Summertime, the song.
And Janis Joplin. Yes, in the crazy summer of 2020, it has to be Janis Joplin. It’s an old (1934) Gershwin song, covered over and over, so there are lots of versions out there. I don’t know if it’s technically the blues, but when Janis sings it, I think it’s the blues. She opens her mouth, and she holds nothing back. There’s sorrow and there’s anguish, and there’s no attempt to pretty it up.
I’d be remiss, though, if I didn’t single out Ella Fitzgerald’s version too. It’s subdued, it’s fluid, it’s definitely jazz. You can feel the heat of a sweltering August night when the windows are open and the air is still. And Ella’s voice is soft and silky and soothing in all the ways Janis’s is ragged and desperate. Despite my opening, I suspect Ella Fitzgerald captures the mood as well as anyone can. It just might make you cry.
Summertime by George Gershwin, DuBose Heyword, and Ira Gershwin. Give it a a try.
etikser 
Beautiful photo of the sky and trees all dark like that. I like both versions of the Summertime song, too. 🙂
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Thanks so much!
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Agree, there is something special about Janis’ version.
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Thanks.
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Good song and good Picture …… both in Harmony …… love all.
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Thank you. I enjoy your posts!
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Beautiful photograph and words.
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Thank you!
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I don’t think anything compares to Janis singing summertime.
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I’m a big Janis Joplin fan. I think singers come along, and try to imitate her, but they just sound like they’re screaming.
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Love it! I hear it on my classical and jazz radio station.
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