Every time I see Eva's stunningly beautiful performance of this song and hear her angelic voice, she brings tears to my eyes. Such a tragic loss and the world is worse off without her in it.
Eva is one of my favorites. You will also enjoy Autumn Leaves, Fields of Gold, Time After Time, Songbird, and Oh Danny Boy. She does not disappoint - her covers are so awesome.
There is only one Eva Cassidy. A true original. Her voice, musical prowess, genius, and emotion will live on forever. Thank you for keeping her alive for future generations. Thank you for sharing and commenting.
Sam and Phil, I only come to you for reactions. I love the chemistry you guys have. Phil this is one of my favorite reactions of you. Your vulnerability and your sincere reaction is one of my very favorite aside from the Karen Carpenter reactions . Beautiful reaction, Yes heaven sounds about right.I saw the discreet look you gave each other during this Amazing song. I appreciate you both. A big fan here. ..Essence ❤❤❤❤
Eva recorded this song Live at Blues Alley in 1996 ! She pasted away a few months later from cancer . Over The Rainbow hit number one in England and was also on the "Songbird " Album ! I wanted to go see her at Blues Alley that night but i was very sick ! Her recording of Stings ( from The Police ) " Fields Of Gold " is breathtaking and on the Songbird album too. Thanks Nice Reaction =)
One of the best voices of the 20th Century that nobody knew of. The song was written as a Show Tune and Judy Garland sung it as a Show Tune in the movie but Eva Cassidy sung it as almost a haunting Lullaby and for me it's the best version ever as I get emotional every time I listen to it and I've listened to it hundreds of times over the years. Thanks for the reaction video.
As far as I am aware, the whole concert was filmed and may be here to view on yt. There is a documentary interview of it with a commentary by the musicians who played with her that night. Sorry I can't give more info.
As a 70 year old woman, the Wizard of Oz was a yearly t.v. treat when I was a child and I have always loved Judy Garland. But even after listening to this song so often,I never TRULY heard the words until Eva’s version was released and still can’t listen to it without tears…it’s just so beautiful! This video was filmed in January and she died in November. She wasn’t feeling well (cold like symptoms)when she performed this and according to the family/friends that contributed to a book about her,she was so disappointed in how this turned out that she was in tears! Imagine that! A few of her notes dropped off and she felt her performance was not up to par. But knowing that her original melanoma diagnosis and surgery was in 1993,and that she passed just 11 months after this performance in 1996,I assume when she was singing this,she was already full of cancer,though it wouldn’t be until several months later that it was rediscovered. R.I.P. beautiful Eva. And thank you!You have touched many lives! Great reactions,Phil and Sam! So glad you found Eva!❤
Part of the reason Eva Cassidy got so well known here in UK was due to a DJ called Terry Wogan. I am led to believe this is an actual live recording, done purely by chance by a friend Bryan McCulley.
The video was not planned but the recording was, The band scraped up enough of their own money to hire a friend with a mobile recording studio for two nights , the first night was unusable due to technical issues so everything depended on the second night and Eva nailed it!
No Phil, ,this was the live acoustic performance audio that goes with this video. There is also a studio version that she recorded for an album which has a full band. But what you are watching and listening to here is the second night of a two night performance she did at Blues Alley that they recorded audio of. (Only this audio from second night was usable because the first nights performance had a lot of static) Then surprisingly, 4 or 5 years after her death, it was discovered that a friend of hers had shot this VHS video during the performance. So, the were able to sync the audio to the video and this video is what you have. By the way she died several months later after this performance (10 months or so I believe.)
No, this was the live version, as performed that night. The couple of imperfections, such as the break at the end, give it away. She never actually got famous until after she was gone, and refused record deals because they wanted to change her style to be more commercial. A generational talent.
A beautiful soul, singing a beautiful song, with her beautiful voice, making me cry again! Such a moving arrangement and her guitar skills are incredible.
Isn't it terribly sad to know that only 10 months after Eva sang this incredible cover of Judy Garland's song, she was dead from skin cancer at the age of only 33. I bet if Judy had watched this beautiful video herself, she'd have been absolutely blown away as we all are, all over the world. God bless Eva & Judy. 💔 💔
So very glad you reacted to this. Eva is and was such a treasure. She has superb renditions of "Fields of Gold", "Autumn Leaves" - "Stormy Monday", "Danny Boy", and so many more! You won't be sorry to do a deep dive into her stuff!!
Judy garlands version is like a child's wishfull dreaming, whereas Eva's version is an adults wishful dreaming once they've grown up and dealt with life.
Eva's version of this song is almost always characterized as "heartbreaking". Of course, I don't know what Eva had in mind when she created this guitar and vocal arrangement, but when I hear it, I imagine that it is being told from the perspective of someone who's going through an extraordinarily difficult experience, and is near the end of what they can endure -- yet they maintain a grasp on the hope that things WILL get better one of these days. This, I believe, is why Eva's rendition is so heartbreaking; because the singer is about as low as possible, but clinging to the idea of a brighter future. Brilliant!
her phrasing and control is unbelievable . just when you think she has missed her timing and if she comes in at that moment she won't be able to hit the note , but does and takes the listener on an internal journey .
“If happy little bluebirds fly above the rainbow, why can’t I,” Such an artful, heart gripping song. After I shared this version from Eva with my mom and brother it was so clear as they stated, we never truly understood the meaning of the lyrics. Eva Cassidy had an amazing gift. RIP sweetheart. I think of the promise of a resurrection to a paradise. No war, disease, corruption or even pain, tears or death. “Death…. The last enemy” Will!! be done away with.
This is a live recording and it is perfect. She was a wonderful guitar player as well. The BBC radio station started playing this song and helped her become known by the public. People called into the radio station and told the dj they had to pull off the road because they were weeping. I can't listen to this while driving either. Eva Cassidy is up there with Karen Carpenter as far as my favorite vocalists.
Terry Wogan on BBC Radio 2 championed her music after his producer Paul Walters put her on the play-list. Other BBC radio shows had played her too (specialized niche programmes) but Terry had the biggest audience of any DJ in the UK at the time on his breakfast show. The genial Irishman got the job done and put Eva where she belongs albeit posthumously.
Her rendition of Sting's "Fields of Gold" it one of the best ever. This video is from, if I reacall correctly, just before it was found that she was ill and passed away less than a year later.
Sting was at home, listening to the radio, when her recording of his song .''fields of gold'' was played, he was so impressed that he called out to his wife to come and listen, saying. her version is so much better than mine.
@@MrDaiseymay Would love to see this documented. I have been searching and would love to see/read/hear his reaction to her version. Please share the source.
This live gig at Blues Alley was self funded to get a recording and video over two nights. The first night the recording didn't work so this is the second. There is a whole band there as well but not on this track obviously. Eva was recovering from a cold and was unhappy with the recording... The 'Live at Blues Alley' album had some of the set but we now get the whole set on CD plus a DVD (which this is from) : 'Night Bird ' CD.
Not a studio version that she lip-synced, really her, live at Blues Alley several months before she passed. At the time, she wasn't aware of her cancer, and went very quickly after her diagnosis. This concert was filmed during one weekend, and she really didn't want it published because she had a cold at the time. There were sound issues during the first night of the concert, so they didn't release those songs, but 12 tunes made it to publication, and you can watch the whole evening's performance. Truly a loss to the music world, a jewel lost too soon. 😭
I went to high school with Eva...in Maryland. You should hear her range in other songs. Her range? Off the charts. The entire Blues Alley album and any of her music with DC legend Chuck Brown are great. Cheers.
Yes. This song was released I believe, in 1939 with the bloodiest war in history starting in September of that year. For me this is a song of hope and the best version that I've heard
As @seanberry 7378 said, Eva had a cold when she sang this. That little, ‘beautiful human accident’ at the end, where she sings ‘I’, and her voice breaks, is due to her cold. But I love it because it made it so much better. No auto tune, no pitch control, NO AI, just pure, God given talent. Blessings, Marianne ❤😊 17:19
For a good intro to Eva, check out the Nightline segment that was broadcast just a couple of years after she died. For a deeper dive, look at either "Timeless Voice" or "One Night That Changed Everything," both available on RU-vid. It's a fascinating story about a woman who is, I believe, the best female singer ever. On top of her incredible talent, she was very humble and unassuming, but on the other hand, was adamant about refusing to compromise her musical principles just to get recorded. She had no desire to be the latest, greatest diva; she just wanted to sing. BTW, Mick Fleetwood (of Fleetwood Mac fame) used to sit in with her at her gigs. He has also weighed in on her incredible talent.
She was equally talented in many genres of music. Folk, blues, jazz, gospel, and more. She turned down a record deal with a major label because she didn't want to be limited to one style. She wanted to sing songs that she wanted and do them her way.
I heard this song many years ago when the internet was just a puppy. I'm not sure how I stumbled upon it at the time but was tearful as I listened. I still moves me today when I remember the back story as she suffered through her diagnosis. If I remember correctly, she eventually had to be helped onstage and often had to use crutches and canes in order to perform. I had not seen the video until today nor even knew it existed. And so I am tearful again...
I first heard her on Sirius performing "Early Morning Rain" - I kept it on repeat all the way home so I wouldn't forget her name. Some other great covers: "Fields of Gold", "What a Wonderful World", and "Danny Boy". RIP Eva.
I've noticed that a number of other Reactors have reacted to a 20-minute long documentary feature about Eva, which was produced and aired on ABC's Nightline in 2001 (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tKowGakjJQI.htmlsi=t-iLVmUs5dLM03x9). There's also an excellent 50-minute documentary about her (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-XEqzTlZdfSo.htmlsi=YgrKjytH_haxdSiw), called "One Night That Changed Everything." Here's the synopsis: "25 years ago, a little known singer, Eva Cassidy, and her producer scraped together enough money to record a gig and self-produce an album. This is the story of one night - 3rd January 1996 - at a jazz club in Georgetown, Washington D.C., a set of recordings that almost never happened, and the extraordinary success that followed told by her band members who played with her that night. No one could have imagined that the audio and video recordings from that night would prove to be the foundation of her unparalleled posthumous worldwide success."
Okay, I can't shut up about her, nor can I over-encourage you to look more deeply into her story. You need to check out these songs: "Autumn Leaves" and "Fields of Gold," a song written by Sting who said himself that he wrote the song but she owns it. She could also rock the house, as her version of "Chain of Fools" demonstrates.
I absolutely LOVE this version of Over the Rainbow. When you were feeling goosebumps at that powerful section I was experiencing the tears flowing. I believe this was recorded live at a club.
She has a beautiful voice and gives a unique and captivating interpretation of the song. Also, her guitar play is superb. The talent she exhibits is amazing. Love it! o
Thank you for watching Eva's incredible version of this song. She wasn't alone on that stage as she was having a conversation with her guitar. It is her song now. Please listen to her version of Autumn Leaves. Phil in Scotland
This was live not studio. One of the greatest voices ever. Need to check out some more or her work and also if you get a chance watch the documentary done on nighline about her. Find here on youtube.
Beautiful reaction. Eva's "Nightbird" is my all time favourite song (from the same concert). This was actually a live performance and she was ill with a cold at the time. Please listen to Nightbird and Autumn Leaves, and pretty much everything she recorded.
Songbird. I have five Eva Cassidy CD's. Eva created a whole new interpretation of Over the Rainbow. Many singers now TRY to do an Eva Cassidy version of this song. The songs I would recommend by Eva are Songbird (a Fleetwood Mac Cover) or Fields of Gold (a Sting cover). Songbird was written and originally sang by Christine MacVie of Fleetwood Mac.
Loved this reaction and love this song. For your next Eva Cassidy song, I recommend Songbird. Songbird was originally a Fleetwood Mac song, I believe. Eva's version is SO good though.
Sadly lost too soon. Check out her cover of 'Sting - Fields of Gold', he actually changed how he sang his song after hearing her version of it. Her live at Blues Ally version I'd suggest as well. She was pretty much broke and used her own funds to finance the album. I think that's where this is from as well.
Loved your reaction. Everything Eva did is amazing, but among other things I recommend listening to her recording of "How can I keep from Singing". Just wonderful!
Eva Cassidy gently brings life to her music with an angelic voice. Listen to her cover of Willie Nelson's BLUE EYES CRYING IN THE RAIN. The power and restraint in which she delivers the song is just beautiful. Enjoy
WOW! Not sure I've seen a reaction for Eva?? Though Karen Carpenter in my top 5 favorite (possibly #1) I would not describe her vocals as Angelic but I would for Miss (you) Cassidy!! Her instinct for Timing and melodic woven sonic tapestry of audio silk is simply gorgeous! Her cover of the Fleetwood Mac song SONGBIRD also a stellar performance!! Great Channel you two!! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎
She is a gift. She became famous in the UK first when a disc jockey played Somewhere Over The Rainbow and the phones lit up at all the radio stations requesting this song. It made the album Sonbird shoot to #1 in the UK plus several of her other albums were all in the Top 40 at the same time. A special was made about how she was this enormously gifted singer who would not bow down to the suits and record pop music so was never signed to a record label. This special was shown late night in America after her success in the UK and we all got to discover her. Its just sad she didn't get to see she was loved for the kind of music she wanted to sing. I highly recommend, Stormy Monday, Autumn Leaves and Oh I Had A Golden Thread. The last song she gives Janis Joplin a run for her money. She is one of a kind and I am glad her voice touched you both.
Another song that Eva did was a song written and performed by Sting ( from the band “The Police”) called Fields of Gold. Again she put a different stripped down version of it. One of my favorites songs after Over The Rainbow. ❤
This was recorded at Blues Alley. Check out her compilation Songbird. Esp The Falling Leaves and People Get Ready. Love you guys!! Support here from the South!!
"Songbird," I think, was her album that she recorded while still alive. And this video was recorded in a club. Amateur video in the best sense. Try "Fields of Gold."
You can check out any song on 'Songbird' they are all beautiful, its an amazing eclectic collection of songs sung and arranged by Eva and the band of fine musicians including her boyfriend, producer bass player Chris Biondo who was the first guy at a local recording studio to realise this girl was very special but pretty damn shy too. One time when she and Chris were dating and she's sung here and there for him (sometimes as backing on local RAP artist recordings, the melodic sections, 4 part harmony herself done in 20 minutes!) but on their way to a furniture store she sang him OTR in the car and Chris, not an easily impressed guy, had to pull over, he was so moved. But don't think she can't let rip too, the 'Live at Blues Alley' session this was filmed at(this is from it) contains a few soul, gospel and classic songs too. She was friends with Mick Fleetwood and played at his club nr Washington DC but she never got signed even though she auditioned, one time at 'Blue Note' in NYC a major jazz label, she just sang a song with no guitar or tapes and blew the CEO away. He offered her a record deal of jazz but she was stubborn and said no I want to do stuff that only moves me, and you can see and hear why. Making people cry is what Eva does with this and many other songs, she does it to experienced vocal coaches who've seen it all, she goes straight to your heart, there's no filter and almost everything you hear is live, maybe cleaned up because of how it was recorded. I was fortunate enough to visit Hugh and Barbara Cassidy, her parents, in Bowie Maryland in 2001, 6 weeks before 9/11 and spend the day with them on a private visit, they were wonderful to me. I think they saw me as an agent of the 'good people of the British Isles' where she was really first discovered. It's a long story. As someone reported "Herbie Hancock once said "You know there are good musicians in every field of music and there are some that are great, really great. But then there are those few who have that magic, that other dimension, that must come from God'. That was Eva. RIP Songbird you are sorely missed but we still hear you. PS there's many books about Eva, I recommend the first and original called 'Songbird' by her parents, written in 2001, its a tough read but you get the whole nine yards. There's a few great docu's on RU-vid too, well worth watching, just have handkerchiefs ready. X
