The 1939 famous hit, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” sung by “The Wizard of Oz” actress Judy Garland, as Dorothy, is a song that most people know. Even generations born long after it was composed and written are familiar with the tune. That’s how popular it is.
Since the song was released, hundreds have both casually and formally recreated it as their own, resurfacing it once again. Surely, you’ve heard “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on the radio, in movies or videos, on television, or even in plays. There are so many renditions to the song that it would be hard to keep track of them all.
But there’s another rendition you still need to hear. It is one by 18-year-old Brooke Falls and her 81-year-old grandfather Frank Nardone, from Florida. It’s truly like no other version out there!
In a video recorded by camerawoman Donna Dugan, Brooke’s mother, young Brooke is on the porch holding a sign with the number 18 on it. Then she turns it around and passes it to her grandpa; now it reads ’81.’ 63 years apart and singing together!
Grandpa begins strumming his ukelele which he learned how to use only about a year and a half ago — yet no one would notice because he is amazing at playing! Then Brooke begins to sing along, hitting every note beautifully and with a mature, well-developed voice.
The teen appears to be enjoying her time singing just as much as her grandpa enjoys playing his instrument. The two share smiles, indicating that while there is a fairly significant age gap between the two family members, it doesn’t affect their bond at the slightest.
Brooke has other great covers on her YouTube channel and has performed at over 35 venues to date. At the young age of 18, she already has a successful singing career up her sleeve. Right now, she has a little over 4,000 subscribers, but as her fan base grows, there is no doubt that she will be able to accomplish her dreams.
I think a great takeaway from this viral performance is that you can never be too young or too old to have exceptional musical talent. Or better yet, that even different generations can find common ground and work together as one.
When you were younger, what did you do with your grandparents for fun? Was it anything like Brooke and Grandpa Frank’s experience?
To hear this special “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” version, watch the video below. You will only fall in love with the song over again!
