Introduction
“Follow That Dream” is a song recorded by Elvis Presley for the 1962 film of the same name. Written by Fred Wise and Ben Weisman, the song was recorded on July 2, 1961, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee.
It was released as the lead track on the “Follow That Dream” EP in April 1962, which also featured the songs “Angel,” “What a Wonderful Life,” and “I’m Not the Marrying Kind.”
The film “Follow That Dream” is a musical comedy that tells the story of the Kwimper family, led by Pop Kwimper (Arthur O’Connell) and his son Toby Kwimper (Elvis Presley), who inadvertently settle on an unclaimed piece of land in Florida. Their homesteading efforts lead to various comedic situations as they encounter bureaucratic challenges and unscrupulous characters.
The song “Follow That Dream” embodies the film’s central theme of pursuing one’s aspirations despite obstacles. Its upbeat tempo and encouraging lyrics resonated with audiences, leading to commercial success. The track reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 5 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart in 1962.
The “Follow That Dream” EP itself was well-received, achieving significant sales. The EP format, which included four tracks from the film’s soundtrack, demonstrated that this shorter format could still be commercially viable in the early 1960s.
Over the years, “Follow That Dream” has maintained its appeal, with artists like Bruce Springsteen citing it as a favorite and performing their own versions. Springsteen’s rearranged rendition, introduced during his 1981 River Tour, showcases the song’s enduring influence across different musical genres.
In summary, “Follow That Dream” stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s versatility as an artist, blending his musical talents with his on-screen charisma. The song’s message of determination and optimism continues to inspire listeners, reflecting the enduring legacy of both the track and the artist.