Judy Garland (who is Judy Garland?)

Judy Garland was an American actress, singer, and vaudevillian, renowned for her contralto singing voice and her tragic life, which contributed to her becoming an enduring icon of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Born Frances Ethel Gumm on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, she came from a vaudeville family and began her show business career as a child.

Garland signed a movie contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) as a teenager and received international recognition for her role as Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" (1939), featuring the classic song "Over the Rainbow." This performance earned her an Academy Juvenile Award.

Throughout her career, Garland was known for her roles in musicals such as "Meet Me in St. Louis" (1944) and "Easter Parade" (1948), as well as for her performances on the concert stage. Academy Award nominations came her way for leading roles in "A Star Is Born" (1954) and "Judgment at Nuremberg" (1961).

Her television ventures included "The Judy Garland Show," which aired from 1963 to 1964. The 1961 live recording of "Judy at Carnegie Hall" is often described as 'the greatest night in show business history and won four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.

Garland's personal life was marred by struggles, starting from her early years at MGM where she faced harassment and was given drugs to maintain her demanding schedule. She battled with drug and alcohol addiction throughout her life, had multiple marriages and financial instability.

Garland died in London on June 22, 1969, from an accidental barbiturate overdose at the age of 47. Her legacy continues to influence artists around the globe and she remains a cultural touchstone for her contributions to the entertainment industry.

For more detailed information on Judy Garland's life and career, a variety of resources and biographies are available. A particularly comprehensive biography is "Judy Garland: A Biography" by Anne Edwards. Additionally, the website Judy Garland Museum and various documentaries and movies, like the 2019 biopic "Judy" starring Renée Zellweger, offer insightful glimpses into her complex life and career.