Today would have been Judy Garland’s 88th birthday; by the time she passed away at the young age of 47, she looked (and felt) like she had lived double that amount of years. When one looks at the amount of films, concerts, and TV shows that she did, it boggles the mind. These photos are from a concert that she gave in Chicago at The Civic Opera House in September, 1967. Backed by a 25-piece orchestra, Judy was also joined on stage by her children Joey & Lorna Luft. The outfit she is wearing was designed for her for the movie “Valley of the Dolls.” Judy only worked on the film briefly before being let go; she was allowed to keep this sequined pantsuit and wore it frequently in her live concerts.
Here’s an excerpt of the review for her 9/15/67 show:
“Judy Garland keeps being reincarnated, but somehow manages to come back every time as herself.…So, Judy, carry on. Give the lie to mortality. If anybody can live forever, it’s going to be you.”
Michael Williams, Chicago News
In an amazing little case of serendipity, I happened to snap the Civic Opera House on my last trip to Chicago, back in 2006:
See more Judy Garland photos at my main website.
5 comments:
Wow Dave, these are even more amazing than you described when you told me about these photos.
These must be "never before seen" photos, what a find! Thanks so much for sharing.
The last photo really captured that "twice as old" look, but I bet she sounded great...
C'mon, sing the jingle for us Dave! It would be sort of a "present" to us, ya know...
Snapping the pic of the Opera House...isn't amazing how those things happen? It wasn't a coincidence!
Gosh Dave that's scary, I'm listening to Judy (Just Imagine from an original 1956 LP of Judy) and what's the subject for today's post...? Thanks for these shots and for your 2006 photo 'cause for whatever reason I think sometimes when I see a vintage performance "wonder if that place is around anymore?" Usually they aren't. Nice tribute to a one-of-a-kind talent. :)
Thanks for the look back. I was just a kid when I fell in love with Judy, no one delivered a song like she did. I think I saw the last performance of her TV show that she gave, even after all she had been through in her life she was still amazing. Liza (with a Z) her daughter, always makes me think of her. Thanks again
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