“Dream a Little Dream of Me” is a popular song written in 1930 by Fabian Andre and Wilber Schwandt. It was first recorded by Schwandt and Andre’s band at a gig in Paw Paw, Michigan and also recorded in Milwaukee. It is unclear when Schwandt or Andre acquired the lyrics for this song, but both wrote the music.
The original recording by the Mamas and the Papas became a major hit in 1968, reaching #1 on Billboard’s Hot Top 100 chart. It remained on the charts for 17 weeks. This version of the song was covered by Anita Harris who released her own version of the single in Europe on July 26, 1968, peaking at #4 on the German Top 50 and #22 on Switzerland’s Singles Chart. Harris’ version was unable to compete with the success of the Cass Elliot version in the U.S. with her version only making the #35 position on the chart dated September 30 of that year.
Other traditional pop acts have recorded versions of this song including the Mills Brothers, Sylvia Vartan, Henry Mancini, the Beautiful South, Doris Day, Joni James, and Ann Murray. More recent popular versions include one by the American jazz singer Erasure and by Korean classical crossover artist Sumi Jo for her album Dream a Little Dream of Me. It was also used in the soundtrack for the 2010 Jude Law movie Repo Men and by Zooey Deschanel at fashion designer Erin Fetherston’s 2007 show. Dream a Little Dream of Me Lyrics