Sarah Vaughan Sings “My Favorite Things”: A Jazz Masterpiece
Sarah Vaughan’s interpretation of “My Favorite Things,” the iconic song from the 1959 musical The Sound of Music, is a stunning example of her ability to take a familiar tune and transform it into something uniquely her own. Originally written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, “My Favorite Things” is often associated with its cheerful, uplifting melody and lyrics about finding comfort in life’s simple pleasures. However, Vaughan’s rendition, recorded in the 1960s, turns this song into a jazzy, sophisticated, and soulful masterpiece that showcases her extraordinary vocal abilities.
A Jazz Classic Reimagined
When Sarah Vaughan approached “My Favorite Things,” she didn’t just perform it as a straightforward cover. Instead, she infused it with a jazz sensibility that turned the song into something new and complex. Her version is deeply rooted in jazz, with intricate phrasing, smooth improvisation, and an emotional depth that brings out a completely different side of the song.
The original version of “My Favorite Things” in The Sound of Music has an almost childlike innocence, with Julie Andrews singing joyfully about her favorite things like raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Vaughan’s version, however, brings a more adult, reflective quality to the song. She slows the tempo down slightly, allowing each note to linger longer, adding layers of emotion and complexity that transform the piece into a sophisticated jazz ballad.
Vocal Mastery and Emotional Interpretation
One of the key elements that sets Vaughan’s rendition apart is her vocal technique. Sarah Vaughan was known for her unparalleled range, power, and control, and her performance of “My Favorite Things” is a showcase of these qualities. From the first note, her voice draws you in with its rich, velvety tone. She sings each phrase with the perfect balance of technical precision and emotional depth, making the lyrics feel personal and meaningful.
Vaughan’s phrasing is particularly noteworthy. She has the ability to stretch out certain lines, bending the melody to fit her own emotional interpretation of the song. For example, the way she sings the line “When the dog bites, when the bee stings” feels like a reflection on life’s challenges, transforming the song from a simple list of happy things into a meditation on resilience and joy in the face of hardship. Vaughan’s voice is incredibly flexible, able to move from a soft, delicate whisper to a powerful, commanding belt, which gives the song a dynamic range that keeps listeners engaged.
Her improvisational skills also shine through in this rendition. As a jazz singer, Vaughan often added her own twists to familiar melodies, and in “My Favorite Things,” she takes full advantage of this freedom, subtly altering rhythms and melodies, and adding vocal runs and embellishments that are distinctly her own. This improvisation not only highlights her technical skill but also her deep understanding of the emotional power of jazz.
Arrangement and Instrumentation
The arrangement of “My Favorite Things” is another aspect that makes Vaughan’s version so special. While the original song is often performed with a light, orchestral arrangement, Vaughan’s version is backed by a smaller jazz ensemble, which gives the song a more intimate and sophisticated feel. The rhythm section provides a steady, swinging foundation, while the piano, bass, and drums add depth and complexity to the arrangement.
The instrumental backing is supportive yet unobtrusive, giving Vaughan the freedom to explore the song at her own pace. The subtle interplay between Vaughan’s voice and the instruments creates a lush, warm atmosphere that perfectly complements the song’s reflective mood. The arrangement allows for space and breathing room, giving Vaughan’s voice the spotlight it deserves, while the band enhances the emotional texture of the piece.
A Timeless Performance
Sarah Vaughan’s “My Favorite Things” is a perfect example of her ability to take a well-known song and make it entirely her own. She brings a new level of sophistication and depth to the piece, turning a simple, feel-good tune into a jazz ballad that resonates with listeners on an emotional level. Her vocal mastery, combined with her ability to reinterpret the song with jazz nuances, elevates “My Favorite Things” from a classic show tune to a timeless jazz standard.
Vaughan’s version of “My Favorite Things” remains a powerful testament to her artistry. It’s a performance that not only showcases her extraordinary vocal skills but also her deep understanding of how to convey emotion through music. In Vaughan’s hands, “My Favorite Things” becomes a celebration of life’s beauty, as well as a reminder of the power of music to transform and elevate even the simplest of melodies.
Sarah Vaughan’s rendition of “My Favorite Things” will continue to inspire and captivate listeners for years to come, reminding us of the magic that can happen when a jazz legend reimagines a classic tune.
Lyrics
Raindrops and rosesAnd whiskers on kittensBright copper kettlesAnd warm woolen mittensBrown paper packagesTied up with stringsThese are a few of my favorite thingsCream-colored poniesAnd crisp apple strudelsDoorbells and sleigh bellsAnd schnitzel with noodlesWild geese that flyWith the moon on their wingsThese are a few of my favorite thingsGirls in white dressesWith blue satin sashesSnowflakes that stayOn my nose and eyelashesSilver white wintersThat melt into springsThese are a few of my favorite thingsWhen the dog bitesWhen the bee stingsWhen I’m feeling sadI simply rememberMy favorite thingsAnd then I don’t feel so bad
