As we celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride, let’s go âOver the Rainbow.â The amount of artists that have covered this song (written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg) is practically innumerable — and of course Judy Garland’s version from 1939’s The Wizard of Oz is the emerald standard. Yet we looked behind the curtain and found 10 roots, country, and folk-tinged versions that we think stand at the top of the heap. Whatâs your favorite version?
Eva Cassidy
This acoustic cover of âOver the Rainbowâ made Eva Cassidy a star, but it didnât happen until five years after her death in 1996 when a homemade video was shown on BBCâs Top of the Pops 2.
Willie Nelson
Why are there so many songs about rainbows? Willie chose Somewhere Over the Rainbow as the title of his 25th studio album, featuring 1940s pop standards, released in 1981.
Tommy Emmanuel
Officially released in 2004, Tommy Emmanuel had been playing this masterful solo version for years. He says he adapted this arrangement from Chet Atkinsâ rendition, then allowed it to evolve over time.
Jerry Lee Lewis
Leave it to olâ Jerry Lee to insert himself into the story. Even without a broomstick, he swept onto the charts with this cool rendition in 1980, giving him Top 10 country hits across four consecutive decades.
Leon Russell with Newgrass Revival
From a 1981 live album, this version smolders with understated keys and the unmistakable voice of Leon Russell. And this trippy video mixes color and black-and-white footage, just like The Wizard of Oz!
Martina McBride
Sheâs not in Kansas anymore. Released as a single in 2015, Martina sang âOver the Rainbowâ on numerous TV broadcasts, including American Idol and the Opry. Give the people what they want!
Chet Atkins, Les Paul
A beautiful instrumental recorded in 1978, Les is on electric, while Chet provides the fingerpicked classical guitar. Look for it on the great and powerful Guitar Monsters album.
Ingrid Michaelson
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (âSomewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful Worldâ)
Perhaps the best-known cover, the singer known simply as ‘Bruddah Iz’ around Hawaii found posthumous fame with this inescapable medley. According to NPR, he recorded the song spontaneously in 1988, intending it to be a demo.
Jake Shimabukuro
Iz isn’t the only contemporary Hawaiian musician to tackle âOver the Rainbow.â Check out this solo version by Shimabukuro, who has been playing ukulele since he was 4 years old. It’ll make you want to tap your heels together.
Photo by Redfishingboat (Mick O) on Foter.com / CC BY-NC
