Classical Composer Reacts to Fields of Gold (Eva Cassidy) | The Daily Doug (Episode 139)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.พ. 2025
- #FieldsOfGold #EvaCassidy #FieldsOfGoldReaction #Sting
In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm reacting to the sublime rendition of Fields of Gold by Eva Cassidy. The original by Sting is one of his best songs, but I think Eva improves on the original. Take a ride with me through one of the better popular songs of the last 30 years.
Reference Video: • Eva Cassidy - Fields o...
Eva doesn't just have a wonderful voice and lovely guitar playing, but she emotes and brings forth the meaning and feeling from the lyrics like no one else ever can match.
There’s a story that when Sting heard Eva’s version of Fields of Gold he declared “ it’s not mine anymore “.
If Sting declared it, it is so!
Lovely is exactly what it is
Miss her voice so much
I remember when I found songbird in our local record shop
I played it for months on end
That's a beautiful story and would be a credit to both singers - a part of me wants to go verify it. A bigger part doesn't care.
Nope - just going to sit here and enjoy my tears thanking both Sting and Eva and leaving them together in my mind.
Even if he didn't say it, he MIGHT have said it, and it would still be true.
I'm doing alot of reached on this song I'm studying music at uni and was wondering where you got this from so I can quote it in my paper. thank you so much! :))
Eva's Live at Blues Alley is not only my favorite live album ever, it's one of my favorite albums ever period. Pretty much every song she covers on there (Fields of Gold, People Get Ready, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Take Me To the River) is now my favorite rendition of that song. They recently released a two-disc version called "Nightbird" that's tremendous. Though I do think they did a great job selecting the best cuts for Live at Blues Alley, it's great to hear the full performance and there's still not a bad performance among the 30+ songs. She was truly a peerless interpreter of songs, with an impeccable voice and amazing versatility. I think the lack of success she had during her lifetime is due to people (well, labels) not knowing what to do with someone who was so equally at home in blues, jazz, rock, soul, pop, and everything in-between.
I agree with everything you said. Absolutely great album. And those songs you highlighted are my favs also.
I didn’t know about Nightbird! And I never knew she did Duke Ellington! Her version of that is up there with Dr John’s.
Thanks so much for the heads up about that release!!!
Jonathan, I've listened to her entire body of work, she inspires me......old sentiment..se makes me want to be a better man
Live at Blues Alley is amazing. I recently bought a vinyl copy. And, Doug, as great as Fields of Gold is, please listen to Eva's cover of Over The Rainbow. Yes, I know what you're thinking, who could top Judy Garland?...but have a listen. You won't be disappointed.
Just received the 45 rpm vinyl 7 disk set of Nightbird and it is glorious.
Her rendition of 'Over The Rainbow' is exquisite. ABSOLUTELY EXQUISITE!
Eva Cassidy's life is such a tragic story . . . I am a 63-year-old man who is not ashamed to say I cry more often than not listening to her delicate and inspirational interpretations of song after song. As is too often the case, gone too soon . . . underappreciated during her brief life, and finally getting the recognition she deserved.
43. 6' solid 245. Picked it as my wedding song when I was about 16. Every Fucking Time Man.
And I'm usually a metalhead.
We have to get her a Grammy ... posthumously. Sting, are you out there ????
I had bought this CD after hearing this song on the radio. It was the days of the portable CD player and I took it to work. In the office we often exchanged CD‘s so broaden our listening as the office had a good mix of varying tastes. I approached a friend and asked him if he had heard of Eva Cassidy and if he would like to listen to the CD. He replied genuinely, “ Oh no, I can’t listen to her… she makes me cry”
This hard rock and Metal fan just had tears in my eyes. ENOUGH SAID
Yep.
I remember stumbling across Eva Cassidy around 2009. I heard this song and just cried and cried, and I didn’t even know why. It hit me somewhere very deep. I still love it, though I still get a little watery when I hear it. The thing is, I almost never cry, maybe once every few years. Eva just grabs your heart and rips it out, and you’re not even mad about it.
She knew how to get a song and make it her own. She has done this so many times.
Maybe there is still hope for you? 😂😎
Eva Cassidy. Her voice and the arrangements left me speechless and emotional. It's rare to hear something quite as moving, it's beautiful. She must of been a gentle soul.
I first heard this song while watching a Michelle Kwan skating routine. I was instantly amazed with the absolute purity of the singer’s voice. Several Google searches and hours later I was hooked on the music of this songbird. To me one of the greatest female voices of the 20th century.
I came here to say this. What a great memory.
Eva's version of Autumn Leaves is on my Mt. Rushmore of most beautiful songs ever recorded. She was a gift.
It's an incomparable version. Her rendition is breathtaking. My mother isn't a big fan of music, but when she heard Eva sing this song, it did something to her that I've never seen before. She's 88.
Agreed!!
My wife was telling me how this is one of her favourite songs (specifically Eva Cassidy's version) literally yesterday. She was 34 when she was diagnosed with Melanoma after our second daughter was born. Thankfully she has so far been doing very well, but it's a life-changing experience. Incredible timing Doug.
Wear sunscreen people.
Friends and family died and I never shed a tear, but iistening to that angelic voice the tears rolled down my cheeks..
Sunscreen is filled with cancerous-causing crap we do not need. TPTB push sunscreen for their nefarious reasons. The sun is our friend, not enemy. General common sense applies when being out in the sun. Long-sleeved white shirt with a broad-brimmed hat will do wonders to prevent sunburn.
Cancer is due to underlying emotional/psychologicl reasons long buried, ie., not addressed, but which must be released and so the release, that energy, emits/develops via what we call "cancer."
Also, many meats and processed foods can create and/or excerbate various dis-eases coupled with our 24/7 lifestyle/culture: it is ALL connected.
Dammit Doug, at first I was pissed you were playing along, but by the end you had me in tears at your last note. RIP Eva 👑🌻
Astounding, delicate, strong, powerful, sweet .... all these tones by one singer in one vocal. This was stunning.
Thanks for playing along on the piano. Everyone gets lost when Eva sings - the piano was a nice addition. Explore more of her content - you won't be disappointed.
Her voice, her delivery and her musicianship, are exquisite.
Thank you Doug for doing this for me. She’s my favorite female artist and one of the greatest voices in generations. And you are my favorite reaction talent. These are so entertaining and educational. I’ll request some others. Thank you again.
May I recommend that everybody who finds this version of Fields of Gold listens to Eva's sublime and peerless rendition of "I know you by heart" which is truly beautiful. It manages to be both uplifting and sad at the same time.
There are some singers/musicians who are magical (having an appeal that is hard to explain). Eva is one, and this song is one of her most magical.
She was one of those voices that reached right into your soul and drained the emotion from you. I am helplessly addicted to her voice. Rest in peace Eva!
Sting admits that Eva Cassidy OWNS this song.
Not to be critical for one thing I think you should realize is that by you playing your piano no matter how great you are it was upstaging the beauty of Eva Cassidy Play the song without you the way we've meant to be played I think people like you get their eagles involved and think you're going to make that song better but you're playing and frankly and annoyed me you're probably a nice man but can we a little bit of insincerity on your part as a composer to superimpose your personal version of Fields of Gold. Next time please sir use a kiss method keep it simple stupid I will not be listening to any of your reviews again but Eva speak for herself not as you accompanying her .
I am ashamed to admit that I became aware of Eva, only about two years ago. Hearing ''Fields of Gold'' & ''Autumn Leaves'' for the first time, coincided with a dark period in my life. Eva was introduced to me by a magnificent Lady who stumbled into my life, as if preordained to do so. The number of times I have listened to Eva sing is countless. Without fail. tears of joy & tears of sorrow spring from my heart, in a tribute that the power of music has upon my soul.
‘Tears of joys tears of pain’ … so true. Her version of ‘ somewhere over the rainbow - gets me every time emotionally.
Voice of an angel. Purity defined. A really special talent. Never got a major record deal.
Thank goodness. A major record deal would have ruined her.
she had offers but refused. There is a doco about her story, can't remember if it was a paper one or a video, she wouldn't compromise her musical taste and seemingly random choices of songs that were considered non-commercial in order to be signed to a label. She new as Eric suggests in his comment, that it would have ruined her. Imagine if youtube was around back then! It would have been a massive boon to her and allowed her to find her audience around the world!
Hi Doug, thanks for sharing this amazing moment of grace... I discovered Eva only few years after her death. I just cried first time i've heard her voice. At that time I didn't know she was dead... However, hearing this song my blood freezing in a minute. I remember the feeling It was just incredible. We can feel her soul through her voice... It's not with all singers/musicians wich whom we can feel that sensation.
Hope she's now in Paradise, walking in fields of Gold...
I have tears and am very touched. Beautiful 🎵
Hi Doug. Thank you so much for doing this one today. It is a song that truly stops you in your tracks, makes you sit down and stop whatever you're doing and just feel the music. Your quiet and gentle reaction was a testament to that. Eva's performance is just achingly beautiful. I sat, not moving, just watching you with tears running down my cheeks. I then read the comments with tears running down. I haven't heard this in a long time and will revisit her music. 🙏🏼❤🏆
She ranks right there with Streisand, Celine, Whitney, and Karen carpenter as one of the best female vocalist of all time.
Perfectly put. She breaks my heart
Can’t describe her heavenly version.
Yes, and I would put Linda Ronstadt right up there too.
Her’s is so pure.
And Roberta Flack
You are one of the best people I've heard doing reactions. Thank you for playing. She is pretty wonderful. I get lost when she sings it is so beautiful.
Doug's deep interior yearning to unite himself to beauty upon recognition moved me to tears. That is true art appreciation 🥹
Her versions of Songbird and Over The Rainbow are at least as spectacular as Fields Of Gold.
Good god, don’t encourage him. Do you want to hear him play over those beautiful masterpieces as well? What an ego this guy has, as well as no respect for the artist.
@@KanTexCali I've never seen his videos before. I love Eva Sanchez, but the moment he began to play piano, for me it took the enjoyment out of hearing her. I shut of the video immediately.
I agree as to cover of Songbird
I’ve known about Eva Cassidy for a long time but sadly not while she was alive. Some of her singing has moved me to tears but I can’t remember which song(s) at the moment. I loved your piano playing along with this one. It added another dimension to this beautiful arrangement.
Mr. Helvering,
I just recently discovered your channel and I am a Subscriber as well. I have to thank you so much for bringing back the passion in my musical Heart. I am a recent retiree of 28 years in the New York City Police Department, prior to joining the force I was a Percussionist/Drummer my whole childhood and leading up to the force was filled with Music, Music of all genres I soaked it all up I loved all Music, through the Years my life became consumed with taking orders and having to follow agendas of weak minded politicians and power addicted bosses. I had become lifeless a heart with no color, a mind void of creativity. But, recently due to stumbling onto your channel you have enlightened me and I am so excited to return to my real self and allow love and emotions back into me through music and to hear you breakdown songs and lyrics without bias understanding the heart, soul, tears emotions.time, pain, effort someone has put into a song is like food for my soul. Thank you for helping me find my way back home, as I write this I am in tears, I thought I was lost and was never going to be able to find my way back home again.
Thank you,
Thomas
Well said Thomas. Music is food for the soul.
First heard this on a sunny afternoon over the P.A. system at the Cambridge Folk Festival in the late nineties, I can still visualise the scene because the experience of listening to Eva for the first time has never left me.
Eva did a cover of cheek to cheek that is fantastic
That was amazing man, really nice playing along. So nice to see somebody who knows what they are doing in reviews.
I really enjoyed this break Doug. Thanks for your suggestion! Eva Cassidy is fantastic. Great piano playing as well!! I just blanked out my busy mind listening to this video...
Eva was incredible...my favorite one of her covers is her version of "Over the Rainbow"...it is absolutely legendary.
Elizabeth Zharoff just did a reaction to it. Wonderful cover of Judy Garland's song
@@32a34a ...thanks. I saw it!
@@gregorykenfield3134 Your welcome.
I believe that the reaction given by Elizabeth to Eva is the ultimate of any I’ve seen or expect to see.
Absolutely brings tears each and every time I listen to her sing Over the Rainbow at Blues Alley. Just her voice and her guitar. To me the most touching performance I've ever heard.
That’s the quietest Doug’s ever been when a song plays. 😭😂👍🏻
Thank you Doug once again you have made me realize how important music is in our lives, my wife and I had heard of Eva Cassidy however we were not familiar with her music we lost an incredible vocalist when she died, she has such velvet in her throat. Thank you for sharing this another excellent video I have become a huge fan.
Your playing along to Eva's singing was very, very nice! It added a certain touch of warmth to this song. Thank you!
Beautiful thoughts through your instrument, brother, on this lovely classic.
Such a comforting voice. I added this song to the playlist I'm running for my dear nephew's memorial service this weekend.
The world arrived too late to appreciate Eva's singing and playing. Every song that she sings she makes her own. Her talent is timeless. She took an iconic song in Over the Rainbow, changed the delivery and made it her own, and in doing that, made it better than the original. We are blessed to have some video footage of her. RIP Eva, thank you for what you gave us all. November 2 1996 will be remembered as the date of what we lost
A dozen of years ago a web correspondent of mine who always quoted and recommended HEAVY music once came out and said his most favourite singer ever was Eva Cassidy.
I had never heard about her before and thought she had to be some metal lady if he was so keen on her.
So I checked and was astonished by the divine ether that surrounded me.
No wonder even that raw guy had been caught by this brilliance.
This song is an excellent choice for a nice change-of-pace from the heavier songs.
I am so glad that you enjoyed this, i have never heard any music that reduced me to tears of joy with such beutiful sounding voice. What a real shame that this wonderful singer was taken so early in life, it seems that she packed everything into the time she had, but did it in such a catching and haunting voice, with a totally different idea of timing, like the autumm leaves, and some where over the rainbow, i have never heard anything that moved me so much.
I think that most in the music world would find something truly amazing in this ladies work, like you i could not help by play along, but felt that i was butting in on something very private, wonderful!!!!
Missed this moving video Doug. Now I've found it. Thanks Doug, beautiful moving choice.
Absolutely beautiful. Her version is even better than the original. Glorious
I would rather say she makes it her own. I´m very careful saying that any song is better than the original. (There are exceptions, however ;))
Agree! 👍🏾👏🏾
I believe sting had heard this version of his song and commented that she nailed it and he liked it very much personally I like both versions
This was our wedding song so it has extra meaning to me (I'm all choked up like a sap). Nice version of course. Thanks for sharing.
Enjoyed your non intrusive piano too, Doug…very nice. I’ve been pleasantly aware of her rendition for a long while and it’s one of my favorites of hers.
RIP Eva. Why would one so beautiful be taken so early and rob us of that talent.
Eva is a gift to us all. She still lives in all of us. The song is a masterpiece. Eva is so brilliant!
One of a kind voice. Forget how I came across Eva's music, but so glad I did.
To Sting's credit, the lyric-language is incredibly simple and elemental, nearly all single-syllable English words. Perfect for the elemental Eva.
Thanks for changing up genres. So much good music out there
Thanks for jumping in Doug on piano. Just beautiful.
so beautiful and such an amazing voice. Your reflection on the lyrics took it to a new powerful level.
I came across this cover awhile back on Amazon and bought it for my digital collection. It's so full of feeling that it gives me that glorious emotional catharsis that one rarely gets.
Beautiful. Your playing along added so well. Thank you Doug.
A crazy WGN afternoon radio personality introduced his audience (including me) to Eva Cassidy many years ago, not by playing her music but by simply recommending her to his audience. I'm so glad I listened and followed his advice. If you have an opportunity, listen to her sing "I know you by heart". You won't be disappointed.
I heard this just now and thought how familiar Sting's description sounds. I checked out my suspicions and my 12th great grandfather and many generations after first owned the estate with the barley fields until 1897 before Sting purchased it from later owners. The 800 acre estate is near Stonehenge.I have photos of it. This song means so much to me because it is the last song my husband and I danced to.😪 bittersweet beauty
I just love her. My favorite artist. This song and Songbird are so beautiful. Sting likes this version better than his own.
I compliment your piano resonance also. You know when to just stop and let silence take it. And your playing really connects. As a pianist myself, take it from me. That ain't easy.
She reinvents every song that she does, always for the better. I knew the Sting version - and this is like another song altoghter.
I never thought much of this song when I heard the Sting version. Nice but very predictable with no musical surprises. But every time I hear the Eva Cassidy version it is so uplifting and emotional. She sings it perfectly.
Amazing artist who could sing any song from any genra. And make any song to her very own. A voice and musical feeling that am touching and will touch me for the rest of my life...some tearing up goin on....
"This is stronger than nature. This is us." Yes.
That is beautiful what you did there on the piano. This is great.
I was introduced to her music about 12 yrs ago her version OVER THE RAINBOW beautiful
Legendary!
Truly gorgeous! I’ve seen a few singers on the TV competitions “borrow” it. Most people don’t know where they got it from.
I absolutely love your playing along to this, so sympathetic 👍
This is still like an angel for me. I sometomes wonder what would happend if she still was alive. This album has a very important part in my life. That year my best friend passed away. Thsi album was my comfort during my grief. I still play this from time to time.
i love her dynamics so much
I'm a follower of your channel Doug, and I never wrote anything; but the magic atmoshere that this kind of music can create, is the reason we cannot live without music. Have you ever seen a mute movie with not soundtrack? Thanx for sharing Eva Cassidy cover
I came across her music and story a couple years ago and introduced her to my teenage daughter who now has a number of her songs on her playlist. She is about as across to how an angel would sing in my imagination.
Wow! A music lover who in 2022 STILL hasn't heard this near-legendary recording?
That was a treat. I know this Eva Cassidy's cover of this song well. I loved your accompianment.
Love Eve Cassidy's music style. Emotional and sometimes hauntly beautiful, especially since she's gone.
Felt so good! Wow.
Eva' voice & arrangements will always bring the lyrics to life. Sorry, but Eva was perfect. She didn't need any accompaniment.
Theo, you are making an assumption that he thought she needed an accompaniment, when in reality, it's clear that as a composer music compels him. He played because he had to play.
Over the Rainbow will bring anyone with a heart to their knees! Best version ever, just timeless!
She was really something special ❤
What a beautiful choice for a change of pace. It was nice to see you so engaged.
Hi Doug, thank you for the ride, although it’s one of my favourites song I’ve never heard this version. For me it’s always been a song of the "memory lane" of life. Some GOLD over all our memories… Especially because we experienced Sting life as part of a light show in the late seventies in our Audimax of the university. He wasn’t famous at this time, but we heard his voice and whispered to each other: he’ll be a big one… So Sting is a leaf of golden barley for us himself. My youngest brother introduced you to me, a big Iron Maiden fan😉, I’ll thank him! And I’ll hear more Eva Cassidy… Love from Germany, Monika❣️
Thank you for the video! She is truly wonderful! What a gift to the World, indeed. I found her through another wonderful musician Katie Melua and their duet in "What a wonderful world" song. Glad I found your channel. Would like to hear your reaction to any J.S. Bach music, since he is my favorite composer of all time. Can't stop listening to him. Anyway, thanks again and may God bless you and your loved ones.
Eva is uniquely talented, has given us so many brilliant songs. But let's not overlook the remarkable writing/creation of this simple, moving song by Sting.
She’s gone to young but will keep singing to all of us with her storytelling angelic voice.
What a great accompaniment to such a great cover to such a great song! Heartfelt.
That first note (oooh) already brings the tears to my eyes
I absolutely love the metal music covered, but that was a great way to cleanse the palate. So many great seas to sail (musically), and this was certainly a fine voyage.
Will be sure to check her out :)
Wow, you are talented! That you can come up with such a beautiful accompaniment..!!!
this rendition by Eva is the best song ever - it is so beautiful and so far over the rainbow! My absolute favourite!
Eva one of my all time favs, when I first heard her I wanted to go see her, then found out she had passed, it kicked my ass,,,,Thank You Sir!
Such a loss, 33! this is not fair. Been listening to her version since it came out. Was the most requested song on Steve Wright's show, Top Of The Pops 2. We miss you Eva. xx
Evas' voice gives me goosebumps every time I listen to her...
Hello again Doug.
I'm bingeing your channel today.. have gone right back to the start and am listening forward.
Sadly I hate heavy metal [although from the viewing figures clearly your audience loves it which is great :-) ] so I'm scrolling over much of what you've posted, but I am so enjoying your feedback on the episodes I am watching.
This woman.. man.. what a loss. I assume you know her version of Over The Rainbow.. which I can tell you is now THE definitive version of the song in the UK. Whenever anyone auditions with it on shows like BGT or The Voice it's HER version they sing, not Judy Garland's.
That's testament to her sheer talent. Thank you for posting this. xx
Lovely reaction! Lovely that you read out the lyrics before the song and discussed the song. A lot of reaction videos stop the song either after an emotional phrase . Verse or chorus you didn’t interrupt the song at all. The little piano you played did nt interrupt the beautiful song. I suppose I know the song so well nothing interrupts this song it’s so good.
Maybe you should do ‘ somewhere over the rainbow’ by Eva Cassidy. It’s beautiful. Congrats on video !
The title song of the Album will blow you away
Such a beautiful, rich voice. Normally singers doing huge amounts of rubato in their interpretation and being way behind the beat etc winds me up no end, but somehow she manages to do it not only without triggering my musical OCD but in the process makes the song sound even better. It's like she's way off but yet it still fits. A rare talent indeed.
The saddest thing about Eva’s life are the people that have never heard her.
Such a pity she died so young. A bitter loss!
Jesus. I had no idea about her backstory. Came across her songs on Amazon a few years back and just assumed she was some unknown talent uploading cover versions to try and get noticed. Had no idea she died tragically decades ago. Such a sad case. Knowing this makes the song even more poignant.