LOTS OF POSTS IGNORED BY BLOGGER.....
OR REMOVED ON THEIR WHIM!
ALL POSTS ARE AVAILABLE ON
MIDDLEBORO REVIEW AND SO ON
BLOGGER DOESN'T LIKE TRUTH OR FACTS!
BLOGGER DOESN'T LIKE FUND RAISERS AND DELETES
POSTS THAT INCLUDE FUNDRAISING THAT 'VIOLATES THEIR
UNDEFINED COMMUNITY STANDARDS SO ALL 'FUND RAISING'
IS DELETED - CONTRIBUTE AS YOU ARE INCLINED TO SUPPORT
IMPORTANT ISSUES! THESE ARE NOT SOLICITATIONS
 |
This week marks 63 years since one of the best duets of American standards was arranged and recorded. On October 4, 1963, Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand sang their intermingled versions of their signature songs “Get Happy” and “Happy Days Are Here Again.” It aired on Garland’s variety show two days later.
Either of these women singing either of these songs would qualify as a great reason to smile, but taken together it is a home run.
At the time, Garland was an established star helming a popular song and dance show on CBS, and Streisand was a 21-year-old up-and-comer who just released her first album.
The unusual mashup concept for the songs was Garland’s. She then had well known singer Mel Tormé write the full musical arrangement, which allowed each woman’s distinctive voice to shine.
“Get Happy” was written in 1930 for a stage musical, but it didn’t become popular until 1950, when Garland sang it in the MGM film “Summer Stock.” It was the defining song of the second half of her career. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” having defined the first.
“Happy Days Are Here Again,” written in 1929, gained prominence when Franklin Roosevelt used it as a campaign song during his first run for president in 1932. It was solidified as the unofficial theme song of the Democratic Party when the band at the Democratic National Convention spontaneously decided to play it, to cheers from the delegates.
Several years ago, Streisand reflected on her time with Garland. “Such a special moment in my career. She was incredible. Totally unique,” she wrote on social media.
Please consider supporting my team’s efforts to protect our democracy through the power of independent journalism by becoming a paid subscriber. It’s one of the best deals on Substack. I thank you for your support.
No matter how you subscribe, I thank you for reading, watching, and listening.
Stay Steady,
Dan
