A Bridge Over Troubled Water

What more can be said about this song? It’s a secular hymn that has become greater than itself. It’s a cliché now, but try to imagine the first time the listening public heard the line, “Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down?” It must have been incredible.

Stevie Wonder—Hope for Haiti Now (2010): I attended a Stevie Wonder concert a few months ago (I HIGHLY recommend it) and he is better live, but always reliable for a great performance.



Clay Aiken—Jerry Lewis Labor Day MDA Telethon (2004): When he sang this song on American Idol, it was generally considered to be his best performance (Simon said it made his hair stand on end), so it was fitting when he chose it for this telethon.



Paul Simon—America a Tribute to Heroes (2001): This telethon, held in the wake of September 11, was very popular and the resultant compilation album enjoyed good sales. I guess no one can do it like the original.

Benefit concerts

When I was watching the telethon for Haiti relief, I noticed that a lot of songs are staples at such fundraisers. They seem to reliably evoke certain emotions or express how people feel at such occasions, and so artists keep coming back to them. This will start a series on covers done at benefit concerts.

In the meantime, I found this fascinating article on the history of the telethon, called “A Telethon History.” It’s an interesting read.

True Colors

And speaking of Cyndi Lauper, watching her sing “True Colors” on the season premiere of Celebrity Apprentice was a true television highlight and almost made up for her horrible waitressing. It made me remember other versions that have come along over the years.

The cast of Glee: I don’t watch this show, but even I can’t escape the enthusiasm surrounding this it. Apparently this rendition of the song was popular with fans.



Phil Collins:



The original: OK; she wasn’t so good with videos. But the song is still great.