Patti LaBelle, Over The Rainbow | COVERS

In the 49^th edition of COVERS (2023), Patti LaBelle delivers a compelling rendition of “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 49^th edition of COVERS (2023), 🎙 Patti LaBelle delivers a compelling rendition of 🎵 “Over The Rainbow”, originally performed by 🎙 Judy Garland.

It is no secret that 🎵 “Over The Rainbow” ranks among the most beloved songs of all time.  Penned by 🎼 ✍ Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg, “Over the Rainbow” was originally recorded by 🎙 Judy Garland in 1939.  It appeared in the historically important film, 🎦 The Wizard of Oz.  Since then, many, many musicians have covered the standard including the legendary, 🏆 Grammy-winning musician, 🎙 Patti LaBelle. LaBelle has covered the ballad twice (in a studio setting) in her career.  The first was in 1966 with 🎙 The Bluebells as the opener on their album, 💿 Over The Rainbow – an important career moment.  However, it is her 1981 solo rendition from her album, 💿 The Spirit’s In It, that moves me the most.

“Over The Rainbow” in LaBelle’s hands gets a more soulful take. How could it not? Typically, the record is set in either common time or cut time – depending on the notation.  This rendition shifts to a lilting 12/8 meter (Note: it could be notated as 6/8, too).  Where The Bluebells’ takes sounds characteristic of 60s soul, the 80s solo rendition is bigger, lusher, and more sophisticated.  It helps that 🎛 Kenneth Gamble and James Budd Ellison produce 💪. The backdrop – the orchestration – is nothing short of sensational thanks to the rhythm section, lush strings, and rousing winds 🤩.  Of course, the biggest reason for the resounding success of this take on a tried-and-true gem like “Over The Rainbow” is the vocalist herself.  Patti gives us electrifying vocals from the onset. Her tone is exquisite.  She superbly tweaks the melody, making a then forty-plus-year-old song sound brand-new.  When she ascends into her upper register, it’s epic to the nth degree.  The crowning achievement? That huge slide up to that G, of course. The ad-libs are everything on this utterly sublime interpretation of 🎵 “Over The Rainbow” that honestly, deserves far more love ❤️.  There is, also a live version, which differentiates itself from the studio version from The Spirit’s In It.

🎙 Patti LaBelle • 💿 The Spirit’s In It • 🏷 Philadelphia International • 🗓 1981

Patti LaBelle, Over The Rainbow: Covers No. 49 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Philadelphia International; cottonbro studio, MART PRODUCTION, Ron Lach from Pexels; Paul Brennan from Pixabay]