“Dream a little dream of me, and the world will go away/ Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you, and leave all your worries behind.” This beautiful and poignant jazz standard by Ella Fitzgerald is a classic. The lyrics have an old-timey earnestness that is a good fit for a lullaby, and the melody is luscious and elegant.
The song was first recorded by Mama Cass Elliot with the Mamas and Papas in 1968, followed by a recording by Anita Harris that same year. Over 40 other recordings have been made, including the Mills Brothers, Sylvie Vartan, Henry Mancini, The Beautiful South, Anne Murray, and Erasure. The song was also sung by the Egyptian actress Youssra in the 2010 movie Repo Men. It was featured in the Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3D movie Grumpier Old Men and used as the theme for a Disney television series of the same name. It was sung by Zooey Deschanel for fashion designer Erin Fetherston’s 2007 show. It is also sung by Burgess Meredith’s character Allie in the 1995 movie Grumpier Old Men and is used during the opening and closing credits of the Jude Law movies Repo Man and Leap Year.
This beautiful album by the duo Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong is a delightful collection of standards. It is well produced, and the performances are excellent. It was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Traditional Pop Album category. It includes live recordings from a Bing Crosby radio show, two songs recorded at a Hollywood Bowl jazz concert, and a bunch of outtakes. ella fitzgerald dream a little dream of me