She passed away several months later after this was filmed. She was diagnosed with melanoma and died at the age of 33 years, in 1996. She never really sought fame and forture and had offers to sign with labels but turned them down because she didn't want to conform to the way they wanted her to be. She sang this in one of the many "coffee houses" of that time, by a friend holding a camcorder. Her music was played in the U.K and became so popular before anyone here, in the states, had ever heard of her. And she was from D.C.!! I'm certain she was as gentle a person as her beautiful voice conveys when she sings. She blessed this world with her legacy of music, her angelic voice and incomparable acoustic guitar playing. RIP, Ms. Eva Cassidy. Your presence is sorely missed as we only got to know you after your passing. But you left us with getting to feel so much comfort from your incredible vocal genius!!!
Some scientist needs to study this and explain why I cry every time I hear this lovely woman's incredible voice. Every. Single. Time. Her voice is so moving and such a gift. Straight to the heart.
72yo Combat vet.Me too. Tears running down my checks right now. And she already had the cancer that killed 10 mo later. Her good by song,when helped upon the stage after extra morphine,was" What a Wonderful World". Any thing she did was great! "Autumn leaves " makes me cry too, "Fields of Gold " made Sting send HER version to everyone he knew, and say it was her song now. Water the video of her life. Gone way too soon, RIP.(AND sing with the Angels)
The Fields of Gold was used by Nancy Kwan (Olympic skater) for one of her routines, with her parents giving permission as Eva was already gone. The music and skating fit together perfectly. I cried, the audience cried, and the applause was long. So stirring and so deeply affecting. TH-cam has it for viewing. It was taped at a competition before the Olympics started. Very worth watching and hearing the song with it.
Yes, her voice and guitar playing are both superb, and the independence she has between her singing and playing is also remarkable. To think that she considered herself "the weak link" in her band! This woman was unequalled among the best female vocalists!
In my "retirement" I moved to my Mt cabin in NC and have a small studio/video editing suite where I make my youtube vids and record the occasional song. But back in my "working" days I had a studio in Ga near Atlanta where I produced up and coming artists mostly as well as my own CD's. I was doing an album for a lady that I was in a group with, tho we still mostly did solo work, we did the group thing with another friend doing Gospel music on Sundays quite often. But she wanted to do People get ready and she brought in this Eva Cassidy CD who people were finally starting to get to know, tho I had not heard her yet. She had just passed away and people were finally starting to find her. This was early 2000 or so and when I heard it my jaw dropped to the floor. Little did I realize I was about to discover arguably the best female singer on the planet, who sadly was already gone. I then heard Somewhere over the rainbow, Autumn leaves, Songbird and then there was fields of Gold among others, all of them from another planet. I was in utter shock. So taken by the voice that it took a minute to realize that, hold on, she's the one playing the guitar. No need for production, orchestra, band, none of that. OMG! I always loved production when producing CD's and spent many happy hours doing over the top full arrangements of things and yet, here's this lady with her guitar and gentle demeanor just blowing my mind with her intricately complex simplistic approach to these great songs that instantly became hers. Sting said after hearing fields of gold that it was no longer his song. I see you did this a year ago so you probably have discovered her depth by now, but there never was and never will be another like her. I've heard all of these songs now many many times and still get that lump in my throat every time. God took her early because he wanted to hear her sing too! But we had her for a short time and we are blessed!!
I was immediately mesmerized by her voice and her incredibly sincere and inspiring words ❤❤❤. I will Love Eva Cassidy and her music FOREVER!!! May she Rest in Peace and continue to sing with the Angels💕💝💖
Well sir you’ve done it. You just discovered the greatest vocalist/musician who ever lived. Every breath in every offering is simply the most honest, raw, and beautiful moment you will ever hear. Dig it! Autumn Leaves from this same live gig is otherworldly. Have fun. 🎺
Don, she would have been in the running for the greatest vocalist/musician, if only she had a larger body of work. There just aren't enough recordings to make that claim. Her singing career began late, and she died of cancer just six months after this recording, which was intended to introduce her amazing talent to the world. Therefore there's only a handful of recordings of her available. Not only was Eva cheated, but we all were cheated of what she had to offer us. In my heart, Eva belongs up there with Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and the other greats.
@@johnpoirier5626 , those albums were created by found material that were thrown together after her death. You must know she was extremely fussy about what would have made the grade. Her standards were unbelievably high.
@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee, there’s something terribly ignoble to die from a, “tragic encounter with an untied shoelace” (on the stairs, yet). Well, I like that you’re comparing two of highest level vocal genres, opera and jazz.
Her story is amazing and heartbreaking….this was the only live recording of her done at the Blues Alley in DC. The band put all their money into recording this concert to get her name out there…it was a two night event…the recording didn’t work on the first night and Eva was under the weather (a cold)…they had to bring their A game on night 2 and clearly she did…unfortunately she passed away about a year later from cancer…what a beautiful voice…
Although it's covered by many and it's forever linked to Judy Garland, nothing I've ever heard matches Eva's. Rest in peace, Eva, you live in every heart that's ever heard you.
This is so well written. If her voice doesn't touch your heart, there is something very wrong with you. I feel like I am hypnotized and melting every time I hear her. She sings in Heaven with the other angels now. 👼💖
Eva got an audition at Blue Note Records. She meet with the vice president of new talent development. He asked for tape. She didn't have one. She walked to the center of the room sang Amazing Grace. The listener's jaw dropped. He offered her a contract. Told her that he would find some supporting artist and music for her to do. She said NO. I do all my own arraignments. I pick who plays and what they played. .He said that he would try to help her but they didn't operate that way. Several months after her death the vice president heard of her death. He contacted her parents and apologized to them for not going along with their daughter. Some influenceable person in the music scene sent a copy to BBC Radio and told them to play it. BBC Radio 2 played it 8 in the morning on a Monday. London Stopped.
The BBC showed this video at the end of Top of the Pops one time. She was basically unknown then. My father and I just fell silent and sat amazed and at the end we were both quietly crying. I had forgotten that until just now. I don't have Dad but I still have that memory. Thanks for reminding me.:)
I grew up with Eva in a town in Maryland. Keep going on Eva. She was the most humble young girl...she was a gift for just the time that she was with us.
Her singing career started at age 11. Her recording career started late because she wouldn't sign with the many record companies that were interested in her. They wanted her to sign in only one genre-jazz, rock, folk, etc. She would have none of that and she gave up trying. The president of Blue Note (jazz label) said his deepest regret in life was not signing Eva Cassidy.
Pure angelic beauty. I'm a 60 year old Rock guy and usually stoic with my emotions but she brings tears to my eyes every time I watch this. Tears of joy and sadness because this beautiful angel was taken from us way too soon and our world is a lesser place without her in it. RIP Eva you beautiful soul. If you don't tear up watching this, you're not human.
I would go out on a limb and suggest that, had Judy Garland been around to hear Eva sing this live interpretation of the song, that she (Judy) would say that it is her favorite version of the song. Sting said that he thought Eva's cover of his song, "FIELDS OF GOLD" was his favorite interpretation of the song.
Eva singing fields of gold is incredible. It's my favourite of her. Just love that the legacy of her music is able to live on and thank you for bring her to your audience
What I read in other comments was Eva was sick during this performance ( a head cold, and terminal cancer) she didn’t hit the high notes ending the song but her voice ‘cracked’ at the very end (you hear it on the video). She later said she didn’t like her performance of this song . Of course sick or not this for me is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL rendition of this song , EVER. For me Eva Cassidy had one of the most beautiful female singing voices I’ve ever heard ( head cold or not). R🙏🏾P 🌈😇 (1963-96) Portland Oregon USA 🇺🇸
The fact that she never found success before her death is a travesty 😢 her voice caresses your soul! She’s definitely flying high above that rainbow 🌈 now ❤️
I recently just stumbled upon Eva myself. I couldn’t believe I had never heard of her before. I was then immediately crushed to learn she passed away shortly after this performance. Definitely taken away from us much too soon. May God rest her beautiful soul! Thank you Eva for the gift of your voice! The world is a better place for having had it even for such a short time. Your legacy continues on in the hearts and minds of those who still continue to discover you to this day. May you forever continue to sing with the angels in heaven. Amen!
R.I.P. Eva! She died very shortly after this performance at 33 in 19996,. Her voice is immortal. Another phenomenal is "Fields of Gold", a Sting cover. She had one studio and one live album, so pick your version, but whichever you choose, listen. to EVERY song. She makes them all her own, including: "People Get Ready", "Wayfaring Stranger", and "Autumn Leaves". ALL OF THEM! Thanks for your thoughtful and touching response. She was/is GREATNESS!
Listen to Songbird. She covers the Christine McVie song and adds harmonies to perfection. They did a remix of it with the London Symphony Orchestra, but I think the studio version is better.
sorry if you didn’t know this Dennis but Eva was only 33 when she died of Melanoma just as she was becoming known. It makes the song so much more heartbreaking but incredibly beautiful ❤️
This lovely young woman had a voice of an angel, so beautiful. So sad how her health deteriorated firstly from cancer. Her final appearance was September 17 singing 'What a wonderful world'. Sadly the coming month had continued with ill health from melanoma November 1996 when she died. What a magnificant singer/guitarist she was. Love you lots & RIP Eva 💔💔
Having never heard this until a few years ago, I know that I missed out on one of the most beautiful voices of all time. She died at age 33 from cancer, just six months after this 1996 performance. It's one of the few performances that can bring me to tears. Also, listen to her rendition of Autumn Leaves. It's as breathtaking as this song. RIP Songbird.
She's the van Gough of music. One of the greatest to ever live, but never got to learn just how loved she was. Her fame (save a few die-hard fans) came after she was already gone.
Never thought of that. You are absolutely correct. Van Gough was my favorite artist, and Eve my favorite vocalist. I think Van Gough only sold one painting in his lifetime. Had it not been for his brother Theo who believed in him and supported him, we might never have known him.
Thank you for this reaction to the wonderful Eva Cassidy. Please continue your Eva journey wirh any song from her Blues Alley concert, as they are all great. Another personal favourite is her version of Autumn Leaves. Some background: Eva was offered recording contracts but they all wanted to dictate what she should sing. Eva turned them down and didn't sell out for $. She sang songs that had meaning to her, irrespective of genre. If a song moved and inspired her then she would sing it. Blues, jazz, soul, or gospel, she sings them all and mostly better than the original artist. Looking forward to your journey down the Eva rabbit hole. Phil
The most brilliantly talented singer you've never heard of. Eva passed away just as she was starting to "break out" into the publics' knowledge that she even existed. And this unbelievable performance was shot on a camcorder in a small nightclub in DC.
Every time I need a good cry I will dial up this beautiful angel that God gave us for a short time...the first time I heard Eva sing this song was many years ago on a PBS broadcast and I sat with tears streaming that evening as well...there was this God factor going on with Eva...it's not something that can be taught and it can't be recreated...it just is..and that was and is Eva...even though she isn't with us physically her spirit is still touching the hearts or those who are willing to open them to her wonderful gift....❤️❤️❤️
And there she was, acoustic guitar only, at the Blues Alley Club in 1996 in D.C. Fighting a head cold no less. This piece makes me cry. Every. Single. Time. May God rest her eternal soul.
I am not even religious, but I almost always say a prayer when i listen to Eva. I really don't think this messed up world deserves this angelic voice, but it is precisely what this world needs. RIP.
This recording of a live album was made in January of 1996. By November 2, Eva had passed away. I haven't read nearly all the comments, but you need to know that Eva, besides having cancer (she wasn't diagnosed at this time), had a TERRIBLE cold the night this was recorded. She almost cancelled the gig. But rather than let down all the people involved, she went ahead with it. She hated the results, as she felt her vocals weren't good enough to be released. The years since have proven her wrong. But can you imagine what we might have had, if she had met her own standards? This song is sublime as is...how could she have done it better???? As an aside, you need to find "Autumn Leaves" and "Fields of Gold", with or without the London Symphony Orchestra. Eva's acoustic versions are still my favorites, but you can never have too much Eva. Sting has made the comment, after hearing Eva's version of Fields of Gold, that the song was no longer his.There's also a posthumous duet of Fields of Gold with Michael Bolton. You should watch the "making of" video. This March, 2023, there is a new album coming: "I Can Only Be Me". Nine previously recorded songs that they pulled Eva's vocals from, and re-recorded tracks with the London Symphony Orchestra. Eva purists will say leave well enough alone. I reiterate that you can never have too much Eva, lol. I can't wait. (Some of the tracks are already on youtube)
I always get tears in my eyes hearing her, watching someone new behold her awesomeness and appreciate it. How beautiful it must be to have a voice that shocks and amazes people in such a good way. Maybe in my next life god will bless me that way. Rip, Eva. Sing for God and the angels.
Eva Cassidy has the sweetest most tender voice I’ve ever heard in along time, sad to say I discovered her after she passed. Field of gold is another favorite of mine. So glad you found her.
I has been a fan even before she passed. She is a master of making songs hers. Lost he way to soon . Should have been a super star. I cry everytime I play this.
When I first heard E.C on the radio. I had to just go stand by my radio and listen. She deserved all my attention. When I then heard her sing this song. I cried.You don't just hear Eva Cassidy sing you feel her. People get ready by her in a must listen.
Eva is pure gold. She owns this song, and it's perfection. What a talent. Apparently she was feeling quite sick (Cancer) when performing this song and felt it didn't come out well. As many musicians have said, it's complete perfection, and we are fortunate to hear her. She has complete vocal and musical mastery!
Have reactions to this recording for about a week now, and like most of us we are completely moved by her singing and playing. She was the complete package. What a tragedy to have lost her at the young age of 33, back in 1996. It's ridiculous that so many of us had never heard of her until now. Cancer robs us all of thing so beautiful. Thank God for recordings and whoever decided to first bring her back to us.
I loved watching your reaction to Eva In my opinion she’s a master singer Add musician combined making her the best Any Of her songs are beautiful Some of my other favorites of hers are I know you by heart and songbird and Fields of gold Eva is pure heart like No other an angelic eternal gift to this planet Thank you for posting this review of her Somewhere over the rainbow I can never listen to it Without her moving me to tears touching my heart And soul I could not imagine it any better Because this emotional version is perfection Thank you Eva for sharing your beautiful self with us I do look forward to finding you over the rainbow and among the stars love you forever ….
Eva was a gift to us though sadly short-lived. Yes "autumn Leaves" and "Fields of Gold" are quite amazing. I have a friend who was lucky enough to see her perform live. It breaks my heart every time I hear her. Thanks for your heartfelt reaction to this. You have touched the ethereal.
I've heard this song dozens of times and I have to dry my eyes every time. As an instrumentalist and arranger myself, I loved how she used the original melody in the guitar. Amazing.
Your reaction is absolutely priceless. That "Wow, wow, wow" from you is how we all feel when we listen to her. She's phenomenal. And yes, her "Take My Breath Away" is the one you're thinking of and is another beauty....
Eva Cassidy was also a great Jazz singer. Treat yourself to her arrangement of "Cheek to Cheek", also on the Eva Cassidy Live album. I'm one of those lucky people from DC who got to see Eva live. She'll always be in my heart.
Hi from Maryland! I enjoy your honest and even vulnerable reactions. This one you made was exceptional - Eva Cassidy’s Over the Rainbow 🌈. How ironic that the film was in B & W and the song was about the rainbow. Hopefully you know Eva’s tragic life story. From the time she sang this cover she hadn’t a year left to live. I’m commenting this month because I wanted to let you know, Miss Cassidy‘s first orchestral album just came out (March, 2023). The technology finally exists to lift Eva’s vocals from previous recordings. The London symphony orchestra, arranged, and played, were folded with Eva’s recordings producing this new album. I find it phenomenal! perhaps you could react to her singing of “Autumn Leaves.” Her range, tone and emotive abilities are showcased in that selection. I’ve enjoyed the entire album over and over, getting my music from Spotify. You know, no videos are possible, obviously. Would you consider reacting to just the audio? I really hope so. As Sir Elton John has said, Eva Cassidy is one of the three best voices he’s ever heard.
Adore Eva. Easy Street Dream and Blues in the Night are also beyond incredible but cant go wrong with anything this earth angel sang. A constant and sublime inspirational force of nature. We are blessed to hear her. Rest in Perfection Eva.
She made every song she sang her own. Just check out the others especially wonderful world. She gave her family and friends a final concert before dying from cancer. She was so medicated that she had to be helped onto the stage. Despite all that she crushed the song. Have a listen. Cheers from Canada and liked and subscribed.👍😎🥶🇨🇦🏹
I love watching first reactions to Eva Cassidy. She does blow you away, doesn't she? I never tired of listening to her. Listen to her with "Fields of Gold" and "Autumn Leaves".
Eva was an incredible artist who left us far too soon. The fact that no one in the music industry didn't snap her up and make her the worldwide star she deserved to be will forever shame that enterprise. I just know that Eva is singing with the angels right now. Thank G-d she left some recordings for us mere mortals to enjoy while we weep over her premature passing.
Dennis - it breaks my heart to hear such a beautiful, soul stirring song just to know she tragically lost her life to Melanoma at 33 years young, just when her career was about ready to explode!! You would do well to listen to her other wonderful, bluesy offerings that will touch your heart...just to think what might have been had she went on to higher heights in her musical journey. I'm thankful she left behind a treasure trove of her music that will stand the test of time. RichieC (Alpharetta boy)
I never get tired of listening to Eva's vocal gift. Remember, this is a live recording at Washington, D.C.'s Blues Alley nightblub. Oh, and Eva had a cold that night. A proud daughter of our DC Metro area here, Eva lives and lives and lives. #RIP Songbird.✝✝✝
No one can arrange a song like Eva did, she could take songs that are such classics and make them so uniquely her own. During her lifetime record companies wouldn't sign her as they couldn't pigeon hole her into one genre. Literally everything she sings is AMAZING as a looong time Eva Cassidy fan some of my favourites are "I know you by heart", "tall trees in Georgia", "Kathy's Song"and "the water is wide".
So nice too see someone seeing her for the first time. She has the voice of an angel. Wait until you hear her sing Fields of Gold.. Her cover of it brought Sting to tears. Her cover of Songbird will break glass. You would enjoy watching the Nightline Special of her. It's on TH-cam. This rabbit hole is deep.
Eva Cassidy was an amazing singer her version of bridge over troubled water and Autumn Leaves are also amazing. Sadly she passed away at just the age of 33 due to melanoma several years ago.
She could sing any song & make it her own. Her voice, her guitar skills. This songs brings me to tears no matter how many times I listen to it. She sings, How can I keep from Singing”. Another favorite of mine.
never listened to Eva Cassidy I love the song over the rainbow such a beautiful song man loved when judy garland sung it Eva has a beautiful voice love her version so emotional sounding man her different style of it is great I'm feeling all kinds of emotions in this version she sings her heart out on this one great version well done Eva beautiful 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Danny Boy and Autumn Leaves are a couple of her other songs that will blow you away. She even did a cover of Stormy Monday playing a Stratocaster with her band. A unique talent who was taken much too soon…..❣️
There is no need for comparison here. Eva instantly conveys a wistful, wishful world in the first few lines. Her melodic vocal choices are exquisite! The vulnerable throbbing of her voice creates an emotional response few can equal. Tasty guitar accompaniment backing the most poignant rendition of this classic I've ever heard.
The sad part is that the world arrived too late to appreciate her talent, her voice and her playing. We are so blessed to have this video, so we can see what has been lost to us all. Just think about what her talent is to take an iconic song, that everyone knows, change it, and make it your own and then make it better than the original. RIP Eva, November 2 1996 will be remembered as a date of what we lost.
Eva's reflective reinterpretation of this classic is both melancholy and inspiring; simply in a class of its own. Such a tragic loss, but she's probably entertaining the angels in heaven✨💖🙏🏻🇺🇸🍁Autumn Leaves is definitely worth a listen.
I heard this song for the first time at the beginning of Alpha dogs the movie. I couldn’t rest until I found out who sang it and I’ve listened to it a million times since then. So beautiful!!
Others have mentioned Autumn Leaves; but all the songs from her Blues Alley recording are wonderful. The band that played with her on that album was fantastic also.
She is over the rainbow now and we know that God is the bandmaster, the drummer, backup and allowing her to please all of Heaven. He made her story and her music for a reason.
A couple of days before Eva passed away she sang here.She was so weak she had to be helped on stage. Her final song "What A Wonderful World" say's it all about Eva.
May you rest in peace, Eva. I hope you know how much so many people love you.
Judy sang this with a child’s optimism. Eva sang it with an adult’s melancholy.
a meditation
An observation profound and poetic worthy of this totally unique gift of Eva Cassidy…thank you.
She passed away several months later after this was filmed. She was diagnosed with melanoma and died at the age of 33 years, in 1996. She never really sought fame and forture and had offers to sign with labels but turned them down because she didn't want to conform to the way they wanted her to be. She sang this in one of the many "coffee houses" of that time, by a friend holding a camcorder. Her music was played in the U.K and became so popular before anyone here, in the states, had ever heard of her. And she was from D.C.!! I'm certain she was as gentle a person as her beautiful voice conveys when she sings. She blessed this world with her legacy of music, her angelic voice and incomparable acoustic guitar playing. RIP, Ms. Eva Cassidy. Your presence is sorely missed as we only got to know you after your passing. But you left us with getting to feel so much comfort from your incredible vocal genius!!!
U said it perfect man u have away with words but can u imagine ur words her music together o wow
Some scientist needs to study this and explain why I cry every time I hear this lovely woman's incredible voice. Every. Single. Time. Her voice is so moving and such a gift. Straight to the heart.
Me too.
Hey I'm a retired army ranger I'm 68 years old and I do the same thing every time I hear her sing there is nothing you can do about it it just happens
72yo Combat vet.Me too. Tears running down my checks right now. And she already had the cancer that killed 10 mo later.
Her good by song,when helped upon the stage after extra morphine,was" What a Wonderful World".
Any thing she did was great! "Autumn leaves " makes me cry too, "Fields of Gold " made Sting send HER version to everyone he knew, and say it was her song now.
Water the video of her life.
Gone way too soon, RIP.(AND sing with the Angels)
The Fields of Gold was used by Nancy Kwan (Olympic skater) for one of her routines, with her parents giving permission as Eva was already gone. The music and skating fit together perfectly. I cried, the audience cried, and the applause was long. So stirring and so deeply affecting. TH-cam has it for viewing. It was taped at a competition before the Olympics started. Very worth watching and hearing the song with it.
She had a gift and u felt her pain go watch the true story of her and yes she's passed on signing in heaven so talented so special great person
Eva's voice rightfully gets all the attention, but her guitar playing is also flawless.
Yes, her voice and guitar playing are both superb, and the independence she has between her singing and playing is also remarkable. To think that she considered herself "the weak link" in her band! This woman was unequalled among the best female vocalists!
That guitar playing is beautiful! Magical. I hope God blesses me with that much talent in my next life!
her father taught her how to play the guitar,
In my "retirement" I moved to my Mt cabin in NC and have a small studio/video editing suite where I make my youtube vids and record the occasional song. But back in my "working" days I had a studio in Ga near Atlanta where I produced up and coming artists mostly as well as my own CD's. I was doing an album for a lady that I was in a group with, tho we still mostly did solo work, we did the group thing with another friend doing Gospel music on Sundays quite often. But she wanted to do People get ready and she brought in this Eva Cassidy CD who people were finally starting to get to know, tho I had not heard her yet. She had just passed away and people were finally starting to find her. This was early 2000 or so and when I heard it my jaw dropped to the floor. Little did I realize I was about to discover arguably the best female singer on the planet, who sadly was already gone. I then heard Somewhere over the rainbow, Autumn leaves, Songbird and then there was fields of Gold among others, all of them from another planet. I was in utter shock. So taken by the voice that it took a minute to realize that, hold on, she's the one playing the guitar. No need for production, orchestra, band, none of that. OMG! I always loved production when producing CD's and spent many happy hours doing over the top full arrangements of things and yet, here's this lady with her guitar and gentle demeanor just blowing my mind with her intricately complex simplistic approach to these great songs that instantly became hers. Sting said after hearing fields of gold that it was no longer his song. I see you did this a year ago so you probably have discovered her depth by now, but there never was and never will be another like her. I've heard all of these songs now many many times and still get that lump in my throat every time. God took her early because he wanted to hear her sing too! But we had her for a short time and we are blessed!!
I was immediately mesmerized by her voice and her incredibly sincere and inspiring words ❤❤❤. I will Love Eva Cassidy and her music FOREVER!!!
May she Rest in Peace and continue to sing with the Angels💕💝💖
Well sir you’ve done it. You just discovered the greatest vocalist/musician who ever lived. Every breath in every offering is simply the most honest, raw, and beautiful moment you will ever hear. Dig it! Autumn Leaves from this same live gig is otherworldly. Have fun. 🎺
Don, she would have been in the running for the greatest vocalist/musician, if only she had a larger body of work. There just aren't enough recordings to make that claim. Her singing career began late, and she died of cancer just six months after this recording, which was intended to introduce her amazing talent to the world. Therefore there's only a handful of recordings of her available. Not only was Eva cheated, but we all were cheated of what she had to offer us. In my heart, Eva belongs up there with Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and the other greats.
Truth
You should give Angelina Jordan a listen.
@@johnpoirier5626 , those albums were created by found material that were thrown together after her death. You must know she was extremely fussy about what would have made the grade. Her standards were unbelievably high.
@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee, there’s something terribly ignoble to die from a, “tragic encounter with an untied shoelace” (on the stairs, yet). Well, I like that you’re comparing two of highest level vocal genres, opera and jazz.
I cry every time I listen to Eva sing this. 😢 It’s heart wrenching.
Her story is amazing and heartbreaking….this was the only live recording of her done at the Blues Alley in DC. The band put all their money into recording this concert to get her name out there…it was a two night event…the recording didn’t work on the first night and Eva was under the weather (a cold)…they had to bring their A game on night 2 and clearly she did…unfortunately she passed away about a year later from cancer…what a beautiful voice…
Although it's covered by many and it's forever linked to Judy Garland, nothing I've ever heard matches Eva's. Rest in peace, Eva, you live in every heart that's ever heard you.
Everyone knows the melody of Over the Rainbow. Eva took an iconic song by an iconic singer, and completely owned it. It belongs to her now.
Ever since she said hello 😂 I’ve had her with me❤
This is so well written. If her voice doesn't touch your heart, there is something very wrong with you. I feel like I am hypnotized and melting every time I hear her. She sings in Heaven with the other angels now. 👼💖
There’s a quality to her voice that I can’t describe… like Karen Carpenter.
Undefinable magicality😌🙏
Eva got an audition at Blue Note Records. She meet with the vice president of new talent development. He asked for tape. She didn't have one. She walked to the center of the room sang Amazing Grace. The listener's jaw dropped. He offered her a contract. Told her that he would find some supporting artist and music for her to do. She said NO. I do all my own arraignments. I pick who plays and what they played. .He said that he would try to help her but they didn't operate that way. Several months after her death the vice president heard of her death. He contacted her parents and apologized to them for not going along with their daughter. Some influenceable person in the music scene sent a copy to BBC Radio and told them to play it. BBC Radio 2 played it 8 in the morning on a Monday. London Stopped.
The BBC showed this video at the end of Top of the Pops one time. She was basically unknown then. My father and I just fell silent and sat amazed and at the end we were both quietly crying. I had forgotten that until just now. I don't have Dad but I still have that memory. Thanks for reminding me.:)
I grew up with Eva in a town in Maryland. Keep going on Eva. She was the most humble young girl...she was a gift for just the time that she was with us.
Did she sing when she was really young also?
What was the reaction of those that knew her growing up when she became famous after her death?
What part of Maryland ?
Bowie, Maryland
You will never forget her voice once heard … best version EVER❤️
Eva’s voice was a quiet storm, where she sneaks up on your emotions and blows your heart wide open.
Her version of ‘Autumn Leaves’ from the same gig is equally as mesmerising.
No doubt. It's just stunningly beautiful.
The greatest live performance I've ever heard bar none !
Her singing career started at age 11. Her recording career started late because she wouldn't sign with the many record companies that were interested in her. They wanted her to sign in only one genre-jazz, rock, folk, etc. She would have none of that and she gave up trying. The president of Blue Note (jazz label) said his deepest regret in life was not signing Eva Cassidy.
Pure angelic beauty. I'm a 60 year old Rock guy and usually stoic with my emotions but she brings tears to my eyes every time I watch this. Tears of joy and sadness because this beautiful angel was taken from us way too soon and our world is a lesser place without her in it. RIP Eva you beautiful soul.
If you don't tear up watching this, you're not human.
I would go out on a limb and suggest that, had Judy Garland been around to hear Eva sing this live interpretation of the song, that she (Judy) would say that it is her favorite version of the song.
Sting said that he thought Eva's cover of his song, "FIELDS OF GOLD" was his favorite interpretation of the song.
Eva singing fields of gold is incredible. It's my favourite of her. Just love that the legacy of her music is able to live on and thank you for bring her to your audience
What I read in other comments was Eva was sick during this performance ( a head cold, and terminal cancer) she didn’t hit the high notes ending the song but her voice ‘cracked’ at the very end (you hear it on the video). She later said she didn’t like her performance of this song . Of course sick or not this for me is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL rendition of this song , EVER.
For me Eva Cassidy had one of the most beautiful female singing voices I’ve ever heard ( head cold or not). R🙏🏾P 🌈😇 (1963-96)
Portland Oregon USA 🇺🇸
The fact that she never found success before her death is a travesty 😢 her voice caresses your soul! She’s definitely flying high above that rainbow 🌈 now ❤️
I recently just stumbled upon Eva myself. I couldn’t believe I had never heard of her before. I was then immediately crushed to learn she passed away shortly after this performance. Definitely taken away from us much too soon. May God rest her beautiful soul! Thank you Eva for the gift of your voice! The world is a better place for having had it even for such a short time. Your legacy continues on in the hearts and minds of those who still continue to discover you to this day. May you forever continue to sing with the angels in heaven. Amen!
Perhaps the finest sound that my ears have ever heard. Absolutely impossible to compare it to anything else.
R.I.P. Eva! She died very shortly after this performance at 33 in 19996,. Her voice is immortal. Another phenomenal is "Fields of Gold", a Sting cover. She had one studio and one live album, so pick your version, but whichever you choose, listen. to EVERY song. She makes them all her own, including: "People Get Ready", "Wayfaring Stranger", and "Autumn Leaves". ALL OF THEM! Thanks for your thoughtful and touching response. She was/is GREATNESS!
Listen to Songbird. She covers the Christine McVie song and adds harmonies to perfection. They did a remix of it with the London Symphony Orchestra, but I think the studio version is better.
The feeling in this women's voice is breathtakingly beautiful. Eva you are loved 😀❤👍💯
sorry if you didn’t know this Dennis but Eva was only 33 when she died of Melanoma just as she was becoming known. It makes the song so much more heartbreaking but incredibly beautiful ❤️
So sad.
I absolutely agree what Artist she was her music always live on.....
She was sick with a cold when this was recorded in ONE take!! Gone too soon, lovely Angel … ❤️
This lovely young woman had a voice of an angel, so beautiful. So sad how her health deteriorated firstly from cancer. Her final appearance was September 17 singing 'What a wonderful world'. Sadly the coming month had continued with ill health from melanoma November 1996 when she died. What a magnificant singer/guitarist she was. Love you lots & RIP Eva 💔💔
Having never heard this until a few years ago, I know that I missed out on one of the most beautiful voices of all time. She died at age 33 from cancer, just six months after this 1996 performance.
It's one of the few performances that can bring me to tears.
Also, listen to her rendition of Autumn Leaves. It's as breathtaking as this song. RIP Songbird.
She's the van Gough of music. One of the greatest to ever live, but never got to learn just how loved she was. Her fame (save a few die-hard fans) came after she was already gone.
Never thought of that. You are absolutely correct. Van Gough was my favorite artist, and Eve my favorite vocalist. I think Van Gough only sold one painting in his lifetime. Had it not been for his brother Theo who believed in him and supported him, we might never have known him.
Thank you for this reaction to the wonderful Eva Cassidy. Please continue your Eva journey wirh any song from her Blues Alley concert, as they are all great. Another personal favourite is her version of Autumn Leaves. Some background: Eva was offered recording contracts but they all wanted to dictate what she should sing. Eva turned them down and didn't sell out for $. She sang songs that had meaning to her, irrespective of genre. If a song moved and inspired her then she would sing it. Blues, jazz, soul, or gospel, she sings them all and mostly better than the original artist.
Looking forward to your journey down the Eva rabbit hole. Phil
The most brilliantly talented singer you've never heard of. Eva passed away just as she was starting to "break out" into the publics' knowledge that she even existed. And this unbelievable performance was shot on a camcorder in a small nightclub in DC.
Every time I need a good cry I will dial up this beautiful angel that God gave us for a short time...the first time I heard Eva sing this song was many years ago on a PBS broadcast and I sat with tears streaming that evening as well...there was this God factor going on with Eva...it's not something that can be taught and it can't be recreated...it just is..and that was and is Eva...even though she isn't with us physically her spirit is still touching the hearts or those who are willing to open them to her wonderful gift....❤️❤️❤️
And there she was, acoustic guitar only, at the Blues Alley Club in 1996 in D.C. Fighting a head cold no less. This piece makes me cry. Every. Single. Time. May God rest her eternal soul.
I am not even religious, but I almost always say a prayer when i listen to Eva. I really don't think this messed up world deserves this angelic voice, but it is precisely what this world needs. RIP.
This recording of a live album was made in January of 1996. By November 2, Eva had passed away. I haven't read nearly all the comments, but you need to know that Eva, besides having cancer (she wasn't diagnosed at this time), had a TERRIBLE cold the night this was recorded. She almost cancelled the gig. But rather than let down all the people involved, she went ahead with it. She hated the results, as she felt her vocals weren't good enough to be released. The years since have proven her wrong. But can you imagine what we might have had, if she had met her own standards? This song is sublime as is...how could she have done it better???? As an aside, you need to find "Autumn Leaves" and "Fields of Gold", with or without the London Symphony Orchestra. Eva's acoustic versions are still my favorites, but you can never have too much Eva. Sting has made the comment, after hearing Eva's version of Fields of Gold, that the song was no longer his.There's also a posthumous duet of Fields of Gold with Michael Bolton. You should watch the "making of" video. This March, 2023, there is a new album coming: "I Can Only Be Me". Nine previously recorded songs that they pulled Eva's vocals from, and re-recorded tracks with the London Symphony Orchestra. Eva purists will say leave well enough alone. I reiterate that you can never have too much Eva, lol. I can't wait. (Some of the tracks are already on youtube)
She waa AMAZING at the guitar aa well. ❤Sad she died so young😢
Very sadly she passed away before she really became known. Her Songbird album is pure gold and I treasure every song.
Eva Cassidy has the best voice i ever heard. Perfection. Only one EVER to stop me in my tracks when i heard her.
She owned this song! Her guitar & voice made for a perfect voicing team.
Welcome to the world, according to Eva. Though she is physically gone, her soul is very much alive in the lives that have been touched by her music.
Gets me bloody everytime. Can't listen to this song without my eyes full of tears. Voice of an angel.
One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard.
It makes me think of crossing over the rainbow to heaven.
I always get tears in my eyes hearing her, watching someone new behold her awesomeness and appreciate it. How beautiful it must be to have a voice that shocks and amazes people in such a good way. Maybe in my next life god will bless me that way. Rip, Eva. Sing for God and the angels.
Amen.
Eva Cassidy has the sweetest most tender voice I’ve ever heard in along time, sad to say I discovered her after she passed. Field of gold is another favorite of mine. So glad you found her.
You have been just been captured by the magic that was Eva. Never again a voice like that. Rest eternally Eva!
I has been a fan even before she passed. She is a master of making songs hers. Lost he way to soon . Should have been a super star.
I cry everytime I play this.
When I first heard E.C on the radio. I had to just go stand by my radio and listen. She deserved all my attention. When I then heard her sing this song. I cried.You don't just hear Eva Cassidy sing you feel her. People get ready by her in a must listen.
Eva is pure gold. She owns this song, and it's perfection. What a talent. Apparently she was feeling quite sick (Cancer) when performing this song and felt it didn't come out well. As many musicians have said, it's complete perfection, and we are fortunate to hear her. She has complete vocal and musical mastery!
Have reactions to this recording for about a week now, and like most of us we are completely moved by her singing and playing. She was the complete package. What a tragedy to have lost her at the young age of 33, back in 1996. It's ridiculous that so many of us had never heard of her until now. Cancer robs us all of thing so beautiful. Thank God for recordings and whoever decided to first bring her back to us.
Right. She was hopeful even as she knew there was no hope for her. Utterly sad.
It’s like hearing this song for the first time ,so beautiful, tears and chills .
We all had the same reaction you just had when you hear her for the first time
I loved watching your reaction to Eva
In my opinion she’s a master singer Add musician combined making her the best
Any Of her songs are beautiful
Some of my other favorites of hers are I know you by heart and songbird and Fields of gold
Eva is pure heart
like No other
an angelic eternal gift to this planet
Thank you for posting this review of her Somewhere over the rainbow
I can never listen to it Without her moving me to tears touching my heart And soul
I could not imagine it any better Because this emotional version is perfection
Thank you Eva for sharing your beautiful self with us
I do look forward to finding you over the rainbow and among the stars
love you forever ….
Best ever, it gets to me every time I listen to Eva singing this song, and her music, It's awesome, I just love this humble young lady
Eva was a gift to us though sadly short-lived. Yes "autumn Leaves" and "Fields of Gold" are quite amazing. I have a friend who was lucky enough to see her perform live. It breaks my heart every time I hear her. Thanks for your heartfelt reaction to this. You have touched the ethereal.
Tall Trees in Georgia from the Blues Alley session never ceases to get me teary -most particularly her salute to her parents.
@@fonkenful I so agree.
I've heard this song dozens of times and I have to dry my eyes every time. As an instrumentalist and arranger myself, I loved how she used the original melody in the guitar. Amazing.
Wow...i was left with my eyes swimmiing in pool of tears after listening to something so beautiful 💙
Your reaction is absolutely priceless. That "Wow, wow, wow" from you is how we all feel when we listen to her. She's phenomenal. And yes, her "Take My Breath Away" is the one you're thinking of and is another beauty....
Every song is mind blowing. Pick one. You’ll see. 😎
Eva Cassidy was also a great Jazz singer. Treat yourself to her arrangement of "Cheek to Cheek", also on the Eva Cassidy Live album. I'm one of those lucky people from DC who got to see Eva live. She'll always be in my heart.
Hi from Maryland! I enjoy your honest and even vulnerable reactions. This one you made was exceptional - Eva Cassidy’s Over the Rainbow 🌈. How ironic that the film was in B & W and the song was about the rainbow. Hopefully you know Eva’s tragic life story. From the time she sang this cover she hadn’t a year left to live. I’m commenting this month because I wanted to let you know, Miss Cassidy‘s first orchestral album just came out (March, 2023). The technology finally exists to lift Eva’s vocals from previous recordings. The London symphony orchestra, arranged, and played, were folded with Eva’s recordings producing this new album. I find it phenomenal! perhaps you could react to her singing of “Autumn Leaves.” Her range, tone and emotive abilities are showcased in that selection. I’ve enjoyed the entire album over and over, getting my music from Spotify. You know, no videos are possible, obviously. Would you consider reacting to just the audio? I really hope so. As Sir Elton John has said, Eva Cassidy is one of the three best voices he’s ever heard.
Loved watching your reaction and appreciation of this beautiful song!
Listen to all she has recorded. Every piece is equally amazing.
I cried during this , so beautiful.
The best voice in the history of popular music ever. Incredible!
Adore Eva. Easy Street Dream and Blues in the Night are also beyond incredible but cant go wrong with anything this earth angel sang. A constant and sublime inspirational force of nature. We are blessed to hear her. Rest in Perfection Eva.
She made every song she sang her own. Just check out the others especially wonderful world. She gave her family and friends a final concert before dying from cancer. She was so medicated that she had to be helped onto the stage. Despite all that she crushed the song. Have a listen. Cheers from Canada and liked and subscribed.👍😎🥶🇨🇦🏹
I love watching first reactions to Eva Cassidy. She does blow you away, doesn't she? I never tired of listening to her. Listen to her with "Fields of Gold" and "Autumn Leaves".
Eva was an incredible artist who left us far too soon. The fact that no one in the music industry didn't snap her up and make her the worldwide star she deserved to be will forever shame that enterprise. I just know that Eva is singing with the angels right now. Thank G-d she left some recordings for us mere mortals to enjoy while we weep over her premature passing.
Dennis - it breaks my heart to hear such a beautiful, soul stirring song just to know she tragically lost her life to Melanoma at 33 years young, just when her career was about ready to explode!!
You would do well to listen to her other wonderful, bluesy offerings that will touch your heart...just to think what might have been had she went on to higher heights in her musical journey.
I'm thankful she left behind a treasure trove of her music that will stand the test of time.
RichieC (Alpharetta boy)
I never get tired of listening to Eva's vocal gift. Remember, this is a live recording at Washington, D.C.'s Blues Alley nightblub. Oh, and Eva had a cold that night. A proud daughter of our DC Metro area here, Eva lives and lives and lives. #RIP Songbird.✝✝✝
She was such an awesome singer and guitarist.
No one can arrange a song like Eva did, she could take songs that are such classics and make them so uniquely her own.
During her lifetime record companies wouldn't sign her as they couldn't pigeon hole her into one genre.
Literally everything she sings is AMAZING as a looong time Eva Cassidy fan some of my favourites are "I know you by heart", "tall trees in Georgia", "Kathy's Song"and "the water is wide".
Tall trees in Georgia is stunning!
So nice too see someone seeing her for the first time. She has the voice of an angel. Wait until you hear her sing Fields of Gold.. Her cover of it brought Sting to tears. Her cover of Songbird will break glass. You would enjoy watching the Nightline Special of her. It's on TH-cam. This rabbit hole is deep.
Well I have follow Eva Cassidy for a long time and she really not only sings it so beautifully and she is living it as well just look at her eyes🌹
Eva she sings with such emotion never be another like Eva she was amazing have you Ever heard a song with so much feeling
Eva Cassidy was an amazing singer her version of bridge over troubled water and Autumn Leaves are also amazing. Sadly she passed away at just the age of 33 due to melanoma several years ago.
She could sing any song & make it her own. Her voice, her guitar skills. This songs brings me to tears no matter how many times I listen to it. She sings, How can I keep from Singing”. Another favorite of mine.
never listened to Eva Cassidy I love the song over the rainbow such a beautiful song man loved when judy garland sung it Eva has a beautiful voice love her version so emotional sounding man her different style of it is great I'm feeling all kinds of emotions in this version she sings her heart out on this one great version well done Eva beautiful 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Danny Boy and Autumn Leaves are a couple of her other songs that will blow you away.
She even did a cover of Stormy Monday playing a Stratocaster with her band. A unique talent who was taken much too soon…..❣️
She's my absolute vocalist. She is a gift from God. Can you imagine if she didn't die of cancer!
She’s on awesome singer hard to believe she passed away less the year later after recording this from cancer
Beautiful. Thank you. ❤️
Why oh why do us “Brits!” Keep showing you Americans the phenomenal talent that sits right under your nose!
Wow oh wow 😥😥😥😥 The Angels in heaven are rejoicing with this beautiful soul🌹🌹🌹
A masterpiece. I'm born in Washington DC and raised in the area and my brother saw her live! You nailed the reaction you did a great job. Thanks!
There is no need for comparison here. Eva instantly conveys a wistful, wishful world in the first few lines. Her melodic vocal choices are exquisite! The vulnerable throbbing of her voice creates an emotional response few can equal. Tasty guitar accompaniment backing the most poignant rendition of this classic I've ever heard.
She is a Goddess, for sure!
Вона Богиня, безумовно! 💛💙
The sad part is that the world arrived too late to appreciate her talent, her voice and her playing. We are so blessed to have this video, so we can see what has been lost to us all. Just think about what her talent is to take an iconic song, that everyone knows, change it, and make it your own and then make it better than the original. RIP Eva, November 2 1996 will be remembered as a date of what we lost.
Eva's reflective reinterpretation of this classic is both melancholy and inspiring; simply in a class of its own. Such a tragic loss, but she's probably entertaining the angels in heaven✨💖🙏🏻🇺🇸🍁Autumn Leaves is definitely worth a listen.
The very best reaction thankyou, makes you want to hear it again immediately doesn’t it.
"Autumn Leaves"
I heard this song for the first time at the beginning of Alpha dogs the movie. I couldn’t rest until I found out who sang it and I’ve listened to it a million times since then. So beautiful!!
Fields of Gold!!!!!!!!!@@
Others have mentioned Autumn Leaves; but all the songs from her Blues Alley recording are wonderful. The band that played with her on that album was fantastic also.
She is over the rainbow now and we know that God is the bandmaster, the drummer, backup and allowing her to please all of Heaven. He made her story and her music for a reason.
A couple of days before Eva passed away she sang here.She was so weak she had to be helped on stage. Her final song "What A Wonderful World" say's it all about Eva.
There are soooo many songs I can recommend for you of her. She's insane!!ugh RIP Eva!!
Her life was short, but, at least musically, she had no fear. For me this song had become sooo hackneyed, until I heard this. Thank you, Eva,