Tag Archives: Judy Garland

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 2

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 2

A sweet vintage Christmas card image from Pinterest. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Eighty years ago a Christmas classic was born when the film, “Meet Me In St. Louis” premiered in November 1944. The Vincent Minelli directed romantic musical gave us a few memorable songs from its star, Judy Garland, including a brand new holiday one that has endured for eight decades. And she gave this beautiful gift to the world a mere five years after she graced us with “Over The Rainbow”. Garland was an absolute wonder.

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Top: Judy Garland in “Meet Me In St. Louis”. Middle: A promotional ad for the 1944 movie. Bottom: Mary O’Brien (L), a snowman & Garland in a publicity picture for the movie. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Over six decades later, today’s song was the fourth track on Paul Carrack’s 2005 holiday album, Winter Wonderland (a/k/a A Soulful Christmas). It features ten beloved classics and a new spin on “Beautiful World”, the title song from his 1997 release. The combination of his soulful voice & the moderately paced tempo of the jazzy arrangement gives today’s holiday staple such a fresh, lively and fun feel I usually find myself moving right along with the beat. I have been fascinated with Carrack’s voice since the first time I heard the 1974 Ace classic, “How Long”, and his Christmas album lets me indulge in that obsession by giving him a place of honor on my holiday playlist.

Paul C

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Judy Garland: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (1944, written by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin).

Paul Carrack & The SWR Big Band: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (2005, written by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

Music Monday: August 26, 2024

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

Blog image for 2024

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Yesterday marked the 85th anniversary of “The Wizard Of Oz” movie. It premiered on August 25, 1939 starring Judy Garland as Dorothy, Ray Bolger as The Scarecrow (and Hunk), Jack Haley as The Tin Man (and Hickory), Bert Lahr as The Cowardly Lion (and Zeke), Margaret Hamilton as The Wicked Witch Of The West (and Miss Gulch), Frank Morgan as the Great & Powerful Oz (and Professor Marvel) and Billie Burke as Glinda The Good Witch.

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An online image that claims to be the original movie poster from 1939. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The first time I saw this movie I was maybe 6 or 7 and it just destroyed me. I could not understand why Dorothy wanted to leave her three beautiful friends. I got that she wanted to get back to her Aunt & Uncle, but since the chances of Dorothy catching another flying house to Oz were virtually zero, by leaving she was never going to see her friends again. I think I started sobbing when she told the Tin Man, “Don’t cry, you’ll rust so dreadfully”, and I never stopped.

After that my mother never let me watch it again and I was fine with that. Honestly I could not bear that pain again, plus the Munchkins freaked me out a little. Then when I was in high school I was babysitting for a few kids who wanted to watch the movie. This time I fell in love with the farm, the relationships between Dorothy and her friends both in and out of Oz, the exquisite beauty of Garland’s voice and Glinda’s dress and almost everything else (except the Munchkins who still creeped me out). I watch it whenever I can now and still appreciate the magic of the story which at its core for me is about Dorothy finding her people. I do not believe I will ever tire of it.

And I was today years old when I discovered there is an All Things Oz Museum in Chittenango, New York-the birthplace of L. Frank Baum-the author of all 14 Oz books which began with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, published in 1900.

“If happy little blue birds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why oh why can’t I“.

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Glinda
wicked with and dorothy

Four iconic images from the film: One: An MGM official still of the main cast (L-R): Jack Haley as The Tin Man, Bert Lahr as The Cowardly Lion, Frank Morgan as the Great & Powerful Oz (with Toto the dog by his feet), Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale and Ray Bolger as The Scarecrow. Two: Haley, Garland, Bolger and Lahr in costume. Three: Billie Burke as Glinda The Good Witch. Four: Margaret Hamilton (L) as The Wicked Witch Of The West with Dorothy (Garland). (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Judy Garland: “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” (1939, written by Harold Arlen and Edgar Yipsel “Yip” Harburg).

Stay safe & well.

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 12

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

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A lovely vintage Christmas card image found on Pinterest. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Francis Albert Sinatra-better known as Frank Sinatra, “Ol’ Blue Eyes” or “The Chairman Of The Board”- was born on December 12, 1915 in Hoboken, NJ. To this day, he defines an era of the lavish lifestyle in the glamour filled days of old Hollywood as an actor, singer, entertainer and a member of the Rat Pack.

He recorded today’s song 75 years ago in 1948 only four years after it was featured in the film, “Meet Me In St. Louis” where it was performed by Judy Garland. I have included both for you today for some his and her variety. And because both are spectacular.

“Once again as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Will be near to us once more“.

frank and judy

Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland from an undated photo circa late 1940’s or early 1950’s. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Frank Sinatra: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (1948, written by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin).

Judy Garland: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (1944, written by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

Music Monday: July 24, 2023

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to another triple play edition of Music Monday.

Bruce quote 2023

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Last Friday we lost the man arguably considered to be the greatest crooner who ever was. And yes, even the Chairman Of The Board-Frank Sinatra-called Tony Bennett “the best singer in the business”. Anthony Dominick Benedetto died July 21, 2023 at the age of 96. A native New Yorker born in Astoria, Queens on August 3, 1926, Bennett was probably the greatest champion for the Great American Songbook and many of the most iconic jazz tunes in history. He sang & recorded with everyone from Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Armstrong, Count Basie, Paul McCartney, Elton John, James Taylor, Diana Krall, k.d. lang, Bono and countless others. Bennett’s death closes out one of the longest, most prolific, most important & most beautiful chapters of American music we will ever see again. Thank you, Tony, for every single note.

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Tony Bennett circa 1950. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The woman Bennett considered the greatest singer he ever heard held her last U.S. concert 55 years ago on July 20, 1968. Judy Garland headlined the show, held at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which also featured Count Basie and Jackie Wilson. She performed about 20 songs, leaving everyone in attendance clamoring for more.

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Judy Garland circa 1947. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

This month also marks the 75th birthday for Yusuf Islam f/k/a Cat Stevens. Born Steven Demetre Georgiou on July 21, 1948 in London, England, he began his professional musical career in 1967 with the release of his debut album, Matthew and Son. Aside from a 17 year respite between 1978 and 1995 while he devoted himself to religion and his family, Islam’s career spans over five decades. He remains one of the most beloved and inspirational artists of the 1970’s.

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Yusuf Islam in 2014 at his Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in Brooklyn, NY (picture by me).

Tony Bennett: “When Will The Bells Ring For Me” (1990, written by Charles DeForest).

Judy Garland: “Over The Rainbow” (1939, written by Harold Arlen and Edgar Yipsel “Yip” Harburg).

Yusuf Islam f/k/a Cat Stevens: “Trouble” (1970, written by Cat Stevens n/k/a Yusuf Islam).

Stay safe and well.

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 4

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 4 2022

A vintage circa 1950 Napco Christmas figurine. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today’s artist is described on his website as having a “life and philosophy (that) is the embodiment of the Great American Story”. And that tale is one incredibly talented & gifted one that has spanned a remarkable 96 years to date. The website also names this man as one of only a few artists to have new albums on the charts in the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and the first two decades of this current millenium. And those records have been in a variety of musical genres including swing, jazz, big band, pop, The Great American Songbook and holiday tunes like today’s classic. It is nearly 80 years old but it is still a holiday staple.

This song was first recorded for the 1944 film, “Meet Me in St. Louis” and was originally performed by today’s singer’s favorite vocalist, an incompreble artist who was the original all around entertainer who sang, dance, acted & performed live every chance she got. She was born 100 years ago but it is still hailed as one of the best artists of all time. Both versions of this song are so utterly perfect I have included both of them for you to enjoy.

“Once again as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Will be near to us once more“.

Tony Bennett

Top: Tony Bennett on the cover of his 1987 album, Bennett/Berlin. Bottom: Judy Garland in a scene from the 1944 film, “Meet Me In St. Louis”. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Tony Bennett: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (1968, written by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin).

Judy Garland: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (1944. written by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2021: Day 2

Posted in Christmas, Holidays, Music by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

card

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Anything Rosemary Clooney sang was so beautiful, but there was such an elegance to the holiday tunes she recorded. I think today’s song is probably her best. Judy Garland’s original is wonderful, too, but Clooney’s take just gives me such joy.

“Through the years
We’ll always be together
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough“.

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Rosemary Clooney in a still from the 1954 movie, “White Christmas”. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Rosemary Clooney: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (1996, written by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you  

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

Let’s Take A Moment Day 451

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

June 2021 blog

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Tony Bennett has often said today’s singer was the best he ever heard. And in many ways she was. Judy Garland, born Frances Ethel Gumm on June 10, 1922 in Minnesota, started singing with her sisters when she was a child. By age 13 she was signed to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer by studio president Louis B. Mayer.

She started in radio & eventually moved on to movies. Her career-making performance as Dorothy Gale in 1939’s “The Wizard Of Oz” when she was 16 turned her into a legend, a role every generation since has discovered her in. It was truly an iconic part and she was absolutely beautiful in it.

It may be hard to forget how young she was when she died (aged 47 in 1969) all her marriages, her battles with substance abuse and the fact that she was one of Hollywood’s first casualties. But her incomparable voice, her acting, her live performances & her incredible heart are what she gave us all. Nearly 100 years after her birth & more than 50 years after her death, Judy Garland is still one of the most beloved stars the world ever saw.

“If happy little blue birds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why oh why can’t I“.

Judy

Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale in 1939’s classic, “The Wizard Of Oz“. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Judy Garland: “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” (1939, written by Harold Arlen and Edgar Yipsel “Yip” Harburg).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 194

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Jane Austen Music Quote

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Today marks the 122nd birth anniversary of George Gershwin. He wrote some of the most beautiful standards out there, and Broadway musicals were never the same after his genius touch. My absolute favorite tune of his is “Someone To Watch Over Me” (see Day 42). But I love today’s song as well, which was first sung by Ginger Rogers in the 1930 stage musical, “Girl Crazy” and in the 1943 film version by Judy Garland.

Since then it has been covered by a number of artists including John Coltrane, Sam Cooke, Frank Sinatra, Linda Ronstadt, Elton John and Barry Manilow, amongst others. But when it comes to singing Gershwin tunes, I do not think anyone compares to Lady Ella.

“I was a fool to fall, and get that way
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Although I can’t dismiss
The memory of his kiss
I guess he’s not for me“.

Ella Marilyn

george gershwin

Top: Ella Fitzgerald & Marilyn Monroe circa 1955. Bottom: George Gershwin circa 1930. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Ella Fitzgerald: “But Not For Me” ( 1959, written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

“Cupid, Please Hear My Cry…..” & A Song

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Dear Cupid,

Hope you are well.

For Valentine’s Day this year, please bring me my own version of Jack Pearson (you know, the perfect man from “This Is Us“).

He is a great husband, father and friend.

milo as jack

 Jack Pearson (as portrayed by Milo Ventimiglia – courtesy of Ron Batzdorff/NBC)

But more importantly, Jack is a music connoisseur.  Yes, I am referring to the Bruce Springsteen tickets he bought for him & his family to see the Boss himself (not to mention playing a song of his for teenage Kate who was breaking her father’s heart by listening to noise).

How impossibly sad that Jack died before the Springsteen show.  I only hope that he saw him previously, with Rebecca, during the “Born To Run” or “Darkness” tours.  I hope so.  Missing out on his kid’s futures is bad enough, but missing Springsteen live…..that is too sad for words!!!   😦

But Cupid, I digress.

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Cupid (original source unknown)

I promise to shower my Jack with all the love, hugs, kisses & support in the world & get us great seats to every Springsteen show within a 300 mile radius so we can take a road trip to the show while we listen to E Street Radio.  I will even pack us a great picnic lunch for the drive and bake delicious chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

Thank you, Cupid.  Xoxoxo.

Love, Michele

PS:  Whenever Valentine’s Day rolls around, you know I think a lot about you.  I always picture you as the sweet little cherub icon.  Adorable!!!

That is, however, until I saw Liam Neeson portraying you on “The Late Show” last week.  He was his beautiful, hilarious self so I hope you do not mind if I see you that way from now on.    🙂

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Cupid (as portrayed by Liam Neeson – coutesy of The Late Show/CBS) 

And Cupid, in celebration of the Feast of Saint Valentine, I will make this week’s song a love song.  But not a traditional one as I am not a traditional girl.  This one tells the story of two people in the throws of some difficulties, but despite where they are in the moment, there is no doubt where their hearts lie:

“I got you, in my veins & my blood,
I got you, straight to my heart like a flood,
Like there ain’t no other love,
Hearts aren’t always red, they’re black & blue.
I got you”. 

The song is called “I Got You” by The White Buffalo featuring Audra Mae, who is the great-great-niece of Judy Garland.  And his voice makes me saaaa-woooooooooon!!!

Thanks again, Cupid.  And please remember I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you  🙂

Until next time, happy digging!!!

 

Christmas Song Countdown Day 7

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Hello, Vixens!!!  Welcome back to the Christmas Song Countdown!!!

Look at this darling tree!!!  Those are berry baskets holding ornaments on the branches.  How creative & adorable!!!  (And those baskets are in the Target Dollar Spot, if you are wondering).

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The old adage is the more things change, the more they stay the same.  Music is a perfect example.  While popular music today seems to revolve around urban, pop and rap, there are still people who take ballroom dancing lessons.  For all the people buying tickets to concerts to see rock heroes like Bruce Springsteen (read:  me & the gazillion other people who saw him on tour this year)  or Neil Young, a singer/songwriter like Ed Sheeran is winning Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards.  And for those country fans who are thrilled that Garth Brooks finally made his comeback record, there are just as many fans of swing, jazz and big band music (hence the popularity of Michael Buble, for example).

My point is there is room for everyone, and as soon as you think you have seen the last of a certain style of music or singing, up pops someone to take us back to that sound.  Of course, there are those singers who transcend the ages with the timelessness of their voices.  Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Tony Bennett and Billie Holiday, just to name a few. The singer with the #7 song is, without a doubt, a part of that group.

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Courtesy of Sarah Catherine Design

Known as “The First Lady of Song” because she could sing them all-ballads, upbeats, blues, jazz, swing and sentimental.  She had a pitch perfect sound and a powerful range and delivery.  And she could scat.

Starting next April,  which would have marked her 100th birthday, venues around the world will celebrate her music with “Ella at 100:  A Centennial Celebration“.  Her physical presence was lost 20 years ago, but her voice is eternal.    And her take on Christmas music is just one example of that.

Ella Fitzgerald:  Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you   🙂

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, fellow Vixens, happy listening!!!

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Courtesy of Architecture Art Designs