U.S. Navy Band Harmonizes Wonderfully In 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow'

May 27, 2020 by apost team

The United States Navy Band's mashup of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and What A Wonderful World reminds us of the beauty in the world and to lean into the positive.

Captured in a gorgeous video that plays on seeing the world in color, the performance was recorded in front of a large crowd in Washington, D.C.

The United States Navy Band has a specific mission. According to the organization’s website, the band provides musical support for the president, the Department of the Navy, and other political and military leaders. Among the many functions of the United States Navy Band is to project a positive image of the Navy while supporting recruitment and retention efforts, preserving America’s musical heritage, and encouraging a spirit of patriotism. To this end, the U.S. Navy Band recently released a mashup of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and What a Wonderful World.

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Chief Musician William F. Edwards leads the band in their version of the two songs, which are inspired by the cover performed by Hawaiian singer Israel Kamakawiwoʻole from 1993. Throughout the performance, Chief Edwards is accompanied by an entire lineup of backup-singers and a ukulele player. Inspired by The Wizard of Oz, the video of the recording, which was shot in front of a large crowd in Washington, D.C., begins in black-and-white. As Edwards launches into What a Wonderful World, the video becomes colorized, seemingly taking the viewer to a wonderful new world.

The video has thus far been watched nearly 4 million times on YouTube. Many of the commentators note how soothing Edwards’ baritone voice is, as well as praising the harmonious background singers. Others say that it gives them hope.

The United States Navy Band’s mashup of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and What a Wonderful World is just what people need when times are low. The imagery elicited in both songs reminds the listener of the beauty of the world and how difficult times always pass. In the end, the mashup is a light shining in the darkness.

What do you think of the United States Navy Band’s performance? Let us know in the comments and be sure to pass this article along to others!