Welcome in front of Judy's wall. You can read
the messages fans have written...
"In another world, Judy is waiting for the
persons she loved in her life on the Earth. Somewhere we can't imagine,
far, far away, behind the moon, beyond the rain, somewhere over the rainbow"
(Christophe Balczunas, November 14th 1995).
"Would love to Email with other sincere Garland fans. Have many stories
to tell of the times I saw her in person that I'd be glad to share with
you! Also, I have a Judy memorabilia list and Judy video list to share
with you if you are interested. Thank you. Love Judy always! waynebows@pacificnet.net
-- I hope that sounds all right to you.....one of my favorite early Judy
movies is the one she did with Freddy Bartholomew. I love the way she does
"On the Bumpy Road of Love". She had so much life and vitality when she
was young, didn't she? By the way, in "Every Sunday", the grandstand in
the park, where Judy sings, "Americana" was also used in the Jeanette MacDonald
and Nelson Eddy movie, "Maytime". It was built for "Maytime", actually,
and they let the producers of "Every Sunday" use it. There's a star for
everyone, brightly shining in the sky... Seems to be a part of our destiny...."
(Waynebows, April 2nd 1996)
Well Chris, I can only congratulate you for this marvelous tribute
to Judy. Like so many others, my life has been "touched" by Judy, since
I was a child. I have often tried to figure out WHY she has meant so much
to me all of these years. Of course I always thought she was the most talented,
entertainer ever, her looks and eyes caused me to forget any others in
whatever film she was in. I suppose I always felt that she was my little
"secret" and that only I loved her in this manner. She still affects me
the same way whenever she is on any screen, be it TV, movie or videotape,
the moment becomes quite and almost "sacred". It is so wonderful that as
the years go by, her "star" only gets brighter, and with each annual showing
of Wizard of Oz on TV a new generation is introduced to her and becomes
"hooked" like the rest of us. My only suggestion to any really young "fans"
is: if you think she is great on a small TV screen. See out a theatre somewhere
which shows the classics on the Big Screen and be prepared to be overwhelmed.
She is as they say, larger than life, and dominates the screen. Check out
the big screen version of A Star Is Born, and be thrilled as the audience
screams and applaudes through most of the film. A near "religious" experience.
Thank you for letting me put a few words here about Judy, and I too would
like to EMAIL(tpurnell@n-jcenter.com) with others who feel the same way.
Thank Chris for this opportunity. Tom.
(Tom, April 7th 1996)
Poem for Judy, "I hope"...
I hope another better world after death
I hope in it, near your eyes I could sleep
I hope hearing you during my last breath
I hope until that, your memory I'll keep
(Christophe Balczunas, December 9th 1995)
Oh, Judy, Judy: You know what I love? I love the grace with which you
were able to pull off that TV show of yours. The generosity you showed
to Barbra and Liza and Mel and all the guests with whom you shared that
soundstage. I remember once, during a little dance number with Liza, you
fell down. But you know what? You got up and kept on going. Such a professional.
But I suppose that made only perfect sense: You had been doing that all
your life. What stays with me perhaps the most, and it's a silly moment,
really, is the end of Easter Parade, when you were singing to Fred Astaire,
and you leaned into him as you sang the line, "On the Avenue, Fifth Avenue,"
and he rolled his eyes, as if he were the happiest man on earth. Oh, Judy:
You gave so many of us happy moments. Thank you.
(Anonymous, April 21st 1996)
To some, I am just a teenager. But even teenagers can have a vision.
I think that Judy Garland was the best actress to ever be let on the screen.
From her acting to singing, she grabbed ahold of our hearts and never let
go. It is just too bad that she can't be alive to see how many people care
about her. I would like to chat with some of Judy's fans. Send me a letter
to RaeLea1312@aol.com Thank you.
(Whitney D., April 21st 1996)
Judy's voice is still in a class alone. I can't think of any "girl"
singers(teenage) before or since Judy that had such a beautiful voice.
It's probably safe to say she was and still is the greatest child singer
the world has ever heard.
(Anonymous, April 23rd 1996)
Judy Garland is a legend. It's like, when you listen to 'Over the Rainbow'
and know everything she ever had to go through, tears come to your eyes.
Just the other day, I saw a rainbow. It was the first one I'd see in a
very long time. Right when in I saw it, it reminded me of Judy. I know
that she has finallly gotten the wish that she longed for in her song all
those years; to fly over the rainbow. Where ever she is now, I hope she
is watching all of us and can see how much we love and miss her.
(Anonymous, May 5th 1996)
No matter where she roamed, Judy Garland never had the pleasure of
being within the company of anyone who gave as much as she did. I really
feel no one man could have loved her with the same passion, commitment
and strength as she loved. That can be so lonely, yet she wouldn't leave
the stage for fear of going mad. I hope she is proclaimed the queen mother
of entertainment in heaven. 27 years ago she left us and the would will
never be the same. God Bless You Francis Ethel Gumm,Happy 74th Birthday.
Judy Garland / June 10 1922 - June 22, 1969.
(Anonymous, May 9th 1996)
I first saw Judy singing "Ol Man River" on her CBS show. She was the
only female singer I know who could pull off singing songs written for
others and make them her own. If I could only have seen her in concert,
I would ask her to sing:
The Battle Hymn Of The Republic
Do It Again
I'd Like To Hate Myself In The Morning
Never Will I Marry
Once In A Lifetime
and the whole Born In The Trunk sequence from
"A Star Is Born"
just to name a few favorites....
Probably a strange request considering that
these were never Judy's greatest hits.... but she sang em like no one else
did or has ever since. Those of you who did get to see Judy live in concert
are truly priveleged. andrew mitchell
(Andrew M., May 15th 1996)
I first began to love the work of Judy Garland when I was 14 years
old. My eighth grade class performed "The Wizard Of OZ", I was Dorothy.
I felt such inspiration from Judy's caring, sensitive eyes that I believe
she performed through me. Such a bright shining light in the dark to be
lost at such a young age; Judy was simply marvoulous. I plan to be a vocal
performer when I "grow up" (I'm 17 now) I can only hope to be as irresistable
and irreplaceable as she was. I would like to hear from other fans. (klewis@alpha.wcoil.com)
thanks for this great tribute.
(Chrissy Lewis, May 21st 1996)
Judy is so wonderful simply because she is Judy. What more can (or
needs) to be said.
(Eric O. Moore, May 29th 1996)
Judy:
Thanks for everything! Wherever you are, over
the rainbow I hope, we will always have a place for you in our hearts.
A special one, as you deserve,
Happy Birthday Judy!
(Anonymous, June 10th 1996)
Hopefully, Cyberspace is somewhere near Heaven...so Judy can realize
the outpouring of love which continues to pour upward in her behalf. Her
personna is so great that she still effects and demands our gratitude,
undying affection and appreciation of her monumental artistic talent. Her
body of work, and the person she was is almost a narcotic to those who
choose to permit themselves to be touched by this most wonderful of all
performers. Mere words and adjectives are inadequate in describing this
most special and gifted human being. JUDY GARLAND....even the name is "special"....Webster's
Dictionery defines "Garland" as: "A Wreath Of Flowers"....that truly is
true...for the fragrance of "The Flower" continues to intoxicate those
who breathes deep and permits the sweetness to bring a little order to
this confused harsh World. What other performer could amass such love and
devotion?
Happy Birthday Miss Judy Garland...
Signed ....Just an ardent admirer
(Tom, June 10th 1996)
Judy, I wish you were still down here. So, I could tell you: "Gee,
I wish you the most wonderful birthday you've ever had, Judy."
In fact, I can tell it... Not with my lips,
but with my heart.
(Christophe Balczunas, June 10th 1996)
It is difficult to talk about seeing Judy in person with someone who
had never had the opportunity because words are insufficient. The electricity
that was in the air before, and during a Garland concert, was a magnificent
experience. Although offstage she was a very little woman, on stage she
was ten-feet tall. If you would like to read three personal accounts I
have written of meeting Judy Garland in person, simply Email me at waynebows@pacificnet.net
and I will Email them to you as soon as possible.....one of the times I
saw Judy in person, she asked the audience what they would like to hear
her sing next. Many people yelled out many song titles, and then I yelled
out, when it got quiet, "Oh, just stand there!" Judy made a funny pose,
and said, "Well, he just wants me to stand here!" I love you. Judy!!!
(Waynebows, June 15th 1996)
Dear Judy,
I Love The Wizard Of Oz. You're the biggest
spot in my heart. I just wish that I could meet you. I know I will somday.
I was watching "A STAR IS BORN"...I liked it. Well, I'll meet you up in
heaven some day.
Yours Truly,
(Ian Charles Edwards & Claire Marie Edwards,
June 22nd 1996)
I remember the very first time I "met" Judy. I was ill and home from
school and in order to keep me occupied my mum set me up in front of the
TV and said, "Oh look there's a nice Judy Garland film on". Now I had never
heard of Judy at that point and was expecting, in my 8 year old wisdom
to be bored senseless by this mid-afternoon movie. Was I surprised? My
mum didn't hear a word from me until the end of the film, and then the
first thing I said was, "Mum, can I write to Judy?". Just one film (one
of the early ones with Mickey Rooney, I think) had made me feel that Judy
was my friend - she had reached out to me in a way that nobody ever had.
I was mortified when mum told me she was dead. Since then, I've been an
avid fan and have tried to collect all her movies, books etc. Somehow,
she reaches so deeply within me, and touches a secret place that no-one
else will ever find. Do you all understand what I mean? I'm sure you do.
I only wish that somehow, someone could have been there for her, and fulfilled
her own needs as much as she did, and still does, fulfill those of her
fans.
I am now in the process of writing a 15,000
word dissertation for my Masters Degree in Film Studies, on the star image
of Judy Garland and the way that this has, either positively or negatively,
affected the image and career of Liza Minnelli. If anyone has any thoughts
or insights to offer, I would love to hear them. (S.Paternoster@uea.ac.uk).
Judy..... I wish I'd known you...
(Sonia x, June 26th 1996)
I just found the home page-- it is so nice to see the wall and some
familiar old faces from the old days- like wayne and others. I think what
hurts the most for me is not being able to eagerly await the next Garland
album from Capitol.. My favorite remains Alone followed by Judy in Love
- and both covers are displayed in my house.. Alone carried me through
many nights--- and the joy in the Love album makes me fly. I miss being
able to hug her and laugh with her- as we both gained and lost weight ---
we used to refer to Mame and talk about our ups-and-downs days. Judy--
you have been and continue to be a huge influence on my life---I know we
shall meet and hug again. ogrady7@frontiernet.net
(Allan Cuseo, Rochester, New York, July 25th
1996)
Judy Garland was the greatest entertainer that ever lived. This is
not an opinion, but just a fact. When Judy performed she chanelled so much
energy into her performances. Her abilities were truly unique, magical
and special. When Judy sang, it communicated directly to her audiences
in such a way that if you were reached by her enormous gift, you never
forgot it. While I never had the opportunity to see her in person, I am
no less an ardent admirer. Whether she is trying to get Walter Pidgeon
to marry Mary Astor or singing Battle Hymn of the Republic, she had such
a tremendous gift and it continues to reach people beyond her time. Personally,
I find Judy's performances delve into my soul on a very deep and personal
level. As has been said by many of her fans, it seems as if she is singing
directly to me. And to see her so popular on the Internet is very gratifying.
So thank you Judy and may there always be an audience for your special
magic. I feel supremely confident that there always will be. I 'd love
to correspond with fans. My e-mai is JKellyA@aol.com. Kelly Anderson Houston,
Texas, USA.
(Kelly Anderson, July 28th 1996)
Judy Garland is without a doubt the most forcefull performer in the
history of the stage. Perhaps the performance that has touched me the most
was her role in Meet Me in St. Louis as Esther Smith. I cry every time
I watch the movie. It is especially dear to me because I got a chance to
play that role in a recent production at the theater which I am involved
in. I feel somehow connected to Judy because of this, to be able to share
with her the emotions and needs and wants of Esther Smith. I thank God
for the chance to have such a magnificant role and for the chance to, in
a way, follow in the footsteps of an idol.
(Amy C., GA., July 31st 1996)
I think judy garland had the most beautiful voice and a lot of talant.
She will be remembered forever. I loved her in The Wizard of Oz. Her acting
abilities were so well that you wouldn't ever know that backstage she really
struggled. She was the greatest, and her legend will live on forever.
(Heather Thorpe, August 2nd 1996)
I think judy garland had the most beautiful voice and a lot of talant.
She will be remembered forever. I loved her in The Wizard of Oz. Her acting
abilities were so well that you wouldn't ever know that backstage she really
struggled. She was the greatest, and her legend will live on forever.
(Heather Thorpe, 2 août 1996)
I was sitting here for about an hour crying in front of my computer
after reading this wall tribute.. First of all I think it was a wonderful
idea on Chris's part... and also, it's just beautiful to see how many people
love and cherish the memory and the artistry of Judy... Especially the
number of teens who posted.. (I am one of them too!) It's really heart
warming..and incredibly interesting.. But I am not surprised that Judy's
genius still reaches out to millions of people.. And I think everyone alive
who's ever seen the Wizard of Oz is a Garland fan at heart.. Just half
of them don't realize it yet.
I've often wondered what Judy's doing up in
heaven.. is she watching us adore her every day of our lives... or still
performing and singing in front of a big white piano on a beautifully set
stage in front of another sold out audience? And I look up sometimes wondering
if I stare hard enough and long enough if I'd be able to see her...
Like she wrote to Harold Arlen once on an
autographed picture "May we always fly over the rainbow together!"
Please email me: rebelaly@iconn.net
(Anonymous, August 25th 1996)
Many, many thanks to Christophe for allowing us to pay tribute to Judy
in our own special way!! I am very encouraged to see so many people, from
all walks of life, who share the same admiration of Judy as I do. Judy's
artistic abilities as well as personal attributes are those that have never,
in my estimation, been surpassed by anyone that I have known. The range
of emotions that I feel through Judy, whether it's wanting to dance in
the streets when I hear "Get Happy" or just having a good cry when she
sings "The Man That Got Away" are one of the MANY qualities that make Judy
the greatest entertainer of all time!!! Again, my thanks to Christophe
for creating a very touching and respectful tribute to Judy Garland!!
(Bob Carbone, August 27th 1996)
I don't remember when I first became a Judy lover. I remember when
she died. I was nine years old, sitting in the back seat of a car and I
felt something I had never felt, a sense of loss that froze forever the
moment I heard the terrible news.
I have now seen and/or heard a great deal
of Judy's work and what amazes me is the incredible quality of virtually
all of it. Her gifts were tremendous at the beginning of her career and
yet she matured and grew so much over the course of her career. I am awestruck
by her range of talents, her vision of her art and probably most of all
her incredible, unparallelled gift of melding lyric with melody to create
a deeply moving portait in song. Judy has enriched my life so profoundly,
all I can say is that where ever you are, Judy, I thank you with all the
love that is in my heart."
(Randy Wilson, September 21st 1996)
Hello. It's been great to read all these tributes to Judy. One of the
things I'm struck by everytime I see and/or hear her is the just the pure
excitement she can create with a song or a scene. It's as if, when she's
belting out "Come Rain or Come Shine", caressing "You're Nearer", or emoting
to Lucille Bremer that "You don't expect me to go the smartest ball of
the season with my own BROTHER, do you?",she seems so caught up in the
spirit of the song or the scene that it is easy for us to be transported
into feeling the same way. That's true artistry, and that's why Frank Sinatra
said that, long after the "rest of us" have been forgotten, Judy will still
be remembered. Added thought...I'm concerned about Turner Classic Movie
channel being the only place to see Judy's M-G-M movies now on TV. As I
understand it, local commercial channels no longer have access to these
films. In addition, the channel is not available in many markets, including
New York City (as of October 1996, anyway), thus making it impossible for
many people to see Judy on TV. Maybe Mr. Turner should loosen his grip
a little? Anyone have thoughts on this?
(Taylor Maddux, September 27th 1996)
I am so thankful to have acses to this program. Judy is as though she
was the movie and she knew how to hold the audiance in the palm of her
hands. I am only 15, but feel that she has grown up with me. I am moving
around alot,because my father is in the military, but I know I always have
a freind as long as she is on the screen. I have been told that my grandmother
was a carbon copie of Judy and she passed away when I was very young, not
being able to know her, I feel that I have looked to Judy as I would my
Grandmother. How could she realize what a magical spell she casts over
us. I my self am preparing for a career as singer/actress. How wonderful
it is to have such a wonderful role modle to look up to, expectially in
these present days. I love you Judy with all my heart, but somehow I think
that you already know that in yours. Please feel free to write me and tell
me stories, I love them. I am at lorraine@ptialaska.net
(Lorraine, September 30th 1996)
Judy was the best most couragous actress I have ever heard of or known.
She is an inspiration to all singers, actresses, or people who fell like
just giving in to whatever, she gives all hope for the future.
(Gregory S.Johnson, October 20th 1996)
Just wanted to say Chris that you have outdone yourself... Fab page
on Ms. Judy... She has left a pernament mark on my life and will leave
a pernament mark on others down the road of life from young to old... One
of the greatest of the greatest... Judy we all love you and sure do miss
you... Peace and God bless all on this earth... Thanks for the memories
of a better life... starwolf@ntwrks.com ...
(Susan C.Bradshaw, October 20th 1996)
Judy Garland touched our hearts so deeply, when singing she wore her
heart on her sleeve and let us see into her soul in an intimately emotional
way. I think it was her special gift and the cause of much pain for her,
this exquisite sensitivity. Most people with this gift cannot share it,
it is too painful. Judy was generous to a degree I have never seen in another
entertainer to all who heard. I only know two other singers who can come
close to this kind of sharing with their voice, [staying on key while expressing
a waterfall of emotion], Bernadette Peters and the late Patsy Cline. Thank-you
Judy, Maybe Now You Can Feel Our Love, Karen J. S.
(Karen J.S., October 23rd 1996)
I am14 and have loved Judy every since I can remember she's wonderful.
I have every biography on her that I've found and ask me anything and I'll
know. feel free young Garland fans to write me at dheuer@madison.tds.net
(Tiffany heuer, October 26th 1996)
If you want an illustration of the marvellous expressive abilities
of Judy, just run a video of the "Wizard" or one of her other movies in
slow motion. I don't believe that I have ever seen such a play of emotions
pass so swiftly on any other actors face ever. She sang the same way! Cliff
Wright, Judy fan since 27/11/1954.
(Cliff Wright, October 26th 1996)
What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful lady. Isn't it eerie to listen
to the words of "You'll Never Walk Alone" now that she is gone? It always
gives me goose bumps.That and "Once In A Lifetime". Few others can move
me so much with a song. Although I was only 3 when she died, I feel as
if I know her.Don't we all?
(Angela Goeres, October 30th 1996)
Hi Chris - Thanks for such a wonderful tribute to our friend Judy!
When I was growing up Judy Garland was a big part of my life. My wonderful
mother introduced me to her movies. I was instantly connected to her -
even as a child. I always told my mom that when I got to Heaven I would
be best friends with Judy. I hope that my wish comes true. When I was in
High School (I'm now 36) I took a speech class. For one of my speeches
I wrote a poem about Judy Garland and I like to share it with you -
>From Baby to Judy by Beth (Richardson) Jordan
Baby Gumm was her name,
And this is how she rose to fame.
She sang with her sisters for charitable organizations,
Soon to be famous across the nation.
As baby grew older she took a turn,
New songs she would sing, new scripts she
would learn.
She made many movies with MGM,
With such stars as Mickey Rooney, Jackie Cooper
and Peggy Ryan.
She danced with Ray Bolger down the yellow
brick road;
And was threatened by a witch who croaked
like a toad.
She starred with Mickey in "Babes in Arms";
And stole the audience with her child-like
charms.
"Lily Mars", "A Star is Born" and "Easter
Parade",
Are some of the movies that she made.
Robert Walker, Frank Sinatra and Fred Astaire,
All made movies with her at Metro Goldwyn
Mayer.
She appeared at the Arie Crown Theatre with
a rendition of "Swanee",
And her T.V. show with Dean Martin and Frank
Sinatra was something to see.
She sang "That's Entertainment" at the Westbury
Music Fair.
Both her children Lorna and Joey performed
with her there.
Liza Minelli is her famous daughter.
She taught Liza the tricks of the trade and
look where it brought her.
This fabulous woman could wow an audience.
But when she sang "Somehwere Over the Rainbow"
there was silence.
This astounding performer will live in our
hearts forever.
She was beautiful, bright, funny and clever.
This is the time to give her a round of applause.
I now present Miss Judy Garland the wizard
of "awes".
I know it's pretty rough around the edges -
but I was only 16 and definitely not a poet. After I gave this speech I
then played my 45 single of "Over the Rainbow" for the class. It all came
from my heart. So, this is my simple and heart felt tribute to Judy. She
will live on in the hearts of many throughout the tests of time. I hope
to see you when I get there Judy. Love, Beth Jordan
(Beth Jordan, November 9th 1996)
I remember when I first saw the Wizard of Oz. It made me come to believe
that "dreams really do come true." Judy Garland has always been my favorite
Actress, Singer and especially Dancer. Somehow, when I watched a Judy movie,
I could feel everything her character felt. She had a way of drawing her
viewers in and would not let them go until the movie was over.
Judy's favorite movie is also mine. As she
played Ester Smith, I knew I was hooked till the end. No matter how many
times I see it, I still cry when she sings "Have Yourself a Merry Little
Christmas." No other performer would have made it more sentimental than
herself. Her voice is a real work of art. She sang difficult songs with
ease and even on her worst days, was able to pull off a great performance.
She would sing till she could sing nomore. And when you thought she was
finished, she would bounce right back with remarkable volume. Unfortunately,
I was not yet born to see I live performance, but I am sure that she has
day by day bookings in heaven and has reserved a seat for me when I arrive.
Barbara Elliott, A True Judy Fan.
(Barbara Elliott, November 18th 1996)
It is amazing and wonderful to read the words of so many who feel the
same love for and gratitude to Judy that I do. Although I had loved The
Wizard of Oz since I was little, it was hearing her do "Dear Mr. Gable
(You Made Me Love You)" that first made me become a devoted fan. I think
the thing I love most about her is that she's not afraid to express any
emotion, in either her singing or acting; whether the feeling is joy or
pain, she always gives it everything she's got. I am 18, and consider it
one of my greatest disappointments that I never got to see her perform
live, but I hope that Judy has finally found peace. I would love to correspond
via e-mail with other Judy fans. My address is brian.johnson@yale.edu.
(Brian Johnson, November 21st 1996)
Ever since i first saw her in "The Wizard of Oz" i have been mesmerized
by her beauty and her grace. She was filled with so much magic, her eyes
showed so much feeling and wonder. I truly wish i could have been alive
during her time on earth. She brought something to this world, something
magical. I can't explain why i am so intrigued by Judy, maybe it's because
of her ability to be so strong yet so frail and human like. She truly was
remarkable!!!!!
(Jessica, December 7th 1996)
I have been to Judy Garland's birthplace in Grand Rapids Minn. and
felt like I was too young to understand the magnitude of her fame. Until
now. After reading the messages on Judy's Wall I finally understand it.
I have cried and smiled, and realized that with Garland fans, it is pure
love. And unconditional love that spans time and location. It's what Judy
diserves. I love Judy Garland.
(Melissa, December 15th 1996)
