In a recent letter, a friend happened to mention an event he attended in May 1962 involving JUDY GARLAND.
I asked for more details and this is what Brian could remember from that day over 50 years ago.
“Along with other members of the JUDY GARLAND CLUB, I was invited to the Abbey Road Studios in London to hear Judy record the songs for her last film, I COULD GO ON SINGING ( for EMI/Capitol Records)……..
One of the most exciting times in my life……..
All three of Judy’s children were there, as well as DIRK BOGARDE ( Judy’s costar in the film). The film’s director ,RONALD NEAME, spoke to us . When Judy and the orchestra broke for refreshments, we were content to remain in our seats until play resumed, but Judy herself came and fetched us, saying that there was enough food and drink for all……..
We were there for about three hours .”
I COULD GO ON SINGING
Thanks, Brian. What a precious memory.
Judy on the Palladium stage in the film.
The four songs recorded for I COULD GO ON SINGING ( in two sessions in May and July 1962) included the title track ( written by HAROLD ARLEN and E.Y.HARBURG – the songwriters who had written ‘Over The Rainbow.’)
Also, ‘Hello Bluebird’, ‘By Myself’ and ‘It Never Was You.’
MORT LINDSEY arranged and conducted the orchestra.
Mort Lindsey conducts orchestra in I COULD GO ON SINGING.
Judy on stage at the London Palladium
This was one of four studio recordings Judy did for EMi/Capitol in London – 1957, 1960, 1962 and 1964.
Members of the Judy Garland Club were also part of the audience in the London Palladium scenes in the film.
JUDY with Jack Klugman. I COULD GO ON SINGING, as she gets ready to go on stage at the London Palladium.
Vienna's Classic Hollywood
oooohh! How cool!
A great memory for those lucky fans.
What a wonderful memory for Brian. Thanks for sharing it, Brian and Carol.
Thanks,Anne. I might have to pick Brian’s memory for other occasions!
What a great memory/experience!!! And what a great idea to reach out and include Judy Garland fan club members while she was recording songs for and then filming that movie! Also very interesting to think about who else began using Abbey Road studios around that time… I think The Beatles first recording session there was in June 1962 (the next month!)
Yes, Abbey Road had many memorable recording sessions.