The song’s lyrics were written by Gus Kahn, with music composed by Fabian Andre and Wilber Schwandt. Some sources claim that Andre and Schwandt wrote it during a 10-minute break at a performance in Paw Paw, Michigan; other accounts place the song’s origin in Milwaukee. It became a worldwide hit, reaching number one in both the United States and Canada. It has also been recorded in more than 40 other languages and dialects. It is a popular wedding song and is often heard as a child’s lullaby, especially in countries with Roman Catholicism. It is also a favorite of many jazz musicians.

The song has been covered by many artists, ranging from traditional pop singers like Mama Cass Elliot with the Mamas & the Papas to rock bands such as the Mills Brothers and Sylvie Vartan. The song was also featured in two episodes of the television series All My Children. In Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3D, Miss Piggy sang it as a loosely parodied version of Mama Cass. It was the main theme of a short-lived sitcom called The Lost Valentine, starring Burgess Meredith as a character named Allie. It is also featured in the 2010 Jude Law movie Repo Men.

English singer Robbie Williams recorded a duet version of “Dream a Little Dream of Me” with Lily Allen for his tenth studio album and second swing album, Swings Both Ways (2013). The single was released on 13 December 2013. The song also appears on the soundtrack of the 2013 Hallmark movie The Christmas Card, sung by Mel Torme and Kim Burrell. ella fitzgerald dream a little dream of me