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]