“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a pop standard most commonly associated with Judy Garland, and is generally considered to be her signature song. It was written by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg for the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. While Garland’s version remains definitive and, in my humble opinion, magnificent, there was a version by the Hawaiian artist Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwo’ole that gained some popularity for its sparse arrangement and distinct ukulele accompaniment. Though Iz passed away in 1997, his music has remained a staple of movies, television and commercials ever since. I am not ashamed to say I learned about this version when Jason Castro sung it on American Idol in 2008.
Six-year-old Connie Talbot became an internet sensation and favorite on the show Britain’s Got Talent when she wowed the judges with her rendition of this standard in 2007.
The original:
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