JUDY
GARLAND - SONGS FOR AMERICA
(Release Date: October 30, 2001) Pioneer Artists
#PA-11657
Special single disc release benefiting
the American Red Cross, in response to the September 11,
2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S.
Program (all Garland solos):
The Battle Hymn Of The Republic
Smile
Over the Rainbow
America The Beautiful
Nice review from Amazon.com:
Songs for America collects four songs recorded
by the great Judy Garland on her 1963-64 TV show in a special
15-minute package to benefit the American Red Cross (following
the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S.).
The emotionally charged "Battle Hymn of the Republic" was
recorded only days after President Kennedy's assassination,
and "America the Beautiful" proves once again
that even in her hobo costume, she could deliver a performance
of great depth. The other two songs, the signature "Over
the Rainbow" (sung to her kids, Lorna and Joe Luft,
on her Christmas special) and Charlie Chaplin's "Smile," are
not patriotic songs per se (they aren't about America as
much as they are sung to America), visions of hope for
a country in despair. Decades after her death, these
powerful performances prove that America still needs Judy
Garland. --David Horiuchi
