Summertime By George Gershwin: The Greatest Cover Song Ever
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Is Summertime the Most Covered Song Ever?
Everbody who's anybody in the music world has covered George Gershwin's Summertime at one point or another. From mournful, operatic versions true to the original aria to Janis Joplin's throaty shout-blues to Billy Stewart's exuberant scat, Gershwin's masterpiece from Porgy and Bess has really made the rounds.
This page explores some of the literally hundreds of versions of this song recorded and floating around out there. I've seen the total covers of Summertime officially released listed as high as nearly 3,000, so I'll have plenty to choose from. I'll also reveal my nominee for the single best cover of Summertime ever recorded. If I've missed your favorite version of the song, please let me know and I'll include it.
Lyrics and More about Gershwin and Summertime
The lyrics to Summertime (as use in the original George Gershwin version) go as follows:
Summertime,
And the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin'
And the cotton is high
Your daddy's rich
And your mamma's good lookin'
So hush little baby
Don't you cry
One of these mornings
You're going to rise up singing
Then you'll spread your wings
And you'll take to the sky
But 'til that morning
There's a'nothing can harm you
With daddy and mamma standing by
Summertime,
And the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin'
And the cotton is high
Your daddy's rich
And your mamma's good lookin'
So hush little baby
Don't you cry
Please add links to different versions, articles, or just blog posts about this song. I'd love to see them!
Gershwin on The Covers Project
You'll have to scroll down to see the many version more...1 point
The Summertime Connection
One of the best resources for finding cover versio more...0 points
Summertime Encyclopedia Entry
This page explains some of the dozens of instrumen more...0 points
The Single Best Cover of Summertime, Ever
Seriously, Billy Stewart Owns This Song
Summertime
Amazon Price: $0.99 (as of 01/28/2012)
I cannot emphasize enough how much fun this song is and how much better it fits the lyrics than most of the more authentic cover versions out there. I've linked to the video, below, so that you can give it a listen. If this is your first introduction to Billy Stewart, lucky you. You've got a whole career's worth of treats to explore. Summertime is an excellent place to start.
Billy Stewart's Fantastic Cover of Summertime
Gershwin Never Saw Billy Coming!
Music Videos for Summertime By George Gershwin
Sharon Jones and Charles Walker start off this star-studded list with a dose of soul. Don't miss Jill Scott and George Benson, who give another fantastic performance with a jazzy scat break in the middle. I've also included an American Idol rendition, to show that people are still covering this song for the masses, and The Zombies who had a hit with the song in 1965. Rene Fleming, Kiri Te Kanawwa, and Leontyne Price give operatic performances more in keeping with the original song. Of course I've included the great Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, as well. A list of great cover versions of Summertime would be incomplete without them. And Miles Davis is here, too, with his instrumental version of the Greatest Cover Song Ever, as is David Garrett and a version on the Bulgarian Gaida.
The Best-Known Version of Summertime
Janis Joplin's Soulful Rendition of the Standard
Summertime
Amazon Price: $0.99 (as of 01/28/2012)
Is it the irony of Janis Joplin singing a song about being safe and happy someday or is it the obvious feeling with which she sings it that makes this such a powerful cover of Summertime? You be the judge.
Tell Me What You Think about Gershwin's Summertime
Does Summertime Move You or Leave You Cold?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byIt's a Sad and Beautiful Song
edclusa says:
Your link to The Summertime Connection does not work and b.t.w. you should update your figures about Summertime, TSC has already more than 30.000 full performances of the song (Jan 1, 2012) in its collection.
Posted January 07, 2012
Miran says:
I just discovered it and I am amazed! Found a version with Sam Cook. Very smooth and sexy! My new favorite song!
Posted July 30, 2011
LighttheSpark says:
I love it, whether a slow version like Ella's, or a more upbeat version, it reminds me of summer....
Posted May 27, 2011
Andrea says:
Love it, and Fantasia's version the best.
Posted October 28, 2010
Henry says:
who the hell is Janice Joplin? Get it right.
Posted August 25, 2010
bgamall says:
It is a song that reflects the season. It has a certain genius to it, because of the mood it sets.
Posted January 02, 2009
Margo_Arrowsmith says:
I have always loved this song, even as a little kid and teenager!
Posted December 04, 2008
Not-Pop says:
This nuanced song covers a lot of political ground as well as simply being a memorable and moving tune.
Posted October 09, 2008
It Bores the Pants off of Me
Some of the Many Versions of Summertime
Sure, Gershwin's original composition was soaring and operatic, but that's not the only way to sing Summertime. Here are more covers of the song, from the famous to the obscure. Who am I missing? Which is your favorite?
Summertime from "Porgy and Bess"
Little Charlotte Church stretches her pipes on an more...0 points
Sheet Music for Summertime
And Other Gershwin Favorites
Do You Agree? Let Me Know.
What song would you nominate for the most covered song of all time? Please share!
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LighttheSpark
May 27, 2011 @ 6:03 am | delete
- this is great - would love to see some upbeat versions to contrast with the slower ones - I loved Leona Lewis' version on X factor and there's a great one on Youtube with Wyclef and Charlotte Church..... keep on opening our eyes....
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AHERMITT
Oct 28, 2010 @ 9:19 am | delete
- I had not idea it was so widely covered, I only knew about about 3 versions
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Onze
Sep 14, 2009 @ 2:08 am | delete
- I love Mahalia Jackson's version of Summertime as well!
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Sojourn
Aug 26, 2009 @ 10:36 am | delete
- Wow - I'd forgotten that Fantasia did this song in the AI competition. She makes you want to listen all over again. Nice job!
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LizMac60 Aug 22, 2009 @ 11:48 am | delete
- It's a great song and a good lens.5*
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Margo_Arrowsmith
Dec 4, 2008 @ 4:49 pm | delete
- Great lens, thanks for reminding me of this song! *****
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Other Cover Songs and Standards
Summertime wears the crown, but people love to cover!
by Not-Pop
It's all about music - my song recommendations blog, cover songs, lyrics, and artist profiles. I also write about jazz and blues standards and include... more »
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