Judy Garland was just 12 when she and her two older sisters sang at the World's Fair, held in Chicago in 1934.
What's significant about this is that vaudeville emcee George Jessel changed the sisters' last name from Gumm to Garland when he introduced the siblings during their performance at the fair. Judy, whose real name was Frances Ethel, had been known as "Baby Gumm" up until this point.
Frances Garland wouldn't have had the same impact.
And who knows? We may never have been introduced to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
I think she was singing even before this. I read somewhere that she sang on stage when she was 3 or 4.
Posted by: JSumner | June 04, 2007 at 06:09 AM
Speaking of Judy Garland, there is an exciting new group on Yahoo called The Judy Garland Experience. The group features lively discussions, rare photo's, and amazing audio files. This week we are featuring Judy's complete 1958 concert at Chicago's Orchestra Hall, a 1977 Salute to Kander and Ebb starring Liza Minnelli and Chita Rivera, a 1940's Radio show where Judy sings Why Don't You Do Right, I Remember You, You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To and others, Judy's 1967 songs and conversations from and about Valley Of The Dolls, plus all sorts of other odds and ends, you will just have to check us out to see what else we have.
The group's membership includes Garland family members, other celebrities, author's, historian's, film maker's, and fan's from every level, the only thing missing is you! So, please, stop by our little Judyville and check it out, you may never want to leave.
http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/thejudygarlandexperience/
Posted by: Buzz | June 04, 2007 at 02:07 PM
Buzz - thanks for the information. Judy was an original.
Posted by: Dan | June 27, 2007 at 01:09 PM