As I write this I have The Broadway Melody of 1938 on as background music and I’ve just heard Judy Garland’s rendition of the old Al Jolson number “You Made Me Love You”, preserved in the video above. Contrary to popular opinion it wasn’t “Over the Rainbow” that made Judy Garland a star it was this song and I thought I’d pass on how it came to be.
As it works out MGM threw a party for Clark Gable’s 35th birthday. The party took place on February 1, 1936. The composer and arranger and, importantly, Judy Garland’s mentor at MGM, Roger Eden, wrote the “Dear Mr. Gable” lyrics for Judy Garland to perform at the party. It knocked the studio execs’ socks off. They knew they had something and inserted “You Made Me Love You” with the “Dear Mr. Gable” lyrics into The Broadway Melody of 1938. The public adored it and Judy Garland became a star.
Now I happen to think that Judy Garland was one of the very best interpreters of 20th century American popular song but something that isn’t appreciated is that when you get right down to it she was a Jolson imitator, probably the last. Popular singers of that day were imitating Bing Crosby. Other young performers Judy Garland’s age would soon be imitating Frank Sinatra, who got his start as a Crosby imitator.
At any rate watch and listen to the video and revel in a seminal performance by a great performer.
