"Dream Merchant" (Larry Weiss - Jerry Ross) was recorded in 1967 by Jerry Butler as "Mr. Dream Merchant". The single from the album of the same name peaked at thirty-eight on the Top One Hundred and number twenty-three on the Soul Chart. Jerry sang in the same church choir and the quartet Northern Jubilee Gospel Singers with Curtis Mayfield.

New Birth covered "Dream Merchant" in 1975 and topped the Soul chart while reaching thirty-six pop. At the time there were eleven members in the group. Various groups: The Nite-Liters, The Now Sound, Love, Peace & Happiness, Mint Julep and various individuals came together to be part of New Birth.