…besides Joni Mitchel and Judy Collins? Too many male and female artists to youtube, but I remember Englebert Humperdinck and Andy Williams gave very nice renditions. Also Niel Diamond.
And also I’d like to share one version by a local artist (Lester Demetillo) while doing a medley:
I like Cassandra Wilson with Pat Martino - link.
The sad version Mitchell did later, the one used in Love, Actually, is amazing.
The really sad part is how destroyed her lungs were by that time with her smoking. Lines that she sang in one breath in the original, she had to divide into two or even three.
There’s this overblown version by Roger Whitaker, which I’m ashamed to say I liked at one time about 40 years ago.
Clannad with Paul Young is my go-to version.
Funny that someone should ask this question…I think I have more different versions of this song than any other song. Jason Falkner has a great version, and I also really like Neil Diamond’s version mentioned in the OP. Of all the versions I’ve heard, my least favorite is probably Natalie Cole’s.
For me, no reason to listen to anyone but Judy Collins’ first recording. Mitchell’s versions are pretty but too mannered, and everyone else is pretending to understand it. But I can listen to Roger Whitaker without getting too upset.
A song with distinctly feminine lyrics would find such a big attraction from male artists. You get the feeling they all need to squeeze in their own versions. I like Glen Campbell’s personal stamp on his.
Mary Hopkin
I always thought Joni Mitchell sounded like Julia Child being forced to sing. Collins for the win, I suppose, but I really hated that song way back then.
Dave Van Ronk.
This is on my very short list of “songs I would make a deal with the evil-universe FSM to have written.”
Love Joni Mitchell, but there have been a few mentioned here I haven’t heard yet.