Listen to Cynthia Erivo’s emotional cover of an ’80s rock ballad for John Candy
Get ready to be moved by Cynthia Erivo’s newest cover. In anticipation of the documentary, “John Candy: I Like Me,” Erivo, a three-time Oscar nominee, has lent her stunning voice to a poignant rendition of the ’80s rock classic, “Everytime You Go Away,” originally composed by Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates fame and popularized by British singer Paul Young. An exclusive preview of Erivo’s emotional interpretation can be enjoyed above, as requested by the film’s producer, Ryan Reynolds, who hails from the same Canadian roots as Candy.
According to Reynolds, the choice of this song was instinctive as it encapsulates the essence of the John Candy that the world knew and fondly remembers. In the documentary directed by Colin Hanks, Erivo’s version of the song, accompanied by an orchestra and enriched with her choir-inspired harmonies, takes center stage as Candy’s family and close acquaintances, including Catherine O’Hara and Dan Aykroyd, reminisce about the beloved actor following his untimely passing in 1994. Clips from his poignant funeral, where O’Hara delivered a heartfelt eulogy, add a touching layer to the emotional narrative.
Originally intending for a gospel choir to perform the song, Reynolds had a change of heart during a casual conversation with Erivo, culminating in the decision to entrust her with the iconic track. Erivo wasted no time in recording a voice memo of her rendition of part of the song’s chorus and sending it to Reynolds. Promptly inspired by her rendition, the team sprang into action to create a revamped cover specifically for this project, as Erivo’s soulful performance had struck a chord with Reynolds.
The undeniable talent of Cynthia Erivo is evident in her ability to infuse every note she sings with profound emotion, leaving a lasting impact on the listener. Collaborating with producer and musician Will Wells, with whom she previously worked on the Oscar-nominated song “Stand Up” from the biopic “Harriet,” Erivo breathed new life into this ’80s gem, a personal favorite of hers.
Reynolds expressed immense satisfaction with the final outcome of Erivo’s rendition, describing it as the perfect fit for the documentary and a testament to Candy’s enduring legacy. The blend of joy and sorrow, kindness and loss in the song encapsulates the essence of John Candy, lingering in the hearts and minds of those who hear it. Reynolds, deeply moved by Erivo’s singular talent, professes a profound appreciation for her performance and the impact it has had on him.
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