leese guitar, keyboards and backing vocals formed the lineup for the band's initial mid- to lates success period.
Heart rose to fame with music influenced by hard rock and heavy metal [ 4 ] as well as folk music. The band underwent a major lineup change between the late s and the early s; by Fisher, Fossen, and Derosier had all left and were replaced by Mark Andes bass and Denny Carmassi drums. Though the band's popularity fell off during the initial years with the new lineup, they staged a comeback in the mids, buoyed by major radio hits that continued into the s.
Heart disbanded in , though they have resumed touring and recording multiple times since then, with the Wilson sisters being the only consistent members. Heart has been nominated for four Grammy Awards , and has sold over 50 million records worldwide, including approximately In , the band went through lineup changes Gary Ziegelman—former lead singer of Buffalo Clancy—on lead vocals, Fisher on guitar, Fossen on bass, James Cirrello on guitar, Ron Rudge on drums, and Ken Hansen on percussion and took on a new name, Hocus Pocus.
Fisher asked and received permission to use the name for the Army, added the "e", and the Army became White Heart. For a brief time in , this lineup shortened its name to Heart. The band subsequently went through more personnel changes. Mike Fisher, Roger's brother, was set to be drafted into the army. Nancy Wilson has stated that when he did not report for duty, his home was raided, he slipped out a rear window, escaped to Canada, and became a Vietnam War " draft dodger ".
Steve Fossen finished his college education before he also decided to move to Canada in late , [ 10 ] [ 15 ] and Roger followed in late or early Ann's sister Nancy Wilson joined in , [ 16 ] [ dubious — discuss ] and soon after became romantically involved with Roger.
