Summertime

I think you miss the point. Clearly a great tune can be performed in different styles. However, I think there is value in understanding that the tune was composed for an opera, Porgy and Bess and meant to be performed in an operatic style by an operatic singer, not a jazz singer. If you understand the history of the work and its place in music and culture of the time it might make more sense to you. Btw, that “place in music and culture” is the reason why the work is controversial today. That was the reason for posting that version….for perspective’s sake. Personally, knowing where the tune is coming from adds a great deal to appreciating renditions in other styles.

I have always liked the posted versions very much. Here is a favorite:

https://youtu.be/gfYlzSeSFu4

The most recorded song of all time with over 6,000 recorded versions!  
Many great versions, but for perspective’s sake, the way Gershwin himself originally intended it:

https://youtu.be/SBHqLQd9-T4