It's almost as if she had a hint of what was coming in her life and was contemplating heaven and dying. Watch her eyes as she sings the phrases... and her guitar sings too. Takes my breath away.

It is the most Beautiful arrangement ever!! No one can top that.

Brings me to tears every time. The guitar work is just as amazing as her vocals. It’s like magic.

remember this was recorded live in a bar.... not a studio and she sounds this good.

I'm 82. Do I dare say this is the most beautiful piece of music I have EVER heard?

People are falling in love with Eva 27 years later. She takes us on a journey with her singing. Truly one of the best voices ever.

That guitar solo alone can bring total silence over a huge arena and leave them all with tears.

After hearing her sing this song, I have no need to ever hear anyone else do it. Her voice and her guitar are totally captivating. In my opinion, she set the bar too high for anyone else to follow. Now, I am off to search for more by Eva Cassidy!

Eva Cassidy was only known locally in the USA until discovered by 2 BBC radio DJ's in the UK. Mike Harding and Terry Wogan on BBC Radio 2 started playing her music and she became so popular in the UK she went to the top of the album charts. Finally she was recognised in the US and became a hit there. All this happened years after her death from cancer. She had been offered record deals in the US but they wanted to change her and she refused.

If your eyes do not rain tears , your soul can have no rainbow ( Native American wisdom ). This is more than a song , it was Eva's prayer. Rest in peace Eva.

possibly the most enchanting female singer of all time.

One of the things to remember is that she died from cancer less than a year after this video.... thank you Eva for your light..😔🙏😔

Nice reaction! This recording was done in January 1996. In June of that year Eva was diagnosed with metastasized melanoma and she died in November. She was really only known in the Washington DC area when she passed. Her first solo album, Songbird, was released after her death. It wasn't until two years later, when a couple of DJs in England played her recordings of Over the Rainbow and Fields of Gold on the radio and TV, that she really began to be noticed. Since then, her albums have sold over 10 million copies. I first learned of her in 2000, when NPR included her version of Over the Rainbow in a list of the top 100 recordings of the 20th century. I have loved her ever since. It was only last year that I learned that a friend of hers had recorded this performance at Blues Alley on the night they were recording her live album. As far as I know, the 13 songs on that video are the only full videos we have of her performing live. I am so grateful to get to see her perform. By the way, Eva's voice could go from razor thin whisper to sky-piercing belt in a second. For some great examples of that, check out Blues in the Night, or Oh, Had I a Golden Thread. Thanks for reacting to this! This recording brings me to tears every single time I hear it.

Greatest female singer of our lifetime...there's nothing more that l love than seeing people finding Eva for the first time...l got to show this to my mom...same reaction

I'm 75 years of age and have watched this performance over a 100 times and every time my reaction is the same as yours. I think this should be a test. Of a person's heart if someone does not like this song. They shouldn't be considered a friend

I can always tell when a reactors heart is pure when they react to performances like this. You are one of them.

She became huge in the U.K., after her death, before most had ever heard of her here in the U.S. She was from Maryland. She died in 1996 from melanoma at the age of 33, several months after making this video. I learned of her music about 15 years ago from a friend who lives in Wales, U.K.!! I was stunned by her voice just as you were!!! She never wanted fame and fortune and turned down record deals because they wanted a "different" sound from her. She told them she wanted to sing HER music the way it was intended and didn't "sell out". She loved singing in coffee shops and cafe's because that's where she started. She has such a mesmerizing and haunting voice! Such a loss to the music world!!

So melancholy. This was recorded in January and she died in November of melanoma.

A master class in how to sing this song outstanding performance greatly missed. 🌟🙏

Like many,I had been familiar with the iconic Judy Garland version. But the very first time I heard Eva sing her version,I actually HEARD the words for the first time,and my heart broke. I listen to her songs regularly and always with a mixture of joy and sadness,if that makes any sense. She was magic!

Eva goes straight to your soul.

I’ve listened to this version of Over The Rainbow so m many times. Watching reactors become emotional brings out mine every time. Never fear, we were tearing up right along with you. Eva has a catalog of music that is nothing but amazing. One of my favorites is her cover of Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time from the same gig she did this video at. You should watch it.

Eva is the greatest voice to ever bless this world. Enjoy the journey for everything she does is the best you’ve ever experienced. Thank you Eva! Thank you so much.

Eva had such a pure beautiful voice, gone too soon. RIP.

When I first heard Eva on the radio. I had to stop what I was doing and give her my full attention. Then when I heard this rendition of Somewhere over the Rainbow. I cried and cried. Eva Cassidy has a way of not just having us hear her sing. We can feel it.

Eva Cassidy gives a completely new listening experience to any song she performs. #RestInPeaceQueen

Eva sang with her heart and soul and she touched others hearts and souls...such a gift ❤

There are no words that capture this performance. It’s the emotion it provokes that is the most important and you saw that.

She is the best all around female vocalist I've ever heard. So hauntingly beautiful and full of emotional impact. She could do it all: blues, jazz, gospel, folk. Eva grew up in the county next to mine but sadly, I only discovered her when she was ill and never saw her perform. Gone way too soon---all the music she had to give to the world was cut short. And we are all diminished by it when the world is robbed of such beauty. Please do more Eva reactions!

I ugly cried the first time I heard this. My mom had just died, and Eva was her favorite artist. We were going through her songs looking for one or two for Mom's memorial service and we came across this. Gut-punched. Needless to say, we added this to the play list. (This and How Can I Keep From Singing.) I'm so, so glad you're reacting to Eva!! Keep in mind, this is live. So many truly incredible performances by Eva. She didn't just sing, she felt every note and we felt it with her. Stormy Monday, I Know You By Heart, You've Changed, Songbird, I Need Your Love So Bad, Had I A Golden Thread, Autumn Leaves, Fields Of Gold...omg and so many more. I feel you, lol. ❤❤❤❤❤

Fields of Gold is another stunning cover by Eva. Bridge over troubled water broke me she emotes every word she sings ✌️❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Very honest Reaction, as always.❤.Eva was an singing Angel, send from Heaven to give us back real Feelings and Emotion. My Favorit is " Autumn Leaves"

Crying again in Scotland. Man her voice just slays me every time. Truly an angel returned home.😭🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Thank you for this reaction. The first time I heard Eva do this it broke me. I've listened to this performance many times since. Even now, it makes me tear up.

Her singing is amazing... but the guitar work is equally spectacular. Her passing was such a tragedy for her loved ones first, but for the world, too.

I fell in love with Eva, the first time I heard this masterpiece. Don't worry about the water works. Mine start every time I listen to this performance. I have every cd that was released in the US years after her death. You might be surprised to learn, Eva was battling a cold and wasn't sure she was going to be able to perform that night. It is a shame that she was taken from us too soon, but she will never be forgotten as long as there are people such as yourself, that appreciate her talent and voice.

Music opens up our emotions. GREAT music provides us with more and more intense emotions. No one has done it better than Eva Cassidy and gives new meaning to this timeless classic. We lost her much too soon.

Someone made this interesting observation: Judy Garland's version was sung with hope. Eva's version is filled with longing. She was -- and still is -- the best ever.

Every Eva’s song is gold…how many times have I heard this performance…and gotten through my youth…thanks

Discovered this amazing person many, many years ago and have shed tears on numerous occasions, just incredible and a terrible loss 😢❤❤

Her talent was her melodic interplay with her effortless guitar playing. Seamless, timeless and angelic! Taken from us before her time. Love her!❤️

We loved her and we lost her, and she was a jewel among gems. Thank you for getting it.

Hands down the greatest version ever of this song. She reaches into your soul and pulls your heart out to take you with her. Amazing.

This performance was filmed at Blues Alley for the Washington Area Musicians Awards in Washington DC in 1996, I believe. It was actually about a year after this performance that she passed away from melanoma. She was sick from some bug during this show, and was feeling pretty miserable. And was still able to do this!

That was such a beautiful rendition of this song. So sad that she is no longer with us. She died at only 33 years of age. I also love the version by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. Sadly he also died young at 38 years of age. At least we have their music left as a legacy.

Genuine artistic expression is a means granted by God for a sensitive soul to capture and send to its fellow beings fractions of ethereal and subtle emanations that could not be perceived in the limited dimension in which we vibrate. Thus, there are singers and there are interpreters, the latter being the rare embodied souls who manage to capture and materialize through sounds, the essence and beauty of indefinable and intangible expressions of the Creator, transmitting to other souls a glimpse of things that they can only feel and express it through a smile or a tear. From the depths of my soul, when I managed to capture the grandeur of this performance, tears expressed the ecstasy I felt listening to this song. A big hug Eva, immense gratitude that doesn't fit in my chest!!!

You came to the Party late but never too late!!! I only got here too only this year but have already listened to her Masterpiece 100s of time! Get my Daily Dose !!!

Tears come every time I hear her...I love Eva Cassidy. My favorite musical artist of all time. All her songs are captivating.

Tears fall as soon as she sings ,it's like the sweetest thing you have ever or will ever hear,an angel on earth to show us all how beautiful music is and takes you to a better place,no one will ever sing this and play this with do much emotion,it touches every part of my being.i love all types of music but if anyone asks me what do I want playing at my funeral look no further my friends,love this song, love Ava Cassidy please be still singing in heaven x

I never really liked this song till I saw this video about 20 years ago when it was shown on BBC TV. I recorded it on my VHS recorder and still have it somewhere. It's her unusual phrasing which sets it apart.

So nice to see you've discovered Eva Cassidy. She was my favorite before I found Morissette. I hope you'll also react to her Autumn Leaves

Been a fan since her first album came out, she was just outstanding, all of her songs are magic.

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

I've been living in DC 33 years now. I can't hear her version of this song without crying. That's just the way it is.

Rest in sweet, sweet peace, Eva 💔 🙏

This is so beautiful. I believe that if Judy Garland herself had heard this beautiful version of her song, she'd absolutely love it too. God rest and bless them both. So sad that both ladies died way too young. 💔 💔

Deb, I was going to request this song from you shortly but somebody beat me to it. It doesn't matter as long as you have experienced it. I describe it as hauntingly beautiful. Eva passed approximately 10 months after this performance at the age of 33 from melanoma, in 1996. Her KZfaq page has quite a number of performances chronicled but not that many with video. This performance is considered to be one of the finest ever recorded of over the rainbow. On another note, Eva recorded the legendary Fields of Gold by Sting. Angelina Jordan also recorded Fields of Gold. There is a stellar virtual mashup of the two singing together, compiled by BigAngieFan. You must experience that one as well when you are ready. Peace out

Try her version of “ Songbird “

Thank you for that reaction! Your expressions, I think, were exactly like mine. Your vulnerability and honesty are a real blessing to me.

One of the greatest pieces of music I have ever had the privilege to hear

Lovely reaction to an amazing performance.

There is no way to be prepared for this. The first time I heard her years ago I could not believe what I was hearing. Every song she does is instantly hers alone from then on. I love to watch people hear this for the first time because after the first verse you already know it's so special, but you still have no idea that "you ain't heard nothin' yet" til she does that ending and then ......... I've heard it dozens if not hundreds of times by now some 20 or so years after the first time and I still get moist eyes and a lump in my throat. A shimmering light that so delicately pierces the darkness and commands your full attention from beginning to end. No stack of 100 watt Marshalls can do that.

Written by Harold Arlen, Sung by Judy Garland, Owned By Eva Cassidy, I cannot listen to this without tearing up, no words can describe how beautiful her voice is, taken too soon, but not forgotten RIP ❤

Stunning emotional performance by Eva. So sad that she passed away so young. Lucy Thomas has also done a video of this which is simply beautiful. Your reaction is so genuine ❤

Those guitar parts she was playing are not that simple to play and shes singing like that while playing intricate guitar at the same time is equality impressive

Came back for another visit. This was GREATNESS, greatness in every way!

Eva Cassidy was so incredible what a voice and talent. It was such a tragedy and loss to the world when she died of cancer at only 33 years old in 1996, but her music will forever live on. Some other recommendations are Danny Boy, Time After Time, Fields Of Gold, Autumn Leaves, What A Wonderful World, Songbird. Thank you for your wonderful great reaction.

Thank you for a very beautiful reaction to one of my favorite performances by any artist, regardless of genre. Utterly beautiful. Love from Norway ♥♥♥♥♥

Such a beautiful rendition of the song… thank you for your transparency…great reaction.

This is Eva's song forever. R.I.P angel! She died about 9 months later of cancer. Make this quite more heartbreaking. As if she knew...

8 months ago Nice reaction! This recording was done in January 1996. In June of that year Eva was diagnosed with metastasized melanoma and she died in November. She was really only known in the Washington DC area when she passed. Her first solo album, Songbird, was released after her death. It wasn't until two years later, when a couple of DJs in England played her recordings of Over the Rainbow and Fields of Gold on the radio and TV, that she really began to be noticed. Since then, her albums have sold over 10 million copies. I first learned of her in 2000, when NPR included her version of Over the Rainbow in a list of the top 100 recordings of the 20th century. I have loved her ever since. It was only last year that I learned that a friend of hers had recorded this performance at Blues Alley on the night they were recording her live album. As far as I know, the 13 songs on that video are the only full videos we have of her performing live. I am so grateful to get to see her perform.

A real artist.

Phenomenal performance by one of the greatest vocalists of all time,rest in piece Eva ❤

WOW just WOW!

Rest in peace, sweet girl.

Debbie, this was most definitely the greatest rendition of this song ever sung by anyone. And her contribution with the guitar was outrageously beautiful, as well. I know you will not want to hear this but because of illness she passed away less than a year after this. She was in her 30's and this performance did not receive the recognition it should have received until after she passed away. Debbie, I believe we have to add one more comment on top of my opening remark. This is, perhaps, the greatest performance I have ever heard in my life. With saying that, I want to take this opportunity to introduce you to someone who participated in a mashup duet with her singing 'Fields of Gold'. Obviously, anyone singing with her must be an outstanding vocalist and, of course she is. I don't know the link and all that stuff but listen to Eva Cassidy sing 'Fields of Gold' with Angelina Jordan. I will hold back on telling you anything about her and let you just listen to her on the song. Then, I believe you will want to hear more of her. Angelina's fan base (her 'angels') will help you by sending you all kinds of data (playlists and bio's) about her and I know saying this might be something you could never imagine BUT, the emotion she will stir within you is not unlike what Eva did to you. Debbie, btw, for many of us who have seen this particular video literally scores of times, most of us started to tear up or full out started to cry (me!) and it happens every time to all of us. When you play this again for yourself in private, well, "Let it all out", as they say.

I love your honest and heartfelt reaction here. I always thought of this as being a happy song, yet Eva conveys so much more when she sings it - sadness, hope, longing, melancholy... a hundred different emotions. I'm not sure anyone else comes close. So sad that we've lost her, but she llives on through these exquisite pieces.

Hers is the only female voice who I feel shades Floors. That’s how great she is..

It's not just the best rendition of that song; it's the best rendition of ANY song ever.

Nice reaction. You said it for me. Stunning performance, great reaction.

Absolutely beautiful!! Makes me cry every time.

Sublime emotionally beautiful!❤

It's not just the most beautiful rendition of this song, it's the most beautiful rendition of any song...at least any song I've ever heard. We're just so lucky that someone had the presence of mind to capture this performance so so many people who heard it can so moved.

Every time tears of joy... and sadness. This angel hits you every which way with that voice. RIP Eva you wonderful, beautiful soul.

This is what I consider the diamond version of that song. Eva OWNs it, lock, stock, and barrel. How you weren't melted into a complete puddle of tears, I'll never know. This version gets me every. single. time. It completely guts me. Pure evocative emotion. I cry my eyes out every time. She is an angel now, but lucky for us, we got a small sampling of her true talent to hang onto. Check out Fields of Gold next, please...and Autumn Leaves...and the list goes on.

I like these genuine reactions. Unlike some other so-called reactors who, will remain nameless, love to stare at the camera and bang their head around off-beat and stare at the camera, pretending to be moved by the music.

If there is a heaven Eva is singing there .

So beautiful. Thank you

This planet and it's people lost one of the most beautiful voices & guitar players that there's ever been, the day Eva died. She was still getting over a cold/flu and has said she felt it best not to do this gig but the small venue & all the recording gear had been set up so she did it. You can hear a couple of times when her voice broke off a little at the end of a line, but it was no fault in her singing, it was the cold.

Sublime.

😢😢😢I'm not crying, you are crying😢. Eva already makes me cry but watching a sincere empath experience her brings buckets of tears. She had to be an Angel on loan💫⭐️. Her Fields of Gold will require a whole box of Kleenex. Her Autumn Leaves is uniquely her own. Keep going❣️

Definitely taken from us far too young 😥😥

I hate to tell you but, someone else probably already did. She died in 1996 more or less about a year after she recorded this. There is much more of her on KZfaq including a short biography. While there is much to say about it from a musician’s perspective I love hearing a non-musician tell how they felt emotionally. Thank you.

I can't listen to her version without breaking down. I'm a hot mess when I hear this. So beautiful, so heartfelt, so forlorn. This is the best version of this song I've ever heard, period.

This was recorded live at the Blues Alley nightclub in January 1996. Eva died of cancer less than 10 months later on 2 November 1996.

Keep loving on Eva...best of our lifetime....try Fields of Gold ....better yet Autumn Leaves

Recommend: her version of "Autumn Leaves" for another painfully beautiful rendition of an old song. Listen to the version filmed at the same time as "Over the Rainbow." (They later dubbed in the London Philharmonic, which is beautiful, but the earlier version has the simplicity you loved in this song.)

I remember clearly when Eva first got exposure on Wogan in the UK with this sing I was bowled over and it remains my favourite version. My reaction then, at 30 years old, was much like yours today. There are some "tingle factor" moments in this performance. I can't listen to any it her now Eva did many other covers, Fields of Gold (Sting) and Songbird (Fleetwood Mac) are two you should hear. Not only is her voice incredible, but her guitar is excellent. Beautiful Eva, a sad loss so young, RIP.

JEP CRYING AGAIN HERE IN DENMARK, SO STRAIT FROM YOUR HEART REACTION LOVE IT

Thank you for this honest reaction. I heard Eva for the first time with the song Fields of gold (Sting) and was overwhelmed. this version of over the rainbow is also incomparably beautiful. Eva became one of my favorite singers. and I was blown away by the following mashup of Fields of gold with Angelina Jordan. She is also able to grab everyone's heart accompanied by just a guitar. Past meets future. Eva and Angelina kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hsmqlpmAucuygqs.html