[5] The best-known version was recorded by the Everly Brothers[4] at RCA Studios Nashville and released as a single in April 1958.

It had been recorded by the Everly Brothers live in just two takes[6] on March 6, 1958, and features Chet Atkins on guitar.

With the August 1958 introduction of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the song ended the year at No.

Outside the United States, "All I Have to Do Is Dream" saw massive success in various countries, most notably the United Kingdom, where it topped the UK's New Musical Express chart in June 1958 and remained there for seven weeks (including one week as a joint number one with Vic Damone's "On the Street Where You Live"), spending 21 weeks on the chart in Britain.

[12] As a result of this success Orbison terminated his contract with Sun Records and affiliated himself with the Everly's publisher, Acuff-Rose Music.

Bobbie Gentry and Glen Campbell released a duet version in 1969.

[21] The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's version, from their 1975 album Symphonion Dream, reached No.

[25][26] British singer Cliff Richard, singing with Phil Everly, recorded a version of the song that peaked at No.

[11] Brandi Carlile performed the song at the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.