13 Tributes to Eva Cassidy

April 9, 2008 |

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Edition #16

Thirteen Tributes to Eva Cassidy

I received more private emails and comments on last week’s TT-13 than any other one I’ve ever done! Half of my TT-13 was a bit in jest but not everyone got that. Yes, I really do admire Steve Guttenberg and was very disappointed when he was voted off. It was a fun and interesting TT-13 for me to do as I had to do some searching out to get the videos and information. Anyway, it got me to thinking what could I do for this week.

I remember some years back a good friend of mine kept trying to get me to listen to a singer named Eva Cassidy. Since I knew this friend quite well, and therefore knew her tastes in music, I didn’t rush to do that. She kept assuring me I’d love Eva’s music. I finally tracked down a song she’d done, a version of “Fields of Gold”, which of course was originally written and recorded by Sting. That did it for me, I had to hear more.

Unfortunately for the world, Eva Cassidy passed away from skin cancer in 1996. I’d love to post some YouTube videos of Eva on here, as there are plenty out there. However, on the website that her cousin, Laura Claire Bligh maintains, she comments about “illegal” videos that are out there. Therefore I won’t put them on here, although I’ll point out when there are videos or video tributes on YouTube. My advice - find a way to listen to her songs. You can still purchase her albums or downloads. You WILL be moved by her soulful voice.So, instead, I’ll do 13 fact/tributes to her.

1. The website done for her by her cousin is The Eva Cassidy Web Site. It’s at: http://www.evacassidy.org/eva/eva.shtml Worth a visit for Eva fans.2. Eva was born Eva Marie Cassidy was born in Washington, DC, on February 2, 1963, at 10 p.m. This information, according to her cousin came directly from Eva’s mother.

3. One of the best songs she did was a version of Judy Garland’s famous song, Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Although I won’t post it here, there are a couple of versions of this on YouTube. One is done as a tribute to her and set with beautiful photos. Got time - go look for it. (I’m playing it right now) You’ll know why, even after her passing, she gains new fans every day.

4. The first song I heard her do was Fields of Gold. Again, there are many videos of this out there. Even Sting reportedly was moved by her version of his song. It’s what made me go out and find more songs she’d done.

5. Time After Time. This song sends chills up my spine. I’ve always loved Cyndi Lauper’s version - and still do. Yet, Eva makes it her own song and it can bring me to tears. There are videos of this out there.

6. One of the most poignant songs I’ve heard her do is a duet with Mary Ann Redmond, covering Eric Clapton’s Tears in Heaven. No, she did not know she had cancer at the time. There is a video of this out there and many of the comments (as YouTube allows them) are that the sound quality is a bit on the poor side since one can hear the audience and thought people should have respect for a dying woman.

7. Songbird. This is the song many will know as a Fleetwood Mac song. Eva’s version is very soulful and beautiful. There is a very nice tribute/photo tribute on YouTube utilizing her version of this song.

8. Autumn Leaves. Her version is beyond my ability to describe it. It just sounds lame when I say her voice is soulful and chillingly beautiful. You have to hear it. Search out this video.

9. Stormy Monday. Eva at her bluesy-best. I’ve heard many versions of this as someone will always sing this during a “sing with the band” set. Her’s is superb and makes me wish I’d have heard it live

10. What A Wonderful World. Originally done of course by the irreplaceable Louie Armstrong. This was one of Eva’s favorite songs. (as per the video of her singing this song). A sweet version.

11. You Take My Breath Away. I’d never heard this song before hearing her version. It’s THE version for me. Yet another “must hear”.

12. Anniversary Song. Oh my. If you were to take the time to listen to only one or two of her songs - THIS HAS TO BE ONE OF THEM! Check Youtube for this one.

13. Ain’t No Sunshine. Yes, I always make a reference to Moonlight, Mick St. John, and Alex O’Loughlin in the #13 spot. How can I work this in with Eva Cassidy? The show always has a wonderful soundtrack that follows the mood of the episode, and this song makes me think of the push/pull relationship between Beth and Mick. Eva’s version would be perfect. Bill Withers did the original. The acoustic guitar on this is incredible and this is Eva in all her glory. There are several videos of this song out there.

I’ve seen several people mention Eva in their TT-13’s before. (Malcolm, I think you featured her as one of 13 women singers). I hope I inspire a couple of you to go search out her music.

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Holly