Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
MEET ME AT THE KEURIG MACHINE
Be sure to check in at the Yahoo version of The Judy Garland Experience this weekend for our Meet Me In St Louis special programming. If you are not a member of the Yahoo group yet you can join by clicking HERE.
Monday, May 28, 2012
COMING SOON!
No, not Christmas, The Judy Garland Experience salute to Meet Me In St Louis!
Check in with the Yahoo group HERE next Sunday and prepare yourself for an aural and visual adventure.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
NEW FILES POSTED AT THE YAHOO GROUP (for the week of May 27, 2012)
A JUDY MOMENT
Judy memorializes.
DUET OF THE WEEK
Carol Channing breaks up Web Pierce's happy home.
ENCORE
Judy Garland sings for those who, in way too many wars, have died in service for their country.
HERE'S HOLLYWOOD
Jack Linkletter interviews Judy Garland at the Berlin Hilton, 1961.
JUDY AND BING, May 28, 1952
Judy Garland guest star's on Bing Crosby's Chesterfield Show, May 28, 1952.
JUDY GARLAND IN CONCERT
On May 26, 1952 Judy Garland opened a wildly successful engagement at San Francisco's Curran Theatre. This folder contains her complete closing night performance (recorded June 22, 1952).
LADY ESTHER BLODGETT THEATER
Presents JOAN CRAWFORD and Frank Lovejoy in THE DAMNED DON'T CRY. Originally broadcast on April 5, 1954.
MAIL CALL WITH BETTY HUTTON
The Bing Crosby/Rosemary Clooney program that is usually posted here every Sunday is going on hiatus until the fall. In it's place we will be bringing you episodes of Mail Call. This week's offering features host Betty Hutton and her guests, Frank Sinatra, Vivian Blaine, and others. Originally broadcast on April 25, 1945.
REQUESTS AND RARITIES
SUNDAY MORNING SPECIAL
Excerpts from Anita O'Day's mid sixties European adventure.
WHERE JUDY PLAYED
Bette Midler at Madison Square Garden.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Columnist Earl Wilson interviewed Judy backstage following her opening night at the Palace Theatre on September 26, 1956.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
JUDY AND VINCENTE AT THE HOUSE OF LOPER
While showing Judy Garland a piece of jewelry, Don Loper finds a practical use for Vincente Minnelli's thigh.
Judy sees something she likes.
Photographed at Don Loper's Los Angeles shop on February 20, 1947.
A MESSAGE FROM FRANK LABRADOR
Inspiring, beautiful, moving, passionate, loving....
Words we could use to describe Judy Garland. However, these attributes also comes to mind when I read your submissions for the "Judy Garland 90th Birthday Commemorative Video". I wanted to send a collective THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed so far. And we're hoping to receive many more submissions in the next week.
People have asked what we are looking for. You can share something as simple as a "Happy Birthday" wish on video...or share something more creative like poetry or original artwork. If you like something more specific, you can answer the question (on video or audio), "If Judy Garland was alive and she was sitting in front of you, what would you say to her or what would you thank her for?" Or if you had the privilege of seeing Judy perform live in concert, share your memories about that. In other words, it's your opportunity to express from the heart what Judy Garland's legacy personally means to you. With most smart phones and computers today having the capability to record video and/or audio, we highly encourage the submission be in video or audio format. However, any type of digital format would be gladly accepted
Please send your submissions to us no later than Sunday, June 3rd to judyninety@yahoo.com. If you have any further questions, feel free to send us an email at that same email address. Please remember because of time restraints, submissions may have to be edited or only a portion of it used in the video. But the producers promise to respect the integrity of all submitted work.
Thanks and have a great Memorial Day Weekend!
Frankie Labrador
Labrador Productions
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
MELBOURNE 1964
Sunday, May 20, 2012
NEW FILES POSTED TO THE YAHOO GROUP (for the week of May 20, 2012)
To access the files click HERE
A JUDY MOMENT
A bittersweet bit of whimsy from 1960.
CHASE AND SANBORN HOUR
Starring Judy Garland, Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Charlie McCarthy, Edger Bergen, and the Ray Noble orchestra. Originally broadcast on June 21, 1942.
COULDA, SHOULDA, WOULDA
Rosemary Clooney sings a rare live version of one of those "good ole" songs that, if sung by Judy, would have sounded like ice cream on a hot July day...
DUET OF THE WEEK
With a nod of respect to the Queen Of Disco.
ENCORE
An unreleased cut from the Palladium recordings.
GUEST STAR 1952
Judy Garland and brother-in-law, Jack Cathcart, appear on behalf of Defense Bonds. Hosted by Del Sharbutt. Recorded June, 13, 1952.
INTERPRETING JUDY
Sonny Rollins is absolutely fearless in his approach to this revered Garland classic.
JUDY GARLAND IN CONCERT
Judy Garland in concert at the Back Bay Theater. Boston, May 24, 1968.
LADY ESTHER BLODGETT THEATER
Presents BETTE DAVIS in Just Suppose, With Crawford Kent and John Wood.
REQUESTS AND RARITIES
SUNDAY MORNING SPECIAL
Anita O'Day, unissued session, 1975.
WHAT FRESH HELL IS THIS?
Dean Martin
WHERE JUDY PLAYED
B.B. King on the Ed Sullivan show.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
David Price's PHOTO OF THE WEEK #21.
Singing during the Academy Awards show broadcast on April 5, 1965.
Photo Credit: ABC-TV.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
JUDY GARLAND BIRTHDAY SALUTE VIDEO
We prefer video, but submissions of all media types are welcome. Be it a birthday card, a poem, letter, drawing, audio recording, painting etc. Just as long as it is a birthday wish or an expression of your appreciation of Judy Garland.
The video will be featured on Youtube, FB, and several of the major Judy sites.
If you have any technical issues/questions feel free to contact the production team at Labrador/TJGE Productions for assistance.
Please send all submissions and inquiries to judyninety@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
THE COMPANY SHE KEPT
Judy Garland and Mark Herron with the infamous Kray Twins.
Reginald and Ronnie Kray were the kings of underworld crime in the UK during the 50's and 60's.
Here is their blurb from Wikipedia:
Reginald "Reggie" Kray (24 October 1933 – 1 October 2000) and his twin brother Ronald "Ronnie" Kray (24 October 1933 – 17 March 1995) were the foremost perpetrators of organised crime in London's East End during the 1950s and 1960s. Ronald, commonly referred to as Ron or Ronnie, most likely suffered from paranoid schizophrenia.[4] The Krays were involved in armed robberies, arson, protection rackets, violent assaults including torture and the murders of Jack "The Hat" McVitie and George Cornell. As West End nightclub owners, they mixed with prominent entertainers including Diana Dors, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and politicians. The Krays were highly feared within their social environment, and in the 1960s they became celebrities in their own right, being photographed by David Bailey and interviewed on television. They were arrested on 9 May 1968 and convicted in 1969 by the efforts of a squad of detectives led by Detective Superintendent Leonard "Nipper" Read, and were both sentenced to life imprisonment.
Ronnie remained in Broadmoor Hospital until his death on 17 March 1995, but Reggie was released from prison on compassionate grounds in August 2000, eight weeks before his death in October from cancer.
The Krays were not the first criminals Judy associated with (nevermind that she was managed by a few), as far back as when she was a little girl she was known to have no fear in approaching or partying with the world's "bad boys."
Here she recounts approaching John Dillinger for his autograph mere moments before he was shot and killed:
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
JUDY 90 - JOIN THE CELEBRATION!
to commemorate what would have been Judy Garland's 90th birthday and we invite all Judy
fans to join the celebration.
If you have a special message for Judy, whether it be a birthday message or just a declaration of what she has meant to you, a birthday card (homemade preferred but not mandatory), original art, poetry, lyrics etc, please submit them to judyninety@yahoo.com
We are accepting videos made from your phone, computer (or whatever), audio recordings, written statements, digital art, and media in any format in which you feel most comfortable expressing yourself.
Again, please submit your statement, card, drawing, or recording to judyninety@yahoo.com
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this project you can contact the producers at judyninety@yahoo.com
Please note that because of time restraints submissions may have to be edited, but the producers promise to respect the integrity of all submitted work.
Monday, May 14, 2012
TABLE FOR THREE, PLEASE
Judy and Vincente at the Macombo in 1945. They had just confided Liza's due date to the photographer/reporter.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
NEW FILES POSTED TO THE YAHOO GROUP (for the week of May 13, 2012)
Here is a rundown of the new files posted to the Yahoo version of The Judy Garland Experience.
To access the files click HERE.
A JUDY MOMENT
We are dedicating this week's A Judy Moment to Lorna Luft because we know that this song has special significance for her, particularly on this holiday. With best wishes from all your friends and admireres at TJGE, here's hoping you have a speedy recovery, Lorna. And Happy Mother's Day!
DUET OF THE WEEK
A mother (Judy)/daughter(Lorna) duet that spans centuries and has a message that is eternal.
ENCORE
Hit it, Mort! One more time.
GOOD NEWS OF 1938
A special Mothers Day episode starring Judy Garland, Una Merkel, Fannie Brice, Robert Young, Clark Gable and others. Originally broadcast on May 5, 1938.
JUDY GARLAND IN CONCERT
Judy Garland in concert with the Mort Lindsey orchestra. Recorded at the Arie Crown Theater on May 7, 1965.
LADY ESTHER BLODGETT THEATER
Presents JOAN CRAWFORD and BARBARA STANWYCK in Shirley Eder's Lost Recordings.
NIGHTLINE
From May 1957. Four and a half year old Lorna interrupts a coast to coast broadcast, but Judy Garland doesn't miss a beat as she switches gears and goes into doting and loving mother mode.
REQUESTS AND RARITIES
Judy sings Over The Rainbow in the Grand Ballroom of The Plaza. April 6, 1968.
SUNDAY MORNING SPECIAL
Frank Sinatra at the WAVES Training Center, Bronx, NY. Recorded March 28, 1945.
WHAT FRESH HELL IS THIS?
Julie London and Ray Charles
WHERE JUDY PLAYED
Peggy Lee at the Felt Forum, February 13, 1984.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Clowning during a cement-signing ceremony backstage at the Earl Carroll Theatre in Los Angeles, where Judy and Mickey were appearing on CBS Radio's SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (with co-stars Cary Grant and Ann Sothern), September 24, 1939. Just back from their personal appearance tour in New York City and the Northeast, their partnership was just coming into full blossom.
Friday, May 11, 2012
A VIDEO SALUTE TO MORT LINDSEY
Film editor and director Frank Labrador is a great friend of TJGE and we are pleased beyond words to present his short film honoring the great Mort Lindsey. Here, in Frank's own words, is a description of the short musical film you are about to see:
"The brilliant Mort Lindsey -- orchestrator, musical director, and conductor for some of the biggest artists in show business (including Barbra Streisand and Merv Griffin) -- passed away on Friday, May 4th. The world has lost one of its greatest musicians. This short tribute video focuses on his work on "The Judy Garland Show" CBS TV series from 1963-64. I tried to include all significant moments where Mort appeared on screen and combined three of the overtures he conducted on (in episode 1, 20 and 23) into one. In all, clips were chosen from show #1, 9, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 26.
I send my heartfelt condolences to Mort's wife, Judy Lindsey, and family and friends.
Copyright infringement not intended...only being used here for educational and celebratory purpose."
JUDY '60
Coming VERY soon! (On its way to the printers )
The International Judy Garland Club is pleased to announce that issue 4 of `Judy
Garland – a Celebration' will be published and mailed out to members over the
next few weeks.
is the best magazine yet. There are 44 pages packed with 90 very rare
photographs from the period, many from the archives of Club founder Lorna Smith,
who also writes an article for this issue. This is not only a visually stunning
publication but also a painstakingly researched oversight of what was
undoubtedly one of the happiest and most successful years of Judy's life.
London was Judy Garland's lucky city. Her third visit in 1960, after her debut
at the Palladium in 1951 and success at the Dominion in 1957, laid the
foundations for the historic April 23rd 1961 Carnegie Hall concert and
recording. Many of the songs, anecdotes, impish improvisations, teasingly
forgotten lyrics and ecstatic reviews were reflected in her 1960 Palladium shows
and subsequent visits to the UK provinces and other European capitals
`I'm so darned calm these days,' she said, excited at the possibility of a fresh
start in London - `a new house, a new home, a new life.'
of her time in London. `I loved that old house. I used to love cuddling down on
the couch under a quilt to watch TV with mama and Joey and my dad.' She recalled
playing in Hyde Park, shopping in Harrods, pantomimes, fireworks on Bonfire
night, mama taking them to school, bangers and mash for lunch, `with hot British
mustard that made my nose run, and cake with runny custard for dessert.' She
concluded: `I could have stayed in England forever. It was the last time we were
really ever happy as a family.'
`I consider this time when she was happy, well and singing at the studio to be
my favourite memory. I was terribly shy and in great awe of her.' Joan Coulson,
present at some of Judy's London Sessions
`Judy seemed remarkably happy at this stage of her life. She always had a great
sense of humour and she was certainly at the top of her form with us.' Norrie
Paramor
`Norrie is such a fine conductor and he has arranged some very fine material.
[The orchestra] is a fantastic aggregation of musical talent.' Judy
`She showed us what she indisputably is – a singer who throws out notes like
skylarks escaping from her throat, who can growl out a blues, or caress a love
ballad, with equal effect and virtuosity…she, and her melodious, intelligent
songs – makes all the current singing rages seem like street-corner shouters.'
1960 review
` "Why was I born? Why am I living?" As the great voice poured from the small
but sturdy frame I felt an emotional surge, a stinging behind the eyes and a
constriction in the throat.' Lorna Smith, present at some of Judy's London
Sessions
gloriously sung, professionally-recorded tracks for Capitol in Los Angeles and
London; the introduction of another Academy Award-nominated song; an uproarious
return to the stage in a one woman show that proved to be off-the-radar in terms
of both artistic and box office appeal - many times emulated but never equalled,
never mind surpassed.' John Fricke
`I like the photographs I have of a beaming Judy clutching the Club's bouquet in
the dressing room after a Command Performance on December 1st, wearing a very
practical warm jumper underneath the turquoise jacket! A homely touch and it was
cold outside!' Lorna Smith
This is a fantastic collectors' item with dozens of beautiful family photographs
never before published to the Garland community.
If you are not a member join now for a copy; if you are a member tell your
friends and spread the word.
Contact us at: judygarlandclub@gmail.com
PayPal: www.paypal.com
payments should be made to our email address
Or go to:
www.judygarlandclub.org
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
STEVE SANDERS REMEMBERS MORT LINDSEY
Earlier today, Coyne Steven Sanders, popular author and television historian, was over at the Yahoo version of TJGE musing on the passing of Mort Lindsey. I found his thoughts relevant and touching and wanted to share them with everybody. I've also included an excerpt from a post of his from a month ago that
goes hand in hand with today's reminiscences.
years, prior to "Rainbow's End," and then I'd see him over the years at various
functions, Judy events (such as the LA Garland tribute I referenced recently
here), etc. I was thrilled to bring about his reunion with Lorna. He was playing
piano on weekends at a hotel in Beverly Hills and when Lorna, Colin and I all
lived in LA (and good friends), I arranged for Lorna and Mort to see each other
again after many years. The three of us went to the hotel, surprised him and it
resulted in a great friendship with Mort, Lorna and Colin which sustained to
Mort's death. Mort was truly a wonderful man, a brilliant musician, and, next to
Roger Edens, I think understood Judy better musically than anyone else as
arranger-conductor et al. He was a kind, caring, gentle soul but with a definite
sharp wit and awareness. He was fiercely protective and devoted to Judy, loving
and respecting her as a human being, mother and artist. He would tell me often
of Judy's kindnesses over the years, her unassuming nature and her complete
trust in him. And how hard she worked and how much she loved to perform. And
respected her audiences. He told me once, "She was incapable of giving a bad
performance. During the '61 tour, particularly, she couldn't WAIT to get on
stage, she was so happy, healthy and wanted to sing."
He told me Judy was close friends with his wife, also named Judy, who was
Garland's stand-in during the series. He told me of his family exchanging Chirstmas
presents with hers, and how Judy would remember the birthdays of his children. He would
recall, with a smile, how the the two Judys would love their private time, where
they would talk about being mothers, how they loved their children and exchanged
'tips' on raising their kids as the children got older. Mort would say, that in
those private, off stage moments, Judy easily put aside being a performer and
relished being 'just' a mother, a friend and having Judy and Mort as friends
whom she could confide in, talk about life and exchange stories. Mort showed me
wonderful photos of Judy at birthday parties for his children and Mort's family
with Judy and her kids over the years, Judy and her children invariably looking
happy and clearing enjoying being in each other's company. Mort would say how
much Judy 'adored' her children and was 'very normal' in how she raised her
kids, instilled the proper values...and when Judy was off stage and around
trusted friends, such as Mort and Judy Lindsey, she was relaxed, kind, always
caring and remembered the smallest things they would tell her which she would
ask about later, in concern, or particular dates for remembering birthdays,
anniversaries and such. And delighted in giving them little surprise presents
over the years.
He never said one unkind or negative thing about Judy, in all the years I knew
him and would often say, "I've worked with them all but Judy was by far the
best. She was in a class by herself. Judy had the most amazing sense of humor
and she would be the first one to laugh at herself. She could size a person up
in a second. She was the greatest singer of them all, and that includes Sinatra
and Barbra. And she respected her audiences, and loved peforming, more than
anyone else. She was the very best. She was brilliant. She knew music, she knew
sound, she knew lighting like nobody's business. The greatest singer and
entertainer of the century and it was an honor to know her and work with her."
There are more quotes from Mort in "Rainbow's End," but I wanted to share more
personal memories and more of his quotes here, told to me over the years after
the book was published...hope this at least presents more about the man and his
more private thoughts about Judy.
Coyne Steven Sanders
continues to resonate and find new readers after so many years. I had no idea it
would have the impact it did; most of all, I'm so grateful for having had the
forum to do my part to correct so many inaccuracies, dispute lies and at least
partially undue the damage that had been done years before by the Torme book.
I've related this story before, but when I was still researching for the book,
Mort called me and said, "I just ran into Mel Torme. We ran into each other
jogging on the beach in Malibu. He was in a huff and furious." He told Mort, "I
just got a call from a guy named Steve Sanders...he says he's writing a book
about the television series. I told him I had already written that book," to
which Mort replied, "No, Mel, Steve's book is doing to be different -- he's
going to tell the TRUTH!" For that alone, I am indebted to Mort Lindsey for
life!
Coyne Steven Sanders
Sunday, May 6, 2012
NEW FILES POSTED TO THE YAHOO GROUP (for the week of May 6, 2012)
Here is the rundown of the new audio files posted at the Yahoo version of The Judy Garland Experience. To access the files click HERE
A JUDY MOMENT
Presenting a musical AJM from 1964. And how was it decided that this would be this week's A Judy Moment? I mean, look at this week's homepage, could there be any other choice?
DUET OF THE WEEK
Jackie And Roy share their recipe for love.
ENCORE
If only he had stuck to doing this (and not writing books).
JUDY AND JOHNNY GET PERSONAL
From 1943. With Ken Carpenter announcing, Ivan Ditmars on piano, and Judy Garland and Johnny Mercer on vocals. This is from a record album titled Personal Album. It was recorded exclusively for members of the armed forces and shipped overseas to battle fronts.
JUDY GARLAND IN CONCERT
Judy Garland and friends at the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium, July 9, 1955. Featuring Sammy Davis, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Michael Romanoff, and others. Best line (courtesy of Dean Martin): "Everybody's gonna dance." Plus a spectacular BONUS TRACK.
JUDY GARLAND IN CONCERT 2
Judy Garland and friends in concert at The Greek, Septemeber 14, 1965. With Mickey Rooney, Martha Raye, and Johnny Mathis.
LADY ESTHER BLODGETT THEATER
Presents BETTE DAVIS in the radio adaptation of THE LITTLE FOXES. Starring Otto Kruger, Teresa Wright, Charles Dingle and others. Originally broadcast on August 6, 1945.
REQUESTS AND RARITIES
Oddities and the unexpected.
SUNDAY MORNING SPECIAL
Darin In London. Highlights from Bobby Darin's 1967 British TV Special.
WHAT FRESH HELL IS THIS
Nostalgic Opportunistic Voices
WHERE JUDY PLAYED
Lee Wiley on the Jack Paar show, 1959.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
David Price's PHOTO OF THE WEEK #19
On the set of A STAR IS BORN, conversing with George Cukor and James Mason. (c. February, 1954)
Photo by Pat Clark. Provenance: Keybook, George Cukor Collection.