When the Voice of Rock Meets the Heart of Family: A Nostalgic Duet
The sweet, timeless fantasy of perfect love, reimagined as an intimate, intergenerational family duet.
For those of us who came of age with the unmistakable, sandpaper-and-honey voice of Chris Norman first through Smokie and later with his solo career, a song like “All I Have To Do Is Dream” holds a dual layer of nostalgia. On one hand, it is the iconic 1958 standard originally made famous by The Everly Brothers, a masterpiece of innocent harmonies that defined the nascent rock and roll era. On the other, it’s a beautifully intimate reimagining by Chris Norman and his daughter, Susan Norman, giving the classic a deeply personal, family twist that speaks volumes about enduring bonds.
This particular version of “All I Have To Do Is Dream” was not a major chart hit in the traditional sense; it was a quieter, more personal recording, featured on Chris Norman’s 2021 album, Just a Man. It represents a mature artist looking back and sharing a piece of musical heritage with the next generation. While the original Everly Brothers hit soared to No. 1 in both the U.S. and the U.K., the Norman version is a treasure for a different reason: it’s a window into the artist’s private life, a collaboration with his daughter, Susan. This context adds extraordinary weight to the gentle, almost lullaby-like simplicity of the song. It speaks to the older reader who values family and the passing down of cherished things—in this case, a timeless melody—more than fleeting commercial success.
The story behind it is one of family and continuity. Chris Norman, who married his wife Linda in 1970 and has five children, is known to be a dedicated family man. His collaboration with Susan on this track (and others on the Just a Man album) is a literal and metaphorical joining of generations. Hearing his famous, weathered vocal texture blend seamlessly with Susan’s clear, pure tone creates an enchanting harmony that echoes the original’s perfection while adding a rich, emotional layer of father and daughter performing together. It’s an aural symbol of two voices, two hearts, beating in musical unison.
The meaning of the song—the simple, almost childlike belief that one’s beloved is present merely by closing one’s eyes and dreaming—is amplified by this unique duet. The original was pure, youthful longing; the Norman version is a reflection on enduring love, a shared fantasy of connection that spans decades. The juxtaposition of Chris’s seasoned, almost gruff voice with Susan’s delicate clarity turns the track into a conversation about lasting affection and the comforting presence of a loved one, whether they are a romantic partner or a cherished family member. It’s a beautifully arranged piece, stripping away the heavier production of his 80s hits to let the sincerity of the voices and the melody shine through. For those who grew up on the Everly Brothers, this version is a warm hug, a reminder that the best songs never truly fade; they simply get sung by new voices, often those closest to home.