darn how did I miss this thread --- especially with it kicked of by Nancy LaMott (many of you know my feelings for her)...
without repeating many of the great pieces listed here, I did not notice any mention of the late/great Eva Cassidy....she made any song seem new -- especially Fields of Gold and her cover of Over the Rainbow...amazing talent taken too early from us.
"Sir K, the Viscount of Uppity-shire...." -- kissmycookie
James Taylor's "The Secret of Life," sung by either Nancy LaMott or Rosemary Clooney. (Almost any ballafd by Nancy!) Rosie singing "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?"
Judy singing "Stormy Weather"--especially the break in the middle where she modulates and sings the words "Can't...GO...ON!"
Bette Midler singing "Surabaya Johnny."
Nina Simone singing "Pirate Jenny."
Ethel Merman singing "The Impossible Dream." (Waits for reaction...)
And a song that probably nobody has heard of "He Has Forgiven Me," by a singer name Damaris Carbaugh. I love this song. I'm hoping someday that Whitney Houston will do a version of it.
"Don't Cry Out Loud" (Melissa Manchester-one of the most underrated singer and songwriters out there.)