A friend (Thanks, Frank) sent a wonderful slide show of animal baby photos with an incredible vocal performance of this wonderful song. The artist wasn't credited, and in the search for her I'm finding some other moving performances, so...
This post will be entirely video versions of Over the Rainbow. If I find a way to post the slide show, I will.
I just want to have these here together for my personal edification. Enjoy, if you've a mind to... :)
Simply MUST start here, with Judy:
Then, Israel Kamakawiwo'o:
Then the beautiful guitar of Tommy Emmanuel: (Jim, this one's for you)
One of my personal favorites, Katharine McPhee:
And who could resist the charm of Britain's 6 yr. old Connie Talbot
Now, I'm dating myself, but I must include Doris Day:
And a beautiful rendition by Eva Cassidy:
It's Eva in the slide show... maybe not the same recording, but her voice none the less...just lovely.
And even more poignant when I learned that this angelic voice now resides in an actual angel somewhere...Eva passed in 1996 at the age of 33.
You still inspire, Eva. Thanks.
Found a new one - a dobro ditty:
Looks like I can't 'embed' these anymore... but here are some more versions (added 9-27-11)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNHTCglQ_Wk&feature=colike A Glee version, taken from Iz Kamakawiwo'o.
And one by Celtic Woman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5T6gyCPDvM&feature=colike
And this lovely, delicate rendition by Keith Jarrett: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq0EWNuR1H8&feature=colike
And Eric Clapton's rendition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V2yTD1FV4Y&feature=colike
Here's Ray Charles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTk-t8s_R0Y&feature=colike
Sarah Vaughn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAWlgdn37Bo&feature=colike
There are tons of others, of course; go find your own faves... :)
January 12, 2013..got this one from Jim thru email: