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Who sang Somewhere Over The Rainbow, when did Eva Cassidy sing it when did Ariana Grande’s version come out?

The powerful ballad was created back in 1939 and is still hugely popular today

IT TALKS of wishing upon stars and dreams coming true, but do you know the origin of the popular song Somewhere Over the Rainbow?

The famous song has been performed by many, including Ariana Grande, over the years - here's all you need to know.

 Judy Garland first sang the timeless tune when she starred as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz
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Judy Garland first sang the timeless tune when she starred as Dorothy in The Wizard of OzCredit: Getty Images

Who sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow?

Somewhere Over the Rainbow is a ballad that has become one of the most popular movie songs of all time.

Many people have sang the timeless tune over the years, but it was originally written for The Wizard of Oz film and Judy Garland’s character of Dorothy.

According to Judy, the song has stood the test of time due to being “symbolic of everyone’s dreams.”

When was Eva Cassidy's original song released?

Many interpretations of the song have become popular over the years, with singer Eva Cassidy recording a version back in 1992.

 Eva Cassidy's version of the song in 1992 was included on BBC’s Songs of the Century album in 1999
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Eva Cassidy's version of the song in 1992 was included on BBC’s Songs of the Century album in 1999Credit: Rex

The song appeared on her The Other Side album, which was created with funk legend Chuck Brown.

After Eva’s death in 1996, the song appeared on her posthumous album, Songbird, which came out in 1998 and reached number one in the UK charts.

Her popular version of the song was included on BBC’s Songs of the Century album in 1999.

Another famous version is by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, who released the song in 1993 as part of a ukulele medley.

Who wrote Somewhere Over the Rainbow?

The beloved ballad was written back in 1939 with lyrics created by American song lyricist Yip Harburg and music done by composer Harold Arlen.

It was written specifically for the movie release of The Wizard of Oz and became an instant success.

The song was awarded an Academy Award for Best Original Song and has stood the test of time as an enduring hit.

Who sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow in The Wizard Of Oz?

 The Wizard of Oz featured the song when it was released back in 1939
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The Wizard of Oz featured the song when it was released back in 1939Credit: Getty Images

Somewhere Over the Rainbow was sang by lead character Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz.

The role was played by actress Judy Garland, who sang the tune just five minutes into the film when Dorothy dreams of escaping her Kansas farm life.

Another instrumental version is played once more in the final scene, and in the credits, and has become the most remembered song in the film.

When did Ariana Grande sing her version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow?

Ariana Grande chose to end her One Love Manchester concert on June 4 2017 with a powerful rendition of the tune.

The performance and benefit concert was an emotional affair for both performers and attendees, and was hosted in tribute to the 22 who died in the arena terror attack.

The pop starlet then released her cover of Somewhere Over the Rainbow from her One Love Manchester concert as a charity single.

Proceeds from the song went towards helping the victims of the terrorist attack at Ariana’s Manchester concert on May 22.

 Ariana Grande's One Love concert is being praised across the world, and the star wowed with an emotional performance of the song
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Ariana Grande's One Love concert is being praised across the world, and the star wowed with an emotional performance of the songCredit: Dave Hogan

Somewhere Over the Rainbow is expected to raise money for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund and the British Red Cross, the same beneficiaries as One Last Time.

Ariana had previously been performing at the city’s Evening News Arena when a suicide bomber denonated, killing fans and injuring over 100.

Ariana Grande performs 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' as world tour resumes in Paris after Manchester attack
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