Dream a Little Dream of Me

Dream a Little Dream of Me is a song from the year 1931. The lyrics were written by Gus Kahn, music by Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandt.

Early recordings

Dream a Little Dream of Me was recorded by Ozzie Nelson and Orchestra for Brunswick Records on February 16, 1931. On 18 February the same year, Wayne King and Orchestra recorded the piece for Victor Records; it was sung by Ernie Birchill. The best-known recording dates from this time of Kate Smith.

Frankie Laine reached in 1950 with the song the Top 20 of the charts in the USA. In addition, the song was picked up by other well-known singers of the 1940s and 1950s including Doris Day - the first singer sang the piece in 1957 at the original slow pace again - Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, Barbara Carroll, the Nat -King- Cole trio, Bing Crosby - on the 1957 released album Bing with a Beat -, Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin, Vaughn Monroe and Dinah Shore.

Recording of Cass Elliot

Dream a Little Dream was taken of the musical group The Mamas and the Papas, published in April 1968 for the album The Papas & The Mamas. The group had the song already sung more often after band member Michelle Phillips had imagined the others. Their father was with Fabian Andre, Wilbur Schwandt who had written the music for Dream a Little Dream, friends.

Mama Cass Elliot suggested to the band leader John Phillips, record the song. In June 1968 Dunhill Records released the single Dream a Little Dream of Me. As a performer it was Mama Cass with the Mamas and the Papas, only given in the British publication Mama Cass. In the U.S. press was advertised with a photo for the single that has a subtle, but obviously naked Cass Elliot is seen lying on a bed of daisies. Dream a Little Dream of Me reached in August 1968 ranked number 12 in the U.S. top ten Billboard Hot 100 in the United Kingdom reached Dream a Little Dream of Me in September 1968 ranked 11th and leaving its cover version by Anita Harris ( # 33 ) behind. The song was sold nearly seven million copies. National Public Radio took Dream a Little Dream on its list of the hundred most important American musical works of the 20th century. Dream a Little Dream of Me was also included on Cass Elliot's solo debut album, Dream a Little Dream.

After the recording has been used in a commercial in 1992, it developed in Germany to be a commercial hit, reaching number 5 in the German charts.

Other recordings (selection)

Awards

RSH Gold