Kimberley Locke, Somewhere Over The Rainbow | COVERS

In the 50^th edition of COVERS (2023), Kimberley Locke delivers a compelling rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” originally performed by Judy Garland.

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and totally cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers, as opposed to the original/most famous performer.  It is open to both established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 50^th edition of COVERS (2023), 🎙 Kimberley Locke delivers a compelling rendition of 🎵 “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”, originally performed by 🎙 Judy Garland. 

It is no secret that 🎵 “Over The Rainbow” (or “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”) ranks among the most beloved songs of all time.  Penned by 🎼 ✍ Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg, it was originally recorded by 🎭 🎙 Judy Garland in 1939 in the historically important film, 🎦 The Wizard of Oz.  Since then, many, many musicians have covered the standard including American Idol, Season three, third place contestant, 🎙 Kimberley Locke.  The beautiful, talented Locke excelled throughout her season but faced stiff competition against winner 🎙 Ruben Studdard and runner-up 🎙 Clay Aiken.  Regardless, her rendition of 🎵 “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” was among her strongest performances.  She concluded her 2004 debut LP, 💿 One Love with a soulful take bearing similarities to the Patti LaBelle rendition from 1981.

Interestingly, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” in Kimberley Locke’s hands is a blend of country (just a hit), pop, and soul.  It makes sense – she is from Tennessee.  Also, One Love was released on Curb, located in Nashville, and featuring many country/country-adjacent musicians. The superb backdrop includes guitars 🎸, organ 🎹, keys 🎹, strings 🎻, and horns 🎺.  One thing I ❤️ about the production (🎛 Guy Roche) is how clean and crisp it sounds.  Furthermore, it suits Locke’s artistic sensibilities.  She sings exceptionally well. She shows incredible poise in the verses yet sings with incredible expression.  Her lower register is incredible… So is her middle and upper register.  As the record progresses, Kimberley lets loose, unveiling some fabulous ad-libs.  The best part is the dramatic ending,  which bears many similarities to that brilliant Patti LaBelle rendition from 1981.  Of course, Locke takes the riffs into her own hands and shines incredibly bright – “If happy little Bluebirds fly (Why can’t I?).”  Even though 🎵 “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” has been covered by everybody and his brother, it’s that standard that never seems to grow old. Kimberley Locke puts her foot into this one!

🎙 Kimberley Locke • 💿 One Love • 🏷 Curb • 🗓 2004

Kimberley Locke, Somewhere Over The Rainbow: Covers No. 50 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Curb; cottonbro studio, MART PRODUCTION, Ron Lach from Pexels; Paul Brennan from Pixabay]