REACTION | Eva Cassidy - Over The Rainbow - I just lost it completely. This was pure Beauty 💕❤💖

[@tumeke65]

Eva's version of Over The Rainbow is liquid gold, untouchable.

[@theseptembersessions_music]

It is extra heartbreaking since she knew that she was dying of cancer, this was her last show. She passed away three months later. Angel.

[@sandimiller6465]

It's a great story, but it's not true. This concert was recorded in January, 1996. While she had been diagnosed and treated before for melanoma, she was in remission and considered herself "cured", so she neglected follow up appointments. Unfortunately, the cancer returned a few months after this performance. Her actual last performance was a fundraiser for her treatment that occurred in October, 1996. The last song she ever sang was "What a Wonderful World". She died a few weeks later in November.

[@sammysallis3590]

Eva's version is the most beautiful version ever, we chose to have her version played at my baby's funeral. She had an amazing and most beautiful voice. This song means so much to me

[@cynthiabustamante2884]

The first time I heard Eva sing this. I cried and cried. You don't just hear Eva singing. You feel it. Love her music.

[@trishalivingston1051]

Eva passed away from cancer, way too soon as you say at age 33. TY to Terry Wogan, (BBC) for discovering Eva's talent and sharing it with the world to everyone to enjoy. Her sweet parents are still devastated by losing their beautiful daughter. Eva is extraordinary, and her talent is unmatched. She FEELS the music, she does not just sing songs. Everything Eva did was so much better than the original. Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton both wanted to help her but by the time they discovered her, it was too late. She had just passed away!

[@fingerpickingood1900]

Not only her voice but as a guitarist her playing is next level. Anyone who could do what she did here could sell out every venue they play. Rare, rare, rare.

[@poolhallshark]

Diddy, Eva's passing at 33 years of age is IMO one of the biggest artistic tragedies in modern time. She died from skin cancer which developed. Her voice was EXTREMELY beautiful. And she emotes just like you know who :-) I have been listening to what I could find from her for 20 years now. She is just one of those artists that you HAVE to listen to again and again. Nice that you finally got to her :-) Take care !

[@dgrjazz]

@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee Eric…I see your point. But I don’t think we would have gotten this performance if she had been coerced into a corporate way of being a pop star. But I do know that she was offered a contract with Blue Note, but when she and the producer could not agree on the wide variety of styles she wanted to do she said no thank you. She was working on a album when she died and this performance was only nine or ten months before she did. A few years after she passed a British DJ played this and thousands of phone calls wanting to know who she was came in. Then there was a a feature on the national news here in America and ultimately it worked its way onto KZbin.

[@heatherdyer1569]

Dude. 😭💔❤️

[@melodyannherringmcneely7842]

I love to hear Eva doing this. I nearly always cry but that’s ok. I always play this when I have to put one of my fur babies to sleep & I just hold them and watch them leave here and go home, where I know they’ll meet me at the edge of the Rainbow Bridge when I go home. You are so tender hearted and that’s nice to see in a man. Bless you! ❤

[@charlesyateschalfant]

I've heard this dozens of time and yet, it still get's the rain a fallin'. Yes, tears that can't be controlled. Simply beautiful, extraordinary and moving. What a treasure the world has lost.

[@erinhafer228]

Her voice could turn the hardest person to complete mush, it was her superpower. The first time I heard this cover I was driving on the highway and actually had to pull over, I was sobbing and couldn’t see the road. There are some fantastic documentaries about Eva on KZbin, it gives you a glimpse of the beautiful soul she was and will make you appreciate her even more. There is a book about her as well called Songbird, it is a great read. She was a fantastic painter, the book contains photographs of some of her work, I was even able to purchase on of her prints. Some of my favorite songs of hers are Songbird, Cheek to Cheek, Time After Time, Ain’t No Sunshine and Stormy Monday (my personal favorite). I look forward to seeing you react to more of her catalog 😊

[@leelimbeck976]

You’re not alone my friend.. I can’t listen to this without the waterworks.. You were clearly moved. Loved your comment “It’s definitely the most beautiful version of Over The Rainbow I’ve ever heard.. It was like no other version because…. Yeah, She didn’t sing Over The Rainbow, she WAS Over the rainbow. For me this will be…. (pause). I don’t think you can do this any better than this.” Best reaction ever.. You nailed it..

[@groningen73]

You will love her live version of the song Autumn Leaves. It is so beautiful.

[@abc456f]

Yes, one of her best.

[@charthinking]

And Danny Boy. OMG.

[@skroehr]

Yes. Maybe the most beautiful of Eva's performances. It's....devastating. The most stunning exposition of what love lost feels like perhaps ever recorded.

[@inspectorvol951]

Every time I listen to her sing this, it’s like the first time all over again, and I fall apart.

[@osovagabundo1]

I love her voice but i have to make a special time and place to sit and be with it.

[@kenneth1767]

Eva's singing took me to places within my own heart never before explored.

[@abc456f]

She was a song interpreter. Made each one her own. Blues, jazz, folk, country, pop...she could do them all. Voice of an angel.

[@WarrenFahyAuthor]

No tough guy is tough enough to not crumble for this one.

[@66otnt]

Such a loss to the World, WITHOUT RIVAL !!! She was a LIVING MASTERPIECE !!! Eva was diagnosed, months after this recording, with cancer, that took her life shortly after, A TRUE TRAGEDY !!!

[@kevingrady8736]

Eva reinvented this song.

[@markuss7249]

Shocked? She had the same superpower as Angelina Jordan. When Angelina covered "Fields of Gold", she took Eva's version. Sting passed the rights over to Eva. And "Over The Rainbow" is her song now and forever. Eva Cassidy is one of my forever favourites... So sad, she passed away so early, but she will be immortal...

[@judyellis4198]

Thank you for adding Ms. Eva to your heart! I will never forget the evening I first heard her song play on my car radio as I was on my way home from work. My car had an amazing sound system and at times I would feel like I was in a Sound Studio listening to someone live. From the moment her song began my whole being was on high alert and it felt like I had been transported to the studio right in front of her. Her gift of tone and guitar skill as well as her interpretation and delivery left me trying to drive while tears poured out of my entire I openings, not just the little ducts in the corners! This was the fall of 2000 and I have yet to be moved by another musician in the same way, not even close! So very sad that her life was snuffed out at such a young age, we are all less because of it. Thank you again, for playing her song and introducing her to many more people. ❤

[@robertkane8745]

Your reaction was as perfect as can be. Eva, with her outstanding arrangement of an already beautiful and classic song, took it to another level .RIP Eva.

[@KARAOKEMONTREAL]

I can't listen to any previous version of this song ever again. My favorite of Eva's is "Autumn Leaves".

[@plaidpaisley5918]

I believe this was filmed and recorded Jan of 96. Diagnosed w/ melanoma in June. Gone by November.

[@spadams999]

Every one of Eva's songs are like this. Every one. Autumn Leaves, Time After Time, Fields of Gold, and on and on.

[@071949]

I lost my bright and beautiful daughter Jessica to a rare form of cancer 8 months after her 25th birthday. I don't know if she could hear me, but in the last hour of her life as I sat by her bed I told her it was O.K. to let go, that she didn't have to try to hold on for me. A social worker from the hospice had dropped by to sit and talk w/ me and as we were talking Jessie's rapid breathing suddenly stopped, and her earthly life came to an end. The day of the memorial service was one of gusty wind and heavy rain, but about an hour after I got home the sky cleared, and in the East was a perfect, unbroken rainbow, and in the West an orange sunset. It may have been a coincidence, but I took it as a sign that after an often difficult life that my "little girl" had reached a safe harbor.

[@peoplehavetherights]

Daer God, blessings to you, Roger.

[@blastingweevil2968]

no gimmicks no flashy backinng singers just a beautiful voice and guitar....

[@RockDocNeal]

When I first saw this video a couple of years ago, I looked like I had been in a rain storm by the end of the song because I couldn’t control my tear ducts. All respect to the original singer and legend, Judy Garland, but this is the greatest version of the song I have ever heard. I believe Eva Cassidy was as close to a “perfect” singer as you can get due to her incredible control, beautiful tone and her fantastic, heartfelt phrasing that was packed with emotion and when you add her incredibly creative arrangements and acoustic guitar playing, you had the “total package”. When I heard that she had died at 33 y/o from metastatic melanoma several months after this was filmed, and prior to her music going “viral” around the world, I felt a combination of sadness and anger that a once-in-a-generation talent like her could be taken at such a young age while many murderers, rapists and other filth of society will live to ripe old ages………

[@sharcrum]

To me, it's God gathering his choir and his angels and we shall all get to enjoy if we are Worthy some day.

[@jerrylarocque9600]

A simply beautiful rendition. Eva may have passed on but she left the world her imprint, this song.

[@ericsicard910]

Yes but fortunately not only this one

[@philpiper]

@@ericsicard910 Nice to have you here Eric. Along with Lara, Eva is on my list of favourite artists.

[@ericsicard910]

@@philpiper if I remember well, I owe you this wonderful discovery 😀

[@philpiper]

@@ericsicard910 you're welcome.

[@ericsicard910]

@@philpiper I did listen this morning the review mase by Fil from Wings of Pegasus YT channel and learned many things on the context of this song and the recording that night. If you haven’t yet, I suggest you to check that react, you may learn quite a few things. Just one example: Eva did perform 31 songs that night (!!!) and they only recorded 13 for a live album 😱

[@lmergenti]

Its not a weak spot. This heart of yours has ears and love. Nothing stronger than that my Viking friend! Thanks for the candid reaction.

[@bradmcneil4336]

Your life is now just a little richer for having listened to Eva, as mine has been for years, for the same reason.

[@scouser052]

I grew up in the DC area and got to hear Eva a lot, a group of DC area artists gave a benefit for her at the "Bayou' in Georgetown and at the end of the night she was helped onto the stage and she sang "What a Wonderful World" a few weeks later she was gone

[@PaulEngineer]

G'day Didy. Another attempt to slow it down! Sadly Eva had a career cut short by melanoma. Eva was known in the US, but only achieved recognition in the UK two years after that. Lovely expressive voice and well known for this song, solo with a guitar. Appreciate your expressive reaction.

[@navrozelalkaka8457]

This was UNMATCHED

[@RobertDeMartin]

Didy, no one could ever prepare themselves to listen to this and not react to Eva's version the way you did. Truly, a MASTERPIECE production. What an arrangement and she was quite the guitarist, wasn't she? I wonder, if someone decided to make a movie of her life, whoever portrays Eva would have to be someone very special, indeed. And, Didy, thank you so much for not interrupting the performance. Andy Schnell's comment offered you a link to a video which you might want to listen to. A 'Fields of Gold' mashup featuring Eva Cassidy and Angelina Jordan. Two wonderful artists and you get a chance to see the difference in their deliveries to the listening audience.

[@aspinallsandy4810]

100% agree, I cry every time

[@wa1zlv]

I did hear that there's a film in the works...

[@levymanlapig8970]

There is a virtual duet of this song by Eva Cassidy and Katie Melua.

[@valeriemiller3262]

I cry every time I hear her sing this.. What a beautiful soul she was. RIP Eva

[@MrBluegrouse]

Extraordinary singer and no slouch on the guitar either.

[@RhondaHill-mi7cw]

She moves me exactly the same way. In these types of covers she takes you on an emotional journey that you simply can't separate yourself from. She was, and is, just so gifted and gone much too soon and leaves us wondering what might have been but also has left us with this beautiful, and moving, legacy of her music. Thank you for your comments.

[@suesullivan-miller887]

Aaaaaaaaaahh...magical.💕 My favorite song of all time. Thank you Eva. Rest well. 🙏🙏🙏🙏⚘🙏🙏🙏🙏 Sue

[@StaceyBeryl]

Eva was an amazing artist. It's just so strange that people "found her" after he passing. Her rendition of Autumn Leaves is perfection.

[@donnawallington4978]

Eva will always have a place in my heart RIP.. this is a magnificent version.. the best version EVER❤️thanks Didy🇦🇺❤️

[@joekeller6471]

EVA "OWNS" THIS SONG...SHE CAN MAKE U CRY....HER VIBRATO,FEEL,CONTROL ARE IMPECCABLE.. HER GUITAR PLAYING IS SO PERFECT FOR THIS SONG...WHAT FEEL ...EMOTION!!

[@unnidyrhaug5499]

Shame that she passed away.....an angel, his song is something else. Buy cd of her!!!

[@christophercottrel7942]

Only 80 comments on what has to be among the deepest AND most intelligent reactions on KZbin. This is what a human response to an artistic Beauty that approaches a sort of transcendence looks like and feels like. So thank you too. Your response is now also mine.

[@jamesbassett1484]

Her death was less than a year after this performance. She sang as if she knew.

[@didymalgia]

💕💕💕

[@billbmsn]

Yes, stunning. Her "Autumn Leaves" and "Fields of Gold" are masterpieces. And many more.

[@ronraskind]

Didy, when I first recommended it, I knew this would be one for you. It's emotional for a few reasons. The clarity of her pitch and tone is mesmerizing. Watching her face express the emotion of the song is stunning. And in this particular song, where she has changed the tone to melancholy, knowing that she will pass away within 10 months of the performance hits you in the gut. It is just something that overcomes you so don't feel badly. Just a note is that evidently Eva was as much of a Master guitarist as a vocalist. This particular performance which was done in black and white is the only live video performance of her ever captured. There are 12 songs in this performance including the one you just listened to. She has others that are audio only on her KZbin channel. Eva also does a legendary version of Fields of Gold by Sting. So does Angelina Jordan! There is a mashup Duo of the two of them singing the song together. The timing is not always perfect, but considering it is very good. It is absolutely beautiful hearing Eva's voice and Angelina's voice in the same song. The video is well done also. After that, Eva has some very popular solo performances including Time after Time, Bridge over troubled Water, songbird, people get ready, Stormy Monday, and many more. Bridge over troubled Water is my next favorite solo. Be well and be safe and looking forward to the next one.

[@originalpottsy]

Fields of Gold (a Sting song) and Autumn Leaves are 2 great songs that showcase her immense talent. Continue watching the Live at Blues Alley versions to hear her at her best. The whole show is available on KZbin.

[@vonshango6311]

thanks for allowing us to hear the whole piece front to back uninterrupted and see your full raw emotional response and comments on the whole.

[@aj3693]

It’s like listening to an angel sing

[@lynnk595]

Autumn Leaves, Danny Boy, I know you by Heart - all of these elicit the same reaction in me when I hear Eva sing them.

[@TheSoundOutside]

We should also be thankful that someone was there to capture this indescribably beautiful version of a classic song. If you can listen to this and not be moved, check your pulse.

[@macisback9059]

No shame in shedding a tear with this version of the song champ.. In fact ya not human if this has no effect on the heart.. Such a beautiful rendition that has some many layers of brilliance.. RIP Eva you left your legacy for us all & we thank you for not bowing down to the record labels because if she did we would not have this amazing version.. This came from saying no to them..

[@glenngarza1845]

She does not just sing it...she lives it and shares the experience with us.

[@Lynsey77]

She gives me the same reaction no matter what she’s singing. We played “Songbird” at my Mum’s funeral. It’s a beautiful but bittersweet song for me.

[@mertinsdonlin]

Sorry for your loss. We played song bird at my mums funeral too.

[@howiwondrwhatur]

I found her song several weeks ago and now search to see other reactions to it. I agree with and love your heartfelt reaction. Her version of this song is just out of this world. And whoever might try to belt it out in decades to come, beating out Eva with her emotional phrasing, gorgeous guitar work and beautiful tender and slightly husky voice just will never be surpassed. She made this more than a song, She made this an arrow to our soul.

[@weldonbailey1005]

Ok Didy, ive been watching your reactions awhile now...Dimash, Angelina, etc. and have enjoyed them alot. I only discovered Eva not thru a reaction but simply searching Over the Rainbow a few weeks ago and have progressed on to her other recordings. Highly suggest u search her thru extended Wikipedia as her backstory is truly amazing. She suffered from stage fright, never seemed to be satisfied with her performances, sold early copies cds with included this performance from the trunk of her car. She didnt approve of her performance of this and the cd tracks as she had a very bad cold January 1996 when recorded (months before her death). She reached tops of charts in UK and other European charts after her death. She died of melanoma cancer that spread to her bones and lungs. In the summer of 1996 she was diagnosed and passed in November of the same year. Truly amazing performance here. Agree...best performance of this song I've ever heard. Im 62 yo. U got me with this reaction. Subscribed. I suggest Nightbird next from Eva. Many blessings to you and your channel. (Mark / USA)

[@Mathblade]

Eva gave a stunning performance. I only barely stayed dry eyed because I've herd it before. Art and culture are gifts we give to ourselves and to one another, and sometimes an artist creating it transcends the frail human form their art comes from. May it be that Eva Cassidy rests in peace

[@guitarjonn7103]

Your silent, tearful sense of awe said it all. Happened to me and many many more, as well.

[@wagonmaster1974]

I played this for a USMC buddy. I've known him for 50 years. I saw him cry once, when his sister died. That changed when Eva sang. It is ok to get emotional and it is ok to cry. It is cleansing for the soul. Her music is an emotional hug for each of her listeners. Eva's audience was silent while she sang. She sang on a very personal level - it was as if her song was sung just for you. She reached inside herself and poured her heart out while she sang and played. While it is a horrible tragedy she left us so soon, her music has left an indelible mark on her following. No other person occupies the space where Eva sang. It is hers, alone. Be sure to react to her rendition of "Autumn Leaves."

[@5d512]

She made Sting weep with her version of Fields of Gold. Also the composer of Nightbird. That one is my favorite Eva cover.

[@fraservalley9027]

Eva’s rendition of this song is a masterpiece of singing and guitar playing.

[@theolamp5312]

I trully hope there is an afterlife, because I wish Eva could know how much people have been moved by her vocals, arrangements & guitar work.

[@melodyannherringmcneely7842]

I believe that Eva knows the effects her singing has had on the world. She was definitely gone too soon but she is healthy and whole & I feel that those who have already gone home are enjoying her heavenly songs!! ❤😊❤😇

[@WedrownyGrajek]

...and that when we all finally get over the rainbow, she will play us a heavenly concert like noone has ever played before. Oh, I wish... ❤

[@curtisgunnarson1768]

Any song form her Live at Blues Alley album is awesome

[@nozrak]

Give a listen to fields of gold. She recorded it just before she died. Sting gave her props for it. So beautiful!

[@MilesSWhite]

It is not weakness when the heart is moved by what is beautiful and true. Cheers from Canada!

[@Germantownrunner]

I never get tired of listening to Eva's vocal gift. A proud daughter of our DC Metro area, Eva lives and lives and lives. #RIP Songbird.✝✝✝

[@jamessceeles4397]

My absolute favorite rendition of this song✨💖🙏🏻🇺🇸🍁Autumn Leaves is worth a listen; Eva is such a phenomenal artist her loss is tragic as was Karen Carpenter's two ladies I never tire of listening to; such beautiful voices.

[@kianpa1]

❤️ Big fan of hers. This song…

[@sonofjay817]

The way she sings this song, it cuts right to the core, to the inner part of our nature that craves redemption, the making aright of all things. Our souls weep for that.

[@andyeql]

I've watched her sing this a hundred times and it gets me every time. I would check out Songbird..

[@violetflame23]

Didy, I reacted just like you when I heard Eva for the first time. And every time since - hundreds of listens. If the whole world could hear this, perhaps we could end all wars and separation.

[@NoProb4Rob]

Enjoyed your reaction very much. I first reacted to this song while in a hospital, hearing it on a radio. I was so moved by it I asked the nurse if she new the song and artist. That was about 15 years ago and I've heard it so many times, plus I've watched a few different reactions on KZbin. Listening to it in your channel though helped me finally notice the clever way she played the bass string on her steel string guitar, filling out the sound with the higher pitched strings and of course her beautiful voice.

[@bh5606]

Always love seeing someone’s first reaction to her. It is always the same...tears.

[@midlandernc7403]

Eva took songs no matter how famous and because she loved them so much, made them totally her own. She causes an emotional reaction in all who listen even the originators. Every time and always Eva.

[@barrycounts490]

I have been listening to Eva for a few years and she is one of my favorite mellow / blues singers ! It is really sad she passed away i didn't know . I have her Songbird CD and the first song is a tune called "Fields Of Gold " which i like the best ! Over The Rainbow is the last song on that CD =)

[@nataliemorton5568]

I see you reacted to this a year ago. I only found out about Eva a couple of months ago. I think everyone who hears this is profoundly affected, the majority with tears even if they did not know she had passed on. Her expressive, sweet, and pure vocal and guitar work are spellbinding. She is eternally beautiful in recordings and Spirit. I am so grateful for knowing about her. Each time I listen to one of her covers, my entire being is enriched. Thank you Diddy. If you have not heard her version of Fields Of Gold, you simply must ! 🤗

[@anthonyoneill5251]

Fields of gold might be one you might want to check out, what's really sad when album was released should already passed away

[@barendvanheerden1308]

It is a masterpiece , so emotional and she put her hart into it. Thanks EVA

[@lisadowney6777]

Starting to lose it one minute in tells us you are human! Every time I hear her version of Over the Rainbow I’m an emotional mess, but I will listen to it over and over again as long as I am able! There have been many suggestions as to what else to listen to by Eva, and they are all good. Want to be sure to include her version of Autumn Leaves. So, so beautiful!

[@gregoryadams7949]

Her version tugs at the heart.

[@mojorider8455]

She will do that to you! She has this great ability to evoke all these emotions and make you react. She grew up in the same area as me but unfortunately, I discovered her too late. She is the best female vocalist I've ever heard---she can do it all, almost every genre. She is a legend in the DC area

[@howbigisyourlove]

you're reaction to her version is so real... just love your heart .. Eva was an angel .

[@rebawasswass3716]

You just hear her once and you miss her and realize what a treasure we've lost.

[@cazgalsworthy770]

The most beautiful reaction I’ve seen. Thank you

[@wen-nz3sk]

Powerful. I'm not surprised by your emotions. Eva had a gift to convey the deepest of feelings. Treasure this one. RIP sweet Eva, your beautiful music lives. ❤

[@mikehoy1128]

I’m right there with you Didy.. every time I see this performance it really gets me. She was a magnificent musician and vocal artist.. when you get a chance, listen to a couple of her albums, they’re truly awesome.

[@terrisalser7721]

I cried the first time I heard her sing this song. It is absolutely beautiful and so melancholy

[@rx7dude2006]

The best version of Over The Rainbow for sure.

[@mssuziquzi]

So Beautiful. You need to hear Songbird and Fields of Gold, probably my favorite. So sad to lose her so soon.💔

[@jimmylee1776]

I’m a fan of Eva Cassidy. Her voice is pure & angelic. She puts a lot of emotion interpreting the music & lyrics of the songs she sings. My favourite song by Eva is “Autumn Leaves”. Her rendition of this song is amazing- I cry every time I listen to it. Many singers who sang this song (including Nat King Cole), have misinterpreted the music & lyrics. RIP Eva, God bless you & keep you.

[@bradmcneil4336]

If you like what you hear, "Song Bird" is an absolute must.

[@tarquin4592]

Though I've heard it many times before by Eva, when I played it on your channel and others, tears just came into my eyes, such was the effect of her wonderful interpretation. Everyone who reacts or listens is like yourself, instantly hit by emotion.

[@WedrownyGrajek]

I appreciate you for not stopping the song at any moment and, most of all, for sharing your soft spot (remember, soft, never weak!) with the viewers. It shows your vulnerability and sensitivity and that's the only way to receive art. 😊 This is Eva's legacy, music diamonds such as this piece...

[@bryanrendleman2001]

You gave the best review of the 100s I've listened to over several years.

[@Dan-B]

For me, Eva Cassidy’s version of Over The Rainbow is the best one. Other incredible covers by Eva Cassidy you should check out: Time after Time, Danny Boy, Autumn Leaves

[@lollyreg97]

I love her version of At Last, also. It sounds simple yet stunning. Thank you!

[@keithakui7719]

Now we know why God called her home. That song was done like no one has or will ever do it better again, period!

[@NoName-kx8kc]

Next up her version of "time after time"👍

[@thomasbryant9002]

She can make a grown man cry.

[@TheAtticradio]

Any body who attempts to listen to Eva Cassidy singing over the rainbow for the first time on KZbin as a reaction video is a brave dude in my eyes. I've watched a good few reaction videos to this song and you sir did amazingly well. Anybody with musical interest and completely having no knowledge of this song i feel will be affected by this song. musically stunning and artistry with guitar, this a complete awesome song. congrats!

[@overthetarget9401]

Love your heart-felt reaction, Eva just can break you like that.

[@jorgejimenez-velez648]

Thank you for your very honest reaction of this lovely song. I first heard Judy's version back i the early 50's and loved it. Then i heard this version back in the 90's and loved it even more. It always brings a tear to my eyes.