The years 1966 through 1969 saw a decline in Judy's performances due to her health. She would give one last real tour in the summer/fall of 1967, but after that her appearances would be sporadic as her health became increasingly precarious. Judy would marry for a fifth time to a man much younger than she, and it would be he who would discover her lifeless body that fateful morning on June 22, 1969 when the world lost Judy forever.

In spite of the tabloid headlines and declining voice that plagued her in her final years, Judy's legend would live on. In 1974, MGM released the film "That's Entertainment!" and a whole new generation had the chance to discover Judy's magic on the big screen. Gerold Frank's biography "Judy" came out the following year and was the first comprehensive overview of Judy's life and career. More books would follow, some good, some bad. All of this new attention resulted in the public seeing Judy Garland for the great talent that she was, and not just as a "tragic singer."

In the 1980's the popularity of the VCR and laser discs resulted in all of Judy's films being released to a new audience. The popularity of the compact disc has resulted in a multitude of Judy's recordings being released to the public for the first time in decades. In 1983, the American Film Institute chose Judy's "A Star Is Born" as the first major film ever to be restored, beginning an era of film preservation and restoration. In fact, more Judy Garland films would be restored than any other major star of her era.

Happily, with the passage of time, Judy Garland is now recognized as the single greatest natural talent of the 20th Century.

For more information about Judy's recordings, check out The Judy Garland Online Discography.

Follow this link to listen to, and download, Judy Garland radio performances.