Role

:

Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

June 10, 1922 in Grand Rapids, MN

Death

:

June 22, 1969 in Chelsea, London, England

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Judy Garland was an American singer, actress, and vaudevillian who became one of the most iconic figures in the history of American entertainment. Born Frances Ethel Gumm on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Garland was the youngest of three daughters born to vaudeville performers Frank and Ethel Gumm. From a young age, Garland showed a natural talent for singing and performing, and she began performing with her sisters as part of their parents' vaudeville act when she was just two years old. In 1926, the Gumm family moved to California, where they continued to perform in vaudeville shows and on the radio. Garland's talent quickly caught the attention of Hollywood producers, and she made her film debut at the age of 13 in the 1936 musical short "Every Sunday," co-starring with another up-and-coming young performer, Deanna Durbin. Garland's breakthrough role came later that year, when she was cast as Dorothy Gale in the classic film "The Wizard of Oz." "The Wizard of Oz" was a massive success, and Garland's performance as Dorothy earned her critical acclaim and a legion of fans. The film's signature song, "Over the Rainbow," became Garland's signature song as well, and she would go on to perform it countless times throughout her career. Garland's success in "The Wizard of Oz" led to a contract with MGM studios, where she would make some of her most famous films, including "Meet Me in St. Louis" (1944), "Easter Parade" (1948), and "A Star is Born" (1954). Garland's film career was just one aspect of her remarkable talent, however. She was also a gifted singer, with a powerful and emotive voice that could move audiences to tears. Garland's live performances were legendary, and she became known for her electrifying stage presence and her ability to connect with her audience on a deeply emotional level. Some of her most famous performances include her 1951 concert at the Palace Theatre in New York City, which was recorded and released as the album "Judy at Carnegie Hall," and her 1961 concert at the London Palladium, which was also recorded and released as an album. Throughout her career, Garland received numerous awards and accolades for her work. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "A Star is Born," and she won a Golden Globe for her performance in the same film. She also received a special Academy Award in 1940 for her "outstanding performance as a screen juvenile during the past year," and she was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997, more than 25 years after her death. Despite her many successes, Garland's life was not without its struggles. She struggled with addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol throughout much of her adult life, and she was married five times, with each marriage ending in divorce. She also faced financial difficulties, and she was forced to declare bankruptcy in 1963. Despite these challenges, however, Garland remained a beloved and iconic figure in American entertainment until her death on June 22, 1969, at the age of 47. In conclusion, Judy Garland was a true icon of American entertainment, with a talent and charisma that captivated audiences for decades. From her early days as a child performer in vaudeville to her legendary live performances and iconic film roles, Garland left an indelible mark on the world of music and film.

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