Some of you know of my fondness for Over the Rainbow. In case you’ve never heard (or seen) this rendition, I encourage you to sit back and enjoy.
The Greatest Song Ever Written
November 12th, 2008 | Music, Grab bag
Football, Music, Politics, Grace and the Lack Thereof
4 comments ↓
Thanks for sharing. What a great voice!
Wow.
From Wikipedia:
In her final public performance in September 1996, at the Bayou, she closed the set with “What a Wonderful World” in front of an audience of friends, fans and family. She was subsequently admitted to Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Before Christmas of 2000, Top Of The Pops 2 aired a video of Cassidy performing “Over the Rainbow”, which resulted in Songbird climbing steadily up the UK charts over the next few weeks. Just as ITV’s Tonight with Trevor McDonald aired a feature on Cassidy, the album topped the chart. Shot at Blues Alley by a friend with a camcorder the same night the album was recorded, the black-and-white video became the most requested video ever shown on Top Of The Pops 2. “There’s an undeniable emotional appeal in hearing an artist who you know died in obscurity singing a song about hope and a mystical world beyond everyday life”, wrote The Guardian.
The black-and-white camcorder recording of “Over the Rainbow” as shown on Top of the Pops 2
Commenting on whether Cassidy’s early death played a part in her popularity, Sherri Dalphonse of Washingtonian.com writes, “No doubt her life story is part of it. But articles about her haven’t boosted sales as much as when her songs are played on the BBC or NPR. Hearing about Eva Cassidy isn’t as powerful as hearing her.”
I remember giving you that CD to listen to about six years ago. I’m glad you like Eva Cassidy’s version as much as I do. Now you need to record and send me Henry’s.
Beautifully done. Tragic story and interesting how she became famous after her death.
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