A TRIBUTE TO JUDY VAN HERPEN, WITH MEMORIES AND EXCERPTS FROM THE 1964 BETTE DAVIS INTERVIEW

 by "Judy's Gang" 

Margo Slaughter, Maureen Davis, Norman Chramoff, Eleanor Lyon, and Ken Young

All Images Courtesy of Margo Slaughter's Personal Collection

Judy Van Herpen, 
a much loved friend and devoted Judy Garland fan all her life, 
known for attending almost every taping of "The Judy Garland Show" CBS series and whom Judy Garland herself called one of her "gang", 
sadly passed away in May 2013.

"Our friend (of 50 years!) Judy Van Herpen.  It's so hard for me to share my feelings for our friend.  I think when you've known someone for that many years, and have gone through so much together, you tend to take things for granted. We shouldn't, I know, but I think that's what we sometimes do.

We were born the same year, in fact. We were both just out of high school in June of l963 - that summer when Judy Garland started taping her Series at CBS Television City. We were all of 17 years old at the time! I felt a bond with Judy from the moment I met her. Of course, we always had the Judy Garland bond. All of us who met because of Judy Garland felt that way. But Judy Van Herpen was someone I felt I'd always known.

Judy was super intelligent, had a GREAT sense of humor, and was fiercely protective of Judy Garland. No one would DARE say anything against her - within earshot of her! I'll forever remember her great smile and quick wit - which are some of the things I always looked forward to whenever we were all able to get together over the years. And the fact that she was a good and decent person. How I wish she had taken better care of herself. I know "Judy's Gang" will never be the same now that she's left us. We all saw Judy Garland so many times together over the years - from TV shows to Vegas, to the Greek Theatre, and on and on and on.

We all love and miss you, Judy. You'll be in our hearts forever."

Love, 
Maureen

Judy Van Herpen in her high school years

"Judy was the best. A loyal true friend. Always funny and down to earth. 

Eleanor, Maureen, Margo and Judy VH patiently
waiting outside of CBS Television City in December 1963

Even though we didn't talk as much as she and Margo (Slaughter) did, whenever we did spend time together, it was like yesterday was the last time. 

I will miss her forever."

xoxoxo,

Elly

 

"As I look back at our fifty years of friendship, I know that I am the better for the fifty years she gave me. I was eleven when we met and she was my first experience with a wit extraordinaire! She was so smart, sharp and funny. Three years ago, when she drove us to San Diego for the strangest Judy concert ever, we had such fun. We never stopped talking and laughing that whole trip. It was as if fifty -- ouch! -- years hadn't passed. 

 Reunions of "Judy's Gang" at CBS-TV City - in 1978 and 2003.

We lived one of the greatest and luckiest experience ever. Glad that we shared so much and she will forever be in my heart and in my funny bone! If she read this she would be complaining about my grammar. I am sure that she continues clipping articles as we speak…" 

Norman

"When we were kids hanging out at CBS, I remember Judy's quick-wit sense of humor. Rapid-response quipster! We kept in touch via mail (remember that?) and reunited 40+ years later at our first Bench-kids reunion with George Sunga at CBS, that I believe Judy organized. Judy, Margo, Maureen, Elly, Norman and I all got together a few years later in the Valley. I'll always treasure our times together…

Speaking of "mail", I have a Judy-Traveling Postcard Story to share. When Judy VH and the Wenches went to see Judy Garland in Vegas, I couldn't be there but Judy VH sent me a beautiful JG picture postcard. On the back of the card, Judy VH signed it "Love, Judy."

Over the years, I often wondered what happened to that postcard. But after my bud, Al DiOrio passed, his sister found it going through his collection! I think I had lent it to Al when he was writing "Little Girl Lost." Thinking the message was written by Judy Garland herself, she sent it to me that Christmas -- where it sits on my computer desk today.

This postcard found it's way back home and remains a constant memory of happy times with Judy Van Herpen."

Ken

NEW AUDIO FILES POSTED TO THE YAHOO GROUP for the week of may 12, 2013

Homepage by Robin D'Amato

Here is a rundown of the new files posted over at the Yahoo version of The Judy Garland Experience.

To access the files click HERE

A JUDY MOMENT

Judy sparkles in Las Vegas

DUET OF THE WEEK

For Mother's Day, a touching mother-daughter duet from Judy Garland and Lorna Luft.

ENCORE

In a rare live performance recording, Ruth Brown tells Mama all about it.

I REMEMBER MAMA

Joe Luft and Liza Minnelli share their memories of Judy Garland on Mike Wallace's At Large program, 1976.

JUDY BEING A MOM

Without batting an eye or missing a beat, Judy Garland shifts focus with ease when a young Lorna lift interrupts a radio broadcast. Nightline, April 30, 1957.

JUDY GARLAND IN CONCERT

World premiere of a newly found version of Judy's Back Bay concert, recorded in Boston on May 24, 1968. This is a much clearer recording than the commonly known version. Judy's voice seems to be more in the forefront as well. Sadly the batteries ran out and the last few songs were not recorded. But what a treat to hear what we can!

LADY ESTHER BLODGETT THEATER

Presents BETTE DAVIS, and members of the original cast, in the radio adaptation of 

THE LITTLE FOXES.

MARCH 7, 1951

Here is the rarely heard original broadcast of Bing Crosby's radio show from this date, with extra special guest star, Judy Garland.

MAY 5, 1938

The Good News program starring Judy Garland, Clark Gable Fanny Brice, and many more. Judy's performance of How Deep Is The Ocean is dedicated to mothers everywhere.

SUNDAY MORNING SPECIAL

Aretha Franklin meets Johnny Mercer on early 60's television.

WHERE JUDY PLAYED

Abbey Lincoln at Lincoln Center, 2005.

ALBUM OF THE MONTH the letter

Just because TJGE wanted to make a movie trailer with it, we have opted to make Judy's 1959 concept album, The Letter, this month's Album Of The Month.

Otherwise, this creaky curio would be found at the bottom of my "must play" list.

However, I think film maker and TJGE member, Jaycub, has brilliantly revitalized the concept, and his oh so subtle use of the technicolor process is awe inspiring.

Judy Garland and Gordon Jenkins would be pleased, not to mention confused and convulsed,
eh, with laughter, of course.

And I think we can all agree that Bette Davis would have loved it! You'll see.

Settle in and thank your lucky stars that you aren't in Texas.

NEW FILES POSTED TO THE YAHOO GROUP (for the week of May 20, 2012)

Here is a rundown of this week's new files posted over at the Yahoo version of The Judy Garland Experience.
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.

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.