Oh What a Dream

"Oh What a Dream" is a 1954 blues song written by Chuck Willis and originally performed by Ruth Brown[2] backed by members of The Drifters (only credited as her Rhythmakers[1]). The single was Brown's fourth number one on the U.S. R&B chart.[3]

For the Johnny Cash sing, see You Dreamer You.

"Oh What a Dream"
Single by Ruth Brown
B-side	"Please Don't Freeze"[1]
Released	June 1954
Genre	Rhythm and blues
Label	Atlantic
Songwriter(s)	Chuck Willis
Ruth Brown singles chronology
"If I Had Any Sense" (1954) "Oh What a Dream" (1954) "Somebody Touched Me" (1954)

Song Background

The song has been described as a torch song with a gospel tint, adding up to a big dose of that R&B balladeering as expressed in the lyrics and Brown's soulful performance:

"Dreamed I held you in my arms

But I'm still waiting for that day to come

Ohh what a dream, what a dream I had last night"[4]

Cover versions

• Patti Page had an August 1954 single release of the song - as "What a Dream" - which reached #10 pop.
• In 1960, Conway Twitty had a minor pop hit with his version of the song.

References

1. THE EARLY DRIFTERS discography
2. Gilliland, John (1969). "Show 3 - The Tribal Drum: The rise of rhythm and blues. [Part 1]" (audio). Pop Chronicles. University of North Texas Libraries.
3. Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 87.
4. Wild Realm Reviews: Ruth Brown