Judy Garland...fans invite me to website dedicated to the loving memory of the legendary star!

A few weeks ago, I posted a ragged old video of Judy Garland's appearance on the popular game show - "What's my Line?" - which I wrestled up from the elusive near-forgotten musty confines of old showbiz archives.



Post: 12/04/2008



http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/12/judy-garlandwhat-my-line.html



'Ya know, every time I screen the spontaneous on-camera guest spot, a smile breaks across my face.



Ah, Judy Judy Judy!

A priceless gem who still shines brightly in our hearts and memories!



I was pleasantly surprised when an unexpected invite arrived out-of-the-blue this afternoon to join - thejudygarlandexperience - the "world’s most exciting Judy Garland group" (Yahoo!).

Apparently, the best way to discover and share information and advice with others on the legendary Wizard of Oz star, is to mix and mingle at the dedication site - where privileged members wax nostalgic about the multi-talented mega-star - with fans, friends, family members, and a precious few blessed with the opportunity to toil alongside her at the studios in the Golden hey-day of Hollywood.



All for free.



The Judy Garland Experience not only features ongoing real-time discussions about the contract-player, but also has the web's most extensive library of rare Garland photo’s - many of which - have never been eyed before.



The entertaining site also features an ever-changing plethora of rare and unreleased recordings by Judy and other artist’s.

This week, fans are being treated to two separate broadcasts of Ms. Garland appearing on the once-popular "Chesterfield Show", a recording of Judy bravely telling off HUAC, a 1954 radio salute, a 1957 appearance at L.A. Greek Theater, and much more! to titter about.







Next week Judy’s complete 1967 Christmas concert form Madison Square Garden will be posted (as well as some other rare unreleased gems from Judy) along with Ethel Merman’s entire closing night performance in Gypsy.



There's no business, like show business, after all.



Stop by the site - affectionately known as "Judyville" - and check out the exciting offerings.



Her dedicated fans tease: you may never want to leave!



Or, to quote Judy from one of her last great sell-out performances that night at Carnegie Hall:



"I know, we'll sing 'em all, and we'll stay all night."



You betcha, Judy!



http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thejudygarlandexperience

Shopping & Gift Ideas

http://www.julianayrs.com

Sam Harris...life is a Cabaret after Star Search!

He took the Nation by storm in a more innocent era when "Star Search" was the top precursor to today's hit show, "American Idol".

Mr. Harris not only captured the subtle nuances of the Wizard of Oz hit "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (a standard sung by Ms. Garland) - but in the process - managed to make the song-styling an unforgettable moment in show business history.

And, each week, millions tuned in to see how far the little charmer could go!

Those were heady days for the pint-sized bundle of talent.

So, where is Sam today?

Shucks, just missed a performance in Orange County recently; but, that doesn't stop me from raving about this young man's remarkable gift and charismatic style!

He noted in a throw-away local paper that he's working with Liza Minnelli on a show she's developing about the legendary Kay Thompson (a Judy Garland friend who had a big impact on Minnelli's life).

Mr. Harris noted that he is penning (!) the show for Liza.

Originally from Sand Springs, Oklahoma, he started his career at 15.

Although he started on the boards at a young age, he managed to finish his education by correspondence courses. The boy obviously recognized the need for an education even if it was through the U.S. Mail.

Looking back, he fondly recalled his eagerness to take any job in any dump or dive; after all, he just wanted to hone his talent and sing out!

In a show - "OUT OF CONTROL" - he invented his "look".

You know, the oversize tuxedo jacket paired with humble sneakers which became his trademark on "Star Search".

Go figure, first time out for "Star Search", he did not even make the cut; but, a couple of people in his corner pushed for him until he finally scored.

Almost overnight, the diminutive songster was a sensation; although, like many in the business, it was ten years in the making.

A recording contract with Motown followed which produced two hit albums.

Clearly, being ready for the spotlight, was the key.

Broadway followed, and two Tony nominations, and a handful of TV roles,

Today?

Mr. Harris is in a relationship; happy, and thankful for his sobriety.

Who knew?

In a parting comment, he hit a poignant note,

"I realize that what I do is not who I am. The illusion of my identity isn't wrapped up in whether or not I'm liked. My survival no longer depends on it."

Undoubtedly, any fears he once entertained are far behind him.

In my estimation, Sam's star will continue to shine brightly for quite some time.