Patti LaBelle, Over The Rainbow

Reading Time: 3 min read

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

[otw_shortcode_dropcap label=”A” size=”large” border_color_class=”otw-no-border-color” shadow=”shadow” square=”square”]h, 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.[/otw_shortcode_dropcap]

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.