Sarah Vaughan - Somewhere Over The Rainbow (Live from Holland 1958)

"Over the Rainbow" (often referred to as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow") is a ballad, with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg. It was written for the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz, and was sung by actress Judy Garland in her starring role as Dorothy Gale. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became Garland's signature song, as well as one of the most enduring standards of the 20th century.
Sarah Lois Vaughan (March 27, 1924 -- April 3, 1990) was an American jazz singer, described by Scott Yanow as having "one of the most wondrous voices of the 20th century." Nicknamed "Sailor" (for her salty speech), "Sassy" and "The Divine One", Sarah Vaughan was a Grammy Award winner. The National Endowment for the Arts bestowed upon her its "highest honor in jazz", the NEA Jazz Masters Award, in 1989.
Vaughan was born in Newark, New Jersey, to Asbury "Jake" Vaughan, a carpenter by trade who played guitar and piano, and Ada Vaughan, a laundress who sang in the church choir, migrants from Virginia. The Vaughans lived in a house on Brunswick Street in Newark for Vaughan's entire childhood. Jake was deeply religious. The family was active in New Mount Zion Baptist Church at 186 Thomas Street. Vaughan began piano lessons at the age of seven, sang in the church choir, and played piano for rehearsals and services. Sarah and her family were all registered Democrats.
She developed an early love for popular music. In the 1930s, she frequently saw local and touring bands at the Montgomery Street Skating Rink. By her mid-teens, she ventured illegally into Newark's night clubs and performed as a pianist and singer at the Piccadilly Club and at Newark Airport.
Vaughan attended East Side High School, then transferred to Newark Arts High School, which opened in 1931. As her nocturnal adventures as a performer overtook her academic pursuits, she dropped out of high school during her junior year to concentrate more fully on her music.
In 1989, Vaughan's health began to decline, although she rarely revealed any hints of this in her performances. She canceled a series of engagements in Europe in 1989, citing the need to seek treatment for arthritis of the hand, although she was able to complete a series of performances in Japan. During a run at New York's Blue Note Jazz Club in 1989, she was diagnosed with lung cancer and was too ill to finish the last day of what would turn out to be her final series of public performances.
Vaughan returned to her home in California to begin chemotherapy and spent her final months alternating stays in the hospital and at home. She grew weary of the struggle and demanded to be taken home, where at the age of 66 she died on the evening of April 3, 1990, while watching Laker Girls, a television movie featuring her daughter.
Her funeral was held at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. Following the ceremony, a horse-drawn carriage transported her body to Glendale Cemetery, Bloomfield.
Parallels have been drawn between Vaughan's voice and those of opera singers. Jazz singer Betty Carter said that with training Vaughan could have "gone as far as Leontyne Price." Bob James, Vaughan's musical director in the 1960s said that "the instrument was there. But the knowledge, the legitimacy of that whole world were not for her ... But if the aria were in Sarah's range she could bring something to it that a classically trained singer could not."
In a chapter devoted to Vaughan in his book Visions of Jazz (2000), critic Gary Giddins described her as the "ageless voice of modern jazz - of giddy postwar virtuosity, biting wit and fearless caprice". He concluded by saying that "No matter how closely we dissect the particulars of her talent ... we must inevitably end up contemplating in silent awe the most phenomenal of her attributes, the one she was handed at birth, the voice that happens once in a lifetime, perhaps once in several lifetimes."
Sarah's accompanied by Richard Davis (Bass); Ronnell Bright (Piano); and Art Morgan (Drums).
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true
Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow
Blue birds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh, why can't I?
If happy little blue birds fly beyond the rainbow
Why, oh, why can't I?

[@bozm9961]

She makes me remember and deeply miss things and places I have never seen, feelings I can not explain and joy so infinite.

[@lavenderhearts101]

That's deep and so beautiful.

[@fezmai1282]

And still, you can not fully express just how you feel. Such is the magic of this timeless gem. Thank you Boz for those words,I feel you.🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹❤

[@ashleywilliams4149]

Bliss

[@fezmai1282]

@@ashleywilliams4149 Yes, yes Bliss is what I feel, a timeless joy.❤🌹🌹

[@margotgordon7883]

What a lovely comment, Boz M.

[@blackcosmos]

She has great control, perfect pitch n tone. She's also incredibly melodic n harmonious. They don't make them like this anymore...

[@Yrr666]

Awesome vibrato with a totally soulful delivery. FU$#^g nails it.

[@sallybowles2781]

to be honest they never made these, maybe once or twice per century

[@mkdaye3200]

She's incredible

[@peggyrice2296]

You can say that again.

[@maryannewalker3648]

I couldn't agree with you more. Greatness personified!

[@unclealand]

That voice . . . the confident way she travels around a melody . . . I'm never not in the mood for Sarah Vaughan.

[@jow6845]

Imagine. Imagine opening your mouth to sing and this sublimity flows out......

[@maxw227]

I’ve always said Judy Garland’s original rendering was the definitive version......I hereby eat my words.

[@quarmainestephenson8403]

Well go ahead and eat cuz this is breathtaking

[@spactick]

Before you munch down on your words give a listen to Eric Clapton's version of 'Over The Rainbow'. Because I think your in for a two course meal maxw227 and keep in mind, Mr Clapton is also playing an instrument :)

[@thedragonofthewest5789]

fuck clapton this one is superior. sarah has more soul and talent in this video than claptons whole career@@spactick

[@oldpoppy]

​@@spactick Jeff Beck's version is astounding.Havent heard EC's version

[@Teezer44]

This felt like magic. I am the biggest Judy Garland fan, but this version was exquisitely done. Just as fine as the original...what a singer.

[@vincentmancini6279]

Judy would enjoy this!!!

[@HollywoodCharityAuctioncom]

Best version I have EVER heard of this song.

[@jensmichaelschau5386]

Great woman, great singer. Thank's.

[@pedroruiz3943]

Her voice always sends me over the rainbow

[@pamelajohnson834]

Miss Vaughn actually had a classically trained voice and it was so beautiful, flexible, expressive and perfect.

[@direfranchement]

She never had any classical voice training.

[@t.spring5806]

Are there any videos of her singing classical on KZbin? 🙏🏻

[@jimmybalantyne5545]

Sarah Vaughan had no training, never mind classical. That's direct from God.

[@brianbeckwith5577]

Sarah's breath control is amazing.

[@cerval41]

Sarah was the greatest female jazzvocalist of the all! Fantastic

[@sooz9433]

I don't think there will never be music like ours again.. Miss Sassy Vaughan was truly one of a kind.

[@glennschlegel7160]

The Incomparable Sarah Vaughan...says it all. One of my father's favorite singers. So glad I listened 🎶 when he played his LPs on his Motorola stereo. Thanks for the memories dad RIP

[@robertrowland3750]

Her voice was simply divine.

[@amileoj9043]

As others have said: the tune is forever and rightly associated with a young Judy Garland's magnificent take, but what Sarah Vaughan does here is that extraordinary thing, of taking a definitive version of a really beloved song and, while staying true to its spirit, utterly remaking it, and raising it to another level of artistry altogether. That is the magic of the very best jazz soloists, and Sarah Vaughan's amazing gift is that she could do that with her voice, as well as any great jazz instrumentalist.

[@YewtBoot]

Her voice, her mastery, her charisma, all help me to fly over the rainbow each time I hear her. Thanks, Sarah.

[@janettucker3196]

No histrionics. Just pure incredible singing. Sarah delivers, always.

[@brianbelmont6370]

This the only version of this song that has made me cry. Truly the voice of an angel

[@massimobianchi4262]

Massimo from Italy . I don't want to seem blasphemous but I believe this is the voice of an angel! Beautiful!

[@nathan4350]

Sometimes I imagine that I'd find that divine voice somewhere over the rainbow... ❤

[@GatorGirl04]

Judy enthusiasts won't be please but Sarah's version of this is MAGNIFICENT & DEFINITIVE! That swing tempo switch after the second bridge? EVERYTHING!!! Thanks for posting

[@MrMd217]

GatorGirl04 I’m a Judy enthusiast but I absolutely love Sarah’s version. She is fantastic! Music is the only thing keeping me sane with all this doom and gloom right now.

[@shanedeleon5376]

I'm an ardent Garland fan, but Sarah Vaughan can sing just about any damn thing she wants and lend it class and style, and there's no shortage of that here.

[@monicabella7894]

Sarah leaves her far behind.

[@mikegalvin9801]

Of course we always will think of Judy singing this as a kid but how can anyone not be impressed by the great Sarah Vaughan.

[@deanersch1]

Judy fan here and this is wonderful. Judy's Carnegie Hall version for me is definitive, but I absolutely love this.

[@kevinpeet3581]

Her voice is SO beautiful, and her singing so effortless... This is classic.

[@sarahpressey4876]

The Divine One....

[@zandramccoy1910]

No one can touch Sarah V. !! Sultry voice and smooth delivery of soul stirring melody 👄❤️! Fabulous job!!

[@marcsuccessor8777]

How can her voice be so controlled, that’s crazy

[@myronbirdsong4493]

Wow you could almost see the masterful calculation of this melody behind her minds eye.

[@solowilliams3786]

I am just discovering this jewel omg

[@keeploc34]

Me 2 🥺 I’ve been robbed my whole life

[@user-cu9yv7nr4t]

The resonance of her voice is felt and heard at the same time . Your chest and head vibrates with her vocalizations. You hear and feel her voice simultaneously. Great singers can do this.

[@richardgamble4147]

Can any other person sing this song more lovely than Sarah? Please tell me who. Very sweet singing

[@paradoxward2533]

effortless perfection.

[@vanjohnson9837]

My very favorite rendition of this song.june2020.

[@eliezerjoaquim5897]

2024. Today this voice is still beautiful

[@THT01]

Stunning. Just stunning. Bravo.

[@algoritmaindonesia8679]

at only 24 years old Sarah has developed singing ability full of passion spirit and expresion that stem right from her pure soul and resonate across generation of listeners. what a true talent of diva

[@knickertwistcopperby6066]

Isn't she 34 here?

[@shaunaragland8905]

God love my dad who had Sarah and Ella in his record collection I got introduced and hooked on some beautiful music beautiful ladies singing.

[@user-lm2bq1sr7k]

This is the most amazing thing I've ever witnessed ❇️

[@steveneast8572]

... totally agree with you . Her voice is like smooth silk ... classy 🙂

Pure skill and class.

[@jaydaherbert5893]

Impeccable...

[@videocat1366]

That was everything. Wowza.

[@bryanalcantarfilms]

This brought me to tears. It is just that beautiful.

[@arnoldamaral7406]

She could sing the want ads & it would be be pure GOLD. A voice That comes along once 🙏 in a life time . I'm glad I came in my life!!! 😢🍷💕🍑👑🌏🌎🌍🇮🇹🇪🇸🇫🇷🇺🇸🇯🇵🇨🇳 Arnold Bourbon Amaral

[@tomdimartino7361]

Amazing! One of the best jazz singers ever!

[@oliviaedralin1436]

Magnificent voice!!! Incomparable!!!

[@GRQJOYEUX]

I m so in love with her voice since my childhood

[@nocount1]

I love you, Miss Vaughn.

[@hipsterdoofus1026]

Everyone says this is Judy's song but there's more than enough room for Sarah's version.

[@MrMd217]

hipsterdoofus1026 absolutely! Same with Patti’s version! They all bring great gifts!

[@samantha392]

Magic

[@poetcomic1]

You can see the almost ecstatic JOY the exquisitely shaded notes coming from her give to her.

[@robbyvirus]

This brings tears to my eyes. I don't know what else to say. She was on another level altogether.

[@denominator208]

She had such a beautiful inimitable voice, as well as being such a gorgeous looking lady.

[@chriskinkead9045]

Fantastic. Version. Always. Listened. To. Her. Years. Ago.

[@afrikashaw9462]

The best to ever do it. I sang this song every morning before school along with her and my parents album, Land of HiFi. I was 10 yrs old. I was blessed and honored to see her in the late 70's.

[@andredesafonoff]

Excellent performans!!!

[@brgilbert2]

Only a Sarah Vaughn can capture the essence of this song sung by an "equally" gifted genius!!

[@emzywillrich7243]

Classic, beautiful, just like the great Sarah Vaughan. I still remember my mother singing her songs in the home when I was a young child. I think of her every time I play songs by this incredible singer.

[@keeploc34]

The Rainbow : I wish someone would describe me Sarah : no problem

[@michelleevans3830]

Goosebumps ❤️

[@DReed1945]

Feel the stress melt and disappear.

[@ithajean]

The moment you hear and comprehend her voice emotions stir. You oscillate between joy and the type of happiness that allows tears to flow. On days were one struggles with life what a glorious antidote, glorious. Ray Davis

[@kathleenburns7732]

What a fabulous voice

[@emmaANDhayes1on1]

The way she drags a note is truly angelic to the ear

[@wolfgangnitsch9698]

Absolute fantastic brilliant!... 🌈 💝

[@erichale8047]

Young singer : drop your jaw.

[@alfching2499]

Young Singers don’t have to be this good,Autotune Remember,Singing never been as fake as it is now,They all try to sound like dog voiced Mariah Cary

[@whodatsuperbowlqueen5778]

Beautiful voice!!

[@christiannunez5928]

This is "HEAVEN". . .

[@emilharty]

Class act that is Sarah Vaughan

[@joannkelly7994]

Beautiful interpretation.

[@tekootianderson]

Velvet & silky. Heavenly

[@billparrish4385]

Dang! Well, I'm in love now!

[@leahorallo7532]

I love the singer her voice and her songs so amazing!

[@virgo8609]

Every note so beautiful, pure yet filled with depth!

[@sashapollard92]

Beautiful

[@foku9000]

Pure elegance.

[@psilo9865]

Clearer than clear.

[@dominikn19]

WONDERFUL.

[@mauriciobeltre14]

This is incredible! Absolutely the best rendition ever ever made of this song. Wow!

[@nathan94su3]

This is so beautiful ! 😭❤❤

[@markstabinski2568]

just simply GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@donald6815]

She opened her mouth, and the music came out. Perfect, no computer help.

[@EaskerBuckley]

I’m sorry 🙏🏽This is the greatest voice that GOD has ever created. Just absolutely mesmerizing‼️💯

[@Z20bEn53]

Sarah was a special treasure. A gift from God to the world.

[@maryannewalker3648]

Greatness personified! Absolute perfection.❤

[@GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

Pure & sweet

[@tylerlordhamilton252]

So chic.

[@eyvettedh]

Brings tears to my eyes💗

[@stevenriihikoski1750]

This performance is spellbinding, and Sarah Vaughan's voice is purely unique. As she sings, she reveals her inner experience of the song's lyrics...the imagery, the message. Sublime!

[@jimmybalantyne5545]

I love her!

[@garryshirreffs9645]

Wow

[@dimercedes66]

Magnifica voz 💗

[@charltonlee20]

My lord! That piano phrase at the end was stunningly sexy!

[@Soda3000Pop]

.Sarah, we miss you so much, your vocal talent has not been matched since your passing, I know you're singing for Jesus up there in heaven, see you when I get there, I'm 63 so it won't be long, sing pretty!

[@1maggotbrain]

Beautiful beautiful beautiful!

[@user-vf6lp5re9m]

....Ohhhh....!!!

[@jorgegonzales9278]

What a nice voice!!!

[@mariaalicante2535]

So lovely...❤

[@juanmanuelparadacontreras9565]

Una melodía muy bella en ser entonada por tan talentosas cantantes a través de los años. Todo un gran clásico musical.

[@lucassolano1296]

Amazing

[@charlesballi1535]

Glorious

[@aaronmcmurray2629]

WOW! Perfection.... and such a SPUNK!

[@jamesgordon2255]

Judy’s version can never be matched ! It was flawless !!