Judy Garland : Favorite Judy Garland songs

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

"These recordings, which were made when I was actually present in the studio, are very emotional for me." - Joan Coulson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzJ0KPWAYVM

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

"Love 'Please Say “Ah' – So nice to hear something new." - Joan Coulson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47Oza1LHoHY

Re: Favorite Judy Garland so
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"In 1964, Judy was not supposed to have sung for a long period after being ill in Hong Kong earlier that year. But she came back to London, went to a benefit and they encouraged her to sing – and off she went again! Four joyful “Maggie May” songs we 2000 re recorded in August 1964, during the 6 months she lived in England." - Joan Coulson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qMXF1usj_w

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

Judy recorded this for LITTLE NELLIE KELLY, but it was cut.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxLXeojuL9M

LITTLE NELLIE KELLY, 1940

Notes

A lifelong admirer of the legendarily accomplished George M. Cohan, Arthur Freed bought the rights to Cohan's 1922 Broadway musical specifically for Judy. He retained only the LITTLE NELLIE KELLY title, one song, and the plot conceit that Nellie was the daughter of a policeman. It was Roger Edens's task to set additional numbers for the film. He once again managed to pay homage to his producer by creating a sparkling vocal arrangement of the 1929 Freed-Brown hit, 'Singin' in the Rain', which Garland sang to a fare-thee-well. Several other traditional Irish and standard songs were considered. Perhaps best of all was Edens' own 'It's a Great Day For the Irish' which thereafter became so associated with St. Patrick's Day that comparatively few people realize it was written for Judy Garland in 1940.

LITTLE NELLIE KELLY was in production for eight weeks, from the end of July until retakes were completed at the end of September. As Nellie's father [and Little Nellie's grandfather], Charles Winninger's character was softened just prior to principal photography. He was initially scripted to be caught in a speakeasy raid while his daughter lay dying in childbirth. Even so, when the picture was previewed, some in the audience felt the finished picture contained "too much" of the actor and his irascible portrayal- and that the film itself was "much too long." Others bemoaned the fact that Judy was being allowed to grow up too quickly on the screen; "Don't let her play [another] married woman for a long time yet!" But the general tenor of their comments praised Judy, defining her performance as "magnificent" and noting that "she gets more beautiful in every picture."

Pros and Cons aside, the final box office was an acknowledgement of the acumen of Freed, Edens, Garland, et al. On an estimated budget of $665, 00, LITTLE NELLIE KELLY achieved film rentals of $2, 046, 000 in its first release.
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Reviews


CHICAGO TRIBUNE: "If you like the simple things of life, you'll like LITTLE NELLIE KELLY. With a tribulation here, a laugh there, and a sprinkling of tears both here and there, the action proceeds unremarkably but pleasantly on its way. Judy gives her all and sings pleasingly when the script demands."

THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: "It's a hit show because it has little Judy Garland."

VARIETY: "Judy turns in a dual characterization in which she presents sharply contrasting personalities.... Her deathbed scene, which will tug at the stoniest of hearts, definitely demonstrates that she is fully as competent as a dramatic actress as she is a vocalist."

MODERN SCREEN: "JG grows up- which is the big news about this one. It's not the sort of picture that you are likely to write letters home about, but it's good, clean fun... 'a family picture.' And, in this classification, it is tops. It's pretty much hearts and flowers with a lot of brogue thrown around, but it holds up throughout because of Judy's splendid work."

LOS ANGELES TIMES: "The picture is too long, in this reviewers opinion. Early scenes... seem drawn out. Highlights are songs by Miss. Garland. The singing actress, who gains star billing, gives a very fine performance."
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Recollections


"I once made a picture called LITTLE NELLIE KELLY; that was about 1782 that I made that... And a friend of mine by the name of Roger Edens discovered a rather obscure Irish folk song that fit the picture quite well. [So] we did it. And they released the picture. And the song became.... an obscure Irish folk song!" - Judy Garland reflecting on the genesis of 'A Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow' [1963]



"Judy's death scene was so emotional and effective that it wrung the hearts of all those watching. When it was finished, the set was completely empty, with the exception of Judy, the director, and myself. All those so-called hard bitten workers were so affected that they had to get away so that their sobs would not disturb the soundtrack." - George Murphy



"Judy is the finest potential actress in America. Her ability is great and versatile." - Director Norman Taurog



"I play my first grown-up dramatic character part in LITTLE NELLIE KELLY; I even die! And- this is a very important first in my life- I play my first grown up love scene. I, who have said, I was never embarrassed on the stage, in front of a mike, or in front of a camera, take it all back now. George Murphy plays my sweetheart [and my father!]... And he was certainly the most perfect choice, for he is so kind and tender and understanding- and humorous too. But just the same, after we made that love scene, I didn't know what to do or where to look. I'd just kind of go away... because I couldn't look at him! He kept kidding me, too, saying he felt like he was 'in Tennessee with my child bride." - Judy Garland

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

Sometimes known as "The Vaudeville Montage" this is the payoff scene in EASTER PARADE when Fred Astaire finally realizes what Judy Garland is good at. It's a moment of pure joy and demonstrates Charles Walters for the imaginative director and choreographer that he was. It's also one of Judy's greatest moments as a dancer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co_70AlyB0k

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'In the Far Away Part of Town.' Judy is magic.

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

Judy with Count Basie and his Orchestra on THE JUDY GARLAND SHOW. Judy performs 'I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcIdRN21tmE

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

Judy sings 'Little Drops Of Rain' from GAY PURR-EE.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVTOQjrZZ8A

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

Judy sings 'Lost In the Stars.'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqPqux11QSE

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

Judy sings 'Sleep, My Baby, Sleep [1938].

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahpWNZhafFU

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

Judy Garland & Gene Kelly recorded this song for Decca in 1942

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uVYkk8PRJc

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'Love' performed by Judy Garland.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOWnzgXJgts

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

Judy performing 'Cry, Baby, Cry' [1938].

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrcmuYl3JeA

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'Stormy Weather'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N57hZFIUEVA

"Love the solo horn and sax “singing” around Judy’s voice. This is perhaps the most beautiful of all the London Studio recordings." - Joan Coulson

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

Judy sings 'Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe' for her son.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzIsozIipAU

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'Come Rain Or Come Shine'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wN_YzZVT5g

“'Come Rain or Come Shine'” – I remember thinking at the Dominion 1957 that this was the most exciting thing I had ever seen on stage. She wore a feathered tomato red-colored dress, while the bongo drummer sat at Judy's feet. He never left her side as they both gave each other encouraging and inspiring looks throughout the performance. Then the orchestra soared behind them till the song reached its climatic finish." - Joan Coulson

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'San Francisco'

"'Chicago' and 'San Francisco' – Happy songs and memories of Judy skipping around the stage." - Joan Coulson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3SOsNPaUoc

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'The Man That Got Away'

'The Man That Got Away' – "One of the best versions of this song. Love the solo sax that comes in behind her. If I could only have one song with me on a desert island, I would choose to have every version of this song." - Joan Coulson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSs44KjlAFU

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'Swanee'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEKDpoOY1_8

"Norrie Paramor was conducting the orchestra with about 12 people in the chorus. She told them they had to sound like 50 -- so "sing big" or something like that. Another time while she was doing “Swanee” and the orchestra didn't know how it went (the pauses, etc.), Judy went through it with them, encouraging them and showing them exactly how she wanted it to go; guiding and advising the chorus and orchestra on rhythm, tempo, pitch and volume. She was always very sweet, charming, and funny; she also knew exactly what was going on at every moment. Even when singing with intense concentration, she could pick out a fault in the orchestra or chorus. She would sing over some of the lines for the chorus, sometimes conducting, leading, and almost willing them to perfection. "Could you sing a little louder there?" she inquired at one point to the chorus. She grinned. The leader suggested he stopped his note when Judy stopped. "I don't stop," smiled Judy, "I hold it through to the end." (The chorus collapsed in laughter.)" - Joan Coulson

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'Rock-a-Bye'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64rQRbVSmZw

“'Rock-a-Bye' takes me back to Judy's engagement at the London Palladium in 1951. - Joan Coulson

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'You'll Never Walk Alone'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-alqj0nd9-A

“'You'll Never Walk Alone' – When I first heard this song years ago (Judy recorded it the first time in NY in 1945, just after her marriage to Vincente Minnelli), I felt then it was nearly operatic. She wanted so much to do a Broadway show". - Joan Coulson

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'I Happen To Like New York'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6c9_3yjV7k

"The songs she recorded that evening were, 'I Happen to Like New York', 'Why Was I Born?', 'Swanee' and 'You'll Never Walk Alone.' She would record one song and then we would go into the sound proof room and listen to it in the playback. At one point after one version of “I Happen to Like New York”, another guest, an English girl pop singer, made some disparaging remarks about New York. It was along the lines that it was a dirty smelly place. Judy stood looking down at sheet music on a table, said quietly and very firmly, 'I happen to like New York!'" - Joan Coulson

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'Why Was I Born'

"Many years later Lorna Smith asked Judy about the recording she had made that day of 'Why was I Born', commenting how beautiful it was and asked what they did with it. Judy laughed and said, 'I expect they lost it.' That is how she was -- a funny, charming, woman. It is nice to kn 5b4 ow that these recordings have been discovered and are being re-issued." - Joan Coulson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7B6Ni6tK2M

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'Do It Again'

"I remember the completely still theater and one small spotlight on Judy’s face as she performed this song at her Palladium show in 1960." - Joan Coulson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMWRI_XIZaA

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'Chicago'

"'Chicago' and 'San Francisco' – Happy songs and memories of Judy skipping around the stage." - Joan Coulson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZW3wwYXT2U

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'I Can't Give You Anything But Love'

"These recordings, which were made when I was actually present in the studio, are very emotional for me." - Joan Coulson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hInQI1z2GDA

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'After You've Gone'

"These recordings, which were made when I was actually present in the studio, are very emotional for me." - Joan Coulson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzJ0KPWAYVM

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'Over the Rainbow'

"My first thoughts were…what a complete collaboration there was between Judy and the orchestra. Of course she had been recording since she was a teenager and it was part of her life. Whatever troubles there were in Judy’s personal life at the time, it didn't matter when she was in the recording studio. It nev 5b4 er encroached upon her recording sessions. There she could be natural and not bother with dressing up, because it was just her and the musicians. She was at home, loving her craft." - Joan Coulson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOAZG5K6wf4

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'It's So Lovely to Be Back in London'

"I choked up right away as I heard the first track, 'It's So Lovely To Be Back Again in London.' I was at the opening of Judy's Dominion Theatre engagement on October 16, 1957, when she sang this song. And I still have the small LP which Judy gave to the opening night audience members." - Joan Coulson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-alqj0nd9-A

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'Please Say Uh'

"Love 'Please Say 'Ah' – So nice to hear something new." - Joan Coulson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47Oza1LHoHY

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

Hello, Bluebird'

"We were at the London Palladium all day, cast as extras in the audience, while they filmed the concert scenes for her movie, I COULD GO ON SINGING. I remember listening to the playback of this song over and over again as we sat in the theater, with Judy coming out now and then to film her sequences. Oh! Happy Day! 1962" - Joan Coulson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRuG13PMPjo

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'By Myself'

"Very emotional, as she was in the last stages of her marriage to Sid Luft." - Joan Coulson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGDRzK-dsdI

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

"In 1964, Judy was not supposed to have sung for a long period after being ill in Hong Kong earlier that year. But she came back to London, went to a benefit and they encouraged her to sing – and off she went again! Four joyful “Maggie May” songs were recorded in August 1964, during the 6 months she lived in England." - Joan Coulson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qMXF1usj_w

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

"We were at the London Palladium all day, cast as extras in the audience, while they filmed the concert scenes for her movie, I COULD GO ON SINGING. I remember listening to the playback of this song over and over again as we sat in the theater, with Judy coming out now and then to film her sequences. Oh! Happy Day! 1962" - Joan Coulson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wHp37YCjHw

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

From the Lost Tracks.

'Bill'
Judy's first ever recorded song from The Lost Tracks 1929-1959. This was recorded in 1935 with Ethel Gumm on piano.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_mjQZ1-y8U

'On the Good Ship Lollipop'/'The Object Of My Affection'/'Dinah'
Judy recorded this on March 29, 1935. Ethel Gumm is on piano.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRphbHrBLPg

'Broadway Rhythm'
Judy's first radio appearance on October 26, 1935.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmu3ud-6NFI

'Zing Went the Strings Of My Heart'
Judy performs another one of her signature tunes for the first time in public. Broadcast on ''The Shell Chateau Hour'' with Wallace Beery on 16 November, 1935. On the night of the show's broadcast, Judy discovered that her father (Frank Gumm) was seriously ill in hospital with spinal meningitis, but had no choice but to go on and perform - her performance has an added intensity. Her father died the next morning and Judy never saw him alive again. However, a radio was placed next to his bed so he could hear the broadcast, and hear 'Baby' sing one last time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhTq4DFLkD4

'Smiles'
Judy Garland sang many songs about 'Smiles'. This is perhaps the most rare ... it is not the song you may be thinking of. ... Performed on 'Jack Oakie's College' radio program, April 6, 1937. Judy was 15 years old. Included with this rare audio are seldom seen photos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciHyZqy0R98

'They Can't Take That Away From Me'
Performed on 'Jack Oakie's College', a weekly radio show with which Judy was a regular, broadcast on 11 May, 1937.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuSp3FPMEQg

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'Crying For the Carolines'

Judy Performed on 'Good News of 1938', broadcast on 14 April, 1938.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEovj82UG3g

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'God's Country'

Judy performed this on GOOD NEWS OF 1938, May 5, 1938.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvMtahEvp4s

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'How Deep Is the Ocean?'

Judy performed this on GOOD NEWS OF 1938, May 5, 1938.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCfqxkYL-ik

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'My Old Kentucky Home'

Judy performed this on AMERICA CALLING, 14 December 1938

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHBrpoocSpc

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'Are We Having Any Fun?'

Judy sings this on Bob Hope's radio show in 1940.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQSqgozKZcU

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'Dardanella'

A rare recording of Judy on the Bob Hope Show in 1939. This song was featured on the now out-of-print 1971 LP, ''The Wit And Wonder Of Judy Garland''.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8Sr9mXqY8s

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'Comes Love'

Performed at the opening ceremony of the Arrowhead Springs Hotel. Judy appeared alongside stars such as Rudy Vallee and Al Jolson at the ceremony. The ceremony was broadcast on CBS radio on 16 December, 1939; Judy was fresh from her success in ''The Wizard of Oz''.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBp7tSW-15k

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'Oh, Johnny'

Judy sang this on Bob Hope's show in 1941.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib7fn6H0qNM

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'Ma'

Judy performed this on THE PEPSODENT SHOW [1939/1940].

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEhMeRt01cg

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'FDR Jones'

Judy performed this on Bob Hope's radio show in 1939.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTxJ9jcl_VE

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'Sweet Sixteen'

Judy sang this on 'Tune Up Time' in 1939.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDYsdSc7DRs

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

'Silent Night'

Judy sang this on Bob Hope's radio show THE PEPSODENT SHOW, December 19, 1939.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl89sOehPZQ

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

The Man That Got Away (A Star is Born, 1954)
Hello, Bluebird (I Could Go On Singing, 1962)
Swanee (A Star is Born, 1954 or from Judy At Carnegie Hall, 1961)
Get Happy (Summer Stock, 1950)
Comes Once in a Lifetime (Released as a Capitol single, 1961)
Maggie May (London Sessions, 1964)
The Trolley Song (Decca, 1944)
Me & My Shadow (from the album Alone, 1957)

Re: Favorite Judy Garland songs

Gosh, Judy has so many great songs to choose from. The songs that I listen to the most are...

- I Don't Care
- Get Happy
- Play That Barbershop Chord
- Easter Parade
- A Fella With An Umbrella
- Zing! Went The Strings of My Heart
- Mr. Monotony
- I Wish I Were In Love Again
- For Me and My Gal
- How About You
- Johnny One Note
- Mack the Black (Acapella)
- Meet Me in St Louis
- On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe
- Puttin' On The Ritz
- Put Your Arms Around Me Honey
- Singin' In The Rain
- Who?
- You Made Me Love You
- The Birthday of A King
- Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
- When You Wore A Tulip (And I Wore a Big Red Rose)
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