Dream Weaver
| name | Dream Weaver |
| cover | Dreamweaver single.jpg |
| type | single |
| artist | Gary Wright |
| album | The Dream Weaver |
| b-side | Let It Out |
| released | December 1975 |
| recorded | 1975 |
| length | 4:17 (album version) 3:15 (single version) |
| label | Warner Bros. |
| writer | Gary Wright |
| producer | Gary Wright |
| next_title | Love Is Alive) |
| next_year | 1976 |
“Dream Weaver” is a song by the American singer Gary Wright, released as the first single from his third studio album The Dream Weaver in December 1975.
Origins and instrumentation
The track features Wright on vocals and keyboards and Jim Keltner on drums. According to Gary Wright, the song was inspired by Autobiography of a Yogi, which was given to him by George Harrison. Paramahansa Yogananda’s poem “God! God! God!” made reference to “the idea of the mind weaving dreams”. The expression “Dream Weaver” was popularized by John Lennon in 1970 in his song “God)”, taken from his solo album John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band. This song depicts Lennon’s declaration that he was the dream weaver of the 1960s, breaking away from the influences and dogmas that influenced his life.
All instrumentation was created using keyboards except for Keltner’s percussion. Gary Wright re-recorded “Dream Weaver” twice, first in 1986 (spelled “Dreamweaver” this time) for the Fire and Ice) movie soundtrack, then a longer version for the Wayne’s World) movie soundtrack in 1992.
Personnel
- Gary Wright - lead vocals, ARP Solina String Ensemble, Minimoogs, drum machine
- David Foster - Fender Rhodes electric piano
- Jim Keltner - drums
Instrumental credits taken from Mixonline.
Chart performance
In 1976, the song became a hit in the US; it peaked at #2 on the Billboard chart. It was kept from #1 by both “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” by The Four Seasons) and “Disco Lady” by Johnnie Taylor. “Dream Weaver” did get to #1 on Cashbox).
Weekly singles charts
| Chart (1975–76) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (Kent Music Report) | 24 |
| Canada (RPM)) Top Singles | 1 |
| Canada (RPM) Adult Contemporary | 1 |
| US Cash Box Top 100 | 1 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (1976) | Rank |
|---|---|
| Canada | 24 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 37 |
| US Cash Box | 17 |
In popular culture
The song has been heard in many films and television programs. According to Wes Craven, the song (and its keyboard intro/outro) inspired the concept behind the 1984 film A Nightmare on Elm Street. Wright re-recorded the song for the soundtrack of the 1992 film Wayne’s World). He performed the song on an episode of The Midnight Special). The song also appeared in the movie The People vs. Larry Flynt.
See also
- 1975 in music
External links
- Stadia – Official Launch Trailer