Only now I see this reaction and... it makes me smile, my opinion, there is no competition, simply because Eva was at a level unattainable for Grace, EZ and Judy Garland!

We are all entitled to our opinions and I will never argue with anyone. But, what I will do is offer my opinion in regards to the same story. I know you said this was your third best version of the song. To me it was the best I've ever heard and, more than that, one of the most beautiful moments I have ever heard in my life.

And we must never forget she played the acoustic guitar as well so beautifully. This demanded skill and attention. And she seemed so alone and sad as she deeply moved our hearts. It struck me as a Lament for the vagaries of our lives - asking questions - simple questions - that impact us but have no definitive answers. Yet we must carry on: The Rainbow for Eva was Heaven. Thank-you.

The levels of brilliance in this are phenomenal... The phrasing, the guitar playing, the inversions she plays the dynamics, the way she builds the song up.. It truly is an amazing rendition..

This performance is a gift to mankind.

You must watch her cover of autumn leaves, it breaks my heart, it’s so good. May she Rest In Peace.

Eva sang this (in my view) as if she was pondering eternity (over the rainbow) as if she sensed her life would not be long. Thank you for appreciating her interpretation of this song.

Well done! You exemplify the two common elements of people who listen to this for the first time-- Head shaking, and being close to tears. I cry!🙏

Really good reaction video , she has no comparison ,I can't think of any.. and her guitar playing? Well a purist may find fault, well then if so I'd say their no purist.🎸🎤👍♥️ because that was virtuoso.👍

Eva's version of "Autumn Leaves " from this same evening at Blues Alley is IMO the Greatest Live performance by anyone of any song ever bar none

I never get tired of listening to Eva's vocal gift. Remember, this is a live recording at Washington, D.C.'s Blues Alley nightclub. 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.✝✝✝

Brother EZ’s version was my favorite until I heard Eva. Very different emotional performances but for whatever reason, performances that make me tear up without feeling sad are usually my favorites. Some of my favorite performers have passed way to to soon. Brother EZ, Eva, Elvis, Karen Carpenter, Michael Jackson & Jim Croce to name a few.

This was played two years later by a well-known D. J. at the BBC and the reaction was overwhelming! It didn't take long for this live performance of OTR to make it to number one on England's pop charts as it so rightly deserved. Without ever signing with a major record company (she turned them down), Eva and her small band sold a thousand albums prior to her death: Sales of her albums have posthumously reached well over ten million worldwide and she continues to become ever more respected for her unmatched vocal artistry. She's widely admired throughout Europe, but only about ten percent of Americans have heard of her, which may well reflect the lack of exposure she's received here.

Her version of Bridge Over Troubled Water is absolutely incredible as well. The Live at Blues Alley album is a masterpiece. There is an anniversary documentary on this performance that I highly recommend to those who love Eva.

The others you mentioned are truly exceptional. However Anything Eva did was beyond human endeavor. This tiny girl was truly touched. She is a completely different kind of singer. She’s not really singing. She is simply breathing and it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard in my life. Autumn Leaves from this same gig is beyond this world without doubt. Dig it! Enjoy!!🎺

Everytime I hear this rendition of" Over the Rainbow" by Eva Cassidy, I tear up! Its so, so beautiful! The song "If" by Bread use to be my favorite song, but since I've had the chance to hear Eva Cassdy's " Over the Rainbow" It's now my very favorite song and artist, bar none!

This is my number one favorite version of this classic. You only give it number three???? I'm also fond of her take on Cheek to Cheek, which is a more upbeat.

She touches my soul with her voice thank u Eva for sharing your mesmarising talent R.I.L beautiful soul

Perfect.

Mesmerizing. Thanks, Dax. 🙏

Don't know why I'm just now getting around to seeing your reaction on this one. For my taste this is the best, but, I think you nailed it when you said it's the most emotional. It makes me think of my dad who was a dreamer. And like most dreamers he stayed broke most of his life but was never boring. But my reasoning on it is purely emotional. I don't know if you ever heard it but check out Leon Russell's version from radio station kmod. It's on KZfaq now. Interesting version as well.

Eva was aware that she did not have long to live when she recorded this. A song of hope mirrored by the sad hopelessness in her eyes near the end. God bless and look after her.

It's never fair to compete one artist to another, especially when they are from different eras. Eva had control of this rendition from beginning to end. Judy didn't. she could only sing. I would suggest you liisten to Eva's version of Fields Of Gold. She changed a great pop song into an Irish Ballad. Eva always slowed it down & gave the lyrics the room to breath

Okay now you've heard Eva Cassidy. Now try digging a little deeper. Listen to "You Are" by Eva Cassidy. The prerecorded backtrack is not so great, but her vocals will give you a far better portrait of what her voice can do. Also try "Won't Be Long" an Eva cover by Aretha Franklin. You won't regret it.

Great review and fabulous artist. Could you react to 'Going Home' by Sissel, you will love it.

This is the live version that I saw when I asked you to do a reaction to Eva's cover of Over the Rainbow. As I like to say about Grace who PWNs a song when she does a cover, Eva PWNs this song.

You've already heard it.

Now, Dorothy dear stop even imagining things. You always get yourself into a fret over nothing. Now you just help us out today and find yourself a place where you won't get into any trouble. Dorothy: (To herself) Someplace where there isn't any trouble. (To Toto) Do you suppose there is such a place, Toto? There must be. It's not a place you can get to by a boat or a train. It's far, far away. Behind the moon... Beyond the rain.

Try her version of "Wonderful World".

4K disliked it because they are vocalists that cant compare to Eva's talent without using auto tune or digital enhancements let alone playing an instrument during a live setting, they just don't have the ability.

... and to think she had a cold when she performed this . . .

You say listen then stop the video and talk over her while it plays. Just let it play - then talk when it is over. I think all would appreciate it.

Eva had worked as a commercial painter in the years prior to this performance. That industry is rife with toxic chemicals. While she may not have known the full weight of her illness, she certainly knew she was very ill.

Very close 3rd? ...oy vay...

Did he say THIRD best version of this song? What??

Third???

When you said this version is a close third, I stopped watching. Buh bye. Not interested in comparisons.

A few things: Look where her eyes are focused.....they are above her audience. She presented this song the same way whether in a rehearsal room or on stage or alone in her bedroom. She was lost in the moment. This recording, like the others in the album, was made on the second night of her gig...after the first night's try suffered from an engineering snafu. It was done in a single extended take with absolutely no enhancements. Arguably, the greatest interpreter of lyric and melody...ever. Also, go to the last word....me....before the guitar interlude and listen closely. She extends the note and it drops off gently under the first notes of the guitar.....a master moment. However good people think her voice was, if you listen closely....it was better. Finally, Eva's family and friends fiercely protect her memory and her legacy at her website. www.evacassidy.org. Many, many questions are answered there. Check out the "Celebrity Fan Mail" to get a sense of just how revered she was in the music community...even if she was discovered too late. Eva was a unicorn: a miraculous, mythical creature never to be seen again.

Third ???