Every generation deserves to get to know the great Judy Garland. She was a born singer, dancer, actress, and performer. From an early age she had a maturity in her vocals and a charisma that the camera just loved. Her talent was out of this world. Though she lived a difficult personal life, her dedication to the stage and her fans never left her. She recorded every single song that was written during her life time, or that’s definitely how it seems.
(1) “You Made Me Love You”- One of her earliest songs that she sang directly to Clark Gable. Her vocals are beyond adorable and she shows that she can sing anything. Even in her early teens, she showed talent and maturity beyond her age.
(2) “Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart”- Full of energy and pizazz, this catchy number will get a lot of play in your house. It’s up-tempo, shows off her range, and makes you want to get up and dance.
(3) “Over the Rainbow”- A Judy Garland classic and one of the most famous songs of all time. Your Judy Garland collection cannot be complete without this song, or perhaps more than one version! It is one of the most covered songs of all time, and it’s all because of Judy’s timeless vocals on the original.
(4) “I’m Just Wild About Harry”- Cute, flirty, and sassy. Judy really takes this song on and owns it. It’s so fun and catchy and a great ode to young love. It is another one that will make you want to dance around your house.
(5) “I Wish I Were in Love Again”- The only duet on this list, though Judy has many great ones, this song is from one of her films with Mickey Rooney. In her early career, the two of them were quite a duo. It can be hard to track down the duet recording, but either way this song is something special. An ode to how no matter how rough love can be, we all love to be in love.
(6) “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows”- A sadder ballad that is full of desperation and longing, it represents much more the unfortunate feel of Judy Garland’s personal journeys. Through a pill addiction started by the studios to keep her working crazy hours as a child star, Judy Garland had trouble finding true happiness and peace. That makes this song all the more heart breaking.
(7) “Embraceable You”- This song is such a lovely ballad, and shows off the more subtle side of her vocals. You’ll want to grab your loved one and slow dance while gazing into their eyes. The way Judy’s vocals can caress a song are truly incredible.
(8) “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”- Not many people get to claim to be the first to record a holiday classic, but Judy definitely has that honor. This is one of the most loved holiday songs. It’s moving, uplifting, full of sadness, and her vocals showcase all of the different emotions. Her voice just cuts through you like a knife.
(9) “Get Happy”- A Judy Garland signature, it’s a number you could live by. One could only wish that Judy herself could have followed her own call to live happily. If you are having a bad day or something goes wrong in your life, put on this song and you will end up cheery by the end no matter what!
(10) “Swanee”- This is the most fun Judy has ever had on a vocal. She attacks this song and sings it till the roof flies off. You can hear how much fun she is having and she does so much to make another popular song completely her own. What any of us would give to see her tackle this number live and in person. Her amazing vocal is thankfully enough, as it comes alive like you were there when she recorded it.
