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Judy
Garland was an American singer/entertainer who is considered
by most to be the greatest female musical star of Hollywood's Golden
Era. Perhaps best known and loved for the magic she brought to stage,
screen, television, and recordings, her intense acting ability,
singular c ommunicative power, humor, and powerful singing voice
were - and still are today - considered nearly unequaled.
The Beginning
- Judy (christened Frances Ethel Gumm and nicknamed "Baby") was
born on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
- She was the third daughter of Frank Avent Gumm and Ethel Marion
(Milne) Gumm.
- Judy performed with her family at their theatre, the New Grand,
in Grand Rapids, with her sisters Mary Jane (nicknamed "Susie")
and Dorothy Jane ("Jimmie"). They called their act "The Gumm Sisters."
- Judy's stage debut came on December 26, 1924, at the New Grand.
She sang and danced with her sisters and soloed on "Jingle Bells"
- the latter repeatedly until her grandmother (or father, depending
on which story one believes) had to walk on and carry her off.
- In autumn 1926, the Gumm family moved to California, ultimately
settling the next year in Lancaster, some 80 miles north of Los
Angeles. The sisters continued to perform and to take dancing
and acting lessons.
- In 1929, Judy made her film debut with her sisters in the two-reel
short, THE BIG REVUE.
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