"Once Upon a Dream" is a song from Disney's animated film "Sleeping Beauty," which was released in 1959. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic song:
Lyrics by Sammy Fain and Jack Lawrence: The lyrics for "Once Upon a Dream" were written by Sammy Fain and Jack Lawrence. Sammy Fain was a prolific songwriter known for his work in various Disney films.
Mary Costa's Vocal Performance: In the film, the character Aurora (also known as Briar Rose) is voiced by Mary Costa. Her beautiful and operatic singing voice added to the enchanting quality of the song.
Classical Influence: "Once Upon a Dream" is notable for its classical music influence. It is based on Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "Sleeping Beauty Waltz" from the ballet "The Sleeping Beauty." Disney adapted this famous piece into the song for the animated film.
Award Nominations: The song received two Academy Award nominations in 1959, one for Best Original Score and another for Best Original Song. While it didn't win, it remains one of Disney's most beloved and recognized songs.
Cover Versions: Over the years, "Once Upon a Dream" has been covered by various artists and adapted into different musical styles, further demonstrating its enduring popularity.
Live-Action Adaptation: The song was featured in Disney's live-action adaptation of "Sleeping Beauty," titled "Maleficent" (2014), where Lana Del Rey performed a haunting and modernized version of the song for the film's soundtrack.
Theme Park Appearances: The melody of "Once Upon a Dream" is often heard in Disney theme parks during parades, shows, and fireworks displays, connecting generations of Disney fans to the classic film.
Cultural Impact: "Once Upon a Dream" has become a symbol of romance and fairy tale magic and is often associated with Disney's portrayal of love stories. It remains a cherished part of Disney's musical legacy.
So, "Once Upon a Dream" is not only a beautiful and timeless song but also an integral part of Disney's musical history.