Judy Sings! Soundtracks – The Judy Room

Judy Garland’s film career lasted longer in years than any of her other careers on radio, television, and records. Judy’s film debut was at age 7 in 1929. After a break of a few years, she re-appeared in 1935 in another short with her sisters then in September of that year she auditioned for MGM. The rest is history. In just a few years she would be a movie star.

The audio clips on this page represent the full spectrum of Judy’s film career from the very beginning to the very end. Some clips are rare, some are not, but all are completely enjoyable and showcase Judy’s versatility and range.

Enjoy!

The 2017 2-CD set “Soundtracks” features newly remastered versions of all of Judy’s best film songs, including some alternates and outtakes. It’s the best to date!

A HUGE THANK YOU to all the folks out there who have so generously shared various audio files with The Judy Room – especially those on Facebook. Thank you!

"Hoe Down"

Here is a previously unreleased partial alternate take of “Hoe Down” from Babes on Broadway (1941). The last section of the number as featured on this playback disc is different than what’s in the final film. It’s shorter, a different arrangement, and there are no vocals.

It’s great to have this early version of the number, but we can hear why it was changed.

Check out The Judy Room’s Filmography Page on Babes on Broadway here.

1929/1930

EARLY FILM SHORTS

In 1929 & 1930, Judy and her sisters, still known as “The Gumm Sisters,” appeared in several Vitaphone shorts. Sound films were new and these shorts were showcases for various Vaudeville acts. The shorts that the sisters appeared in were mostly designed to showcase kiddie talent but are wonderful in that we see the 7 & 8-year-old Judy who’s very loud and in some of the songs – especially her first film solo “Blue Butterfly” you can hear some of what would later be called “The Garland Sound.”

THAT’S THE GOOD OLD SUNNY SOUTH
(The sisters’ film debut in The Big Revue – 1929)

WHERE THE BUTTERFLIES KISS THE BUTTERCUPS GOODNIGHT
(A Holiday in Storyland – 1929)

BLUE BUTTERFLY
(Judy’s very first film solo! A Holiday in Storyland – 1929)

HANG ONTO A RAINBOW
(Second solo. The Wedding of Jack and Jill – 1930)

THE LAND OF LET’S PRETEND
(Bubbles – 1930)

Photo: Promotional photo for Bubbles, 1930. Judy is seen in the front row at the far right (the youngest of the three Gumm Sisters). Photo provided by Aureo Brandão. Thank you, Aureo!

Summer 1935

LA CUCHARACHA
(La Fiesta De Santa Barbara – 1935)

Judy and her sisters filmed this short in the summer of 1935, just prior to Judy’s audition for, and subsequent signing with, MGM. This is also the last performance of The Garland Sisters as a trio.

This is the first time Judy was filmed in (the then new) 3-strip Technicolor. The short was basically an excuse to show off this new process. Several major stars, including Clark Gable and Randolph Scott, made brief appearances in the film solely to see how they would look in this new color process. Judy would not appear in another color film until The Wizard of Oz in 1939.

June 30, 1936

PRE-RECORDING SESSIONS – EVERY SUNDAY

From the MGM Recording Sessions for Every Sunday which was Judy’s first official film for MGM:

AMERICANA – Take 3 Low Vocal
AMERICANA – Take 4
AMERICANA – Take 5
AMERICANA – Take 6 (remastered)

OPERA VS JAZZ – Take 6 (with Deanna Durbin)
OPERA VS JAZZ – Take 7 (with Deanna Durbin)

The final release versions of the songs can be heard on the wonderful Rhino 2-CD set “Judy Garland – Collector’s Gems from the MGM Films.” A must-have for all Garland fans!

August/September 1936

IT’S LOVE I’M AFTER
THE TEXAS TORNADO

Both of these tracks are the original pre-recordings. After signing with MGM, Judy appeared in the short Every Sunday with another teen singer named Deanna Durbin. The studio let Deanna go but kept Judy. Her first film assignment was on loan out to 20th Century-Fox for their film Pigskin Parade (1936). Judy’s first appearance in a feature film.

Judy played hick farm girl Sairy Dodd and although it was a small supporting role she did got to sing three songs: “The Texas Tornado,” “The Balboa,” and “It’s Love I’m After.” The reviews for the film would single Judy out and the film went on to be a big hit even garnering Stuart Erwin an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Other stars of the film include Jack Haley and Betty Grable. In Betty’s autobiography, she remembered how, when Judy came on the set to sing her songs (to the playback of the pre-recording) everyone on the set just halted what they were doing and were transfixed. They were all in awe of her talent, and according to Betty, they all knew that THIS was a girl who was going places. Boy, were they right!

1936

20th CENTURY-FOX RADIO PREVIEW FOR PIGSKIN PARADE

Here is the radio promotional program for Pigskin Parade.

These radio shows were sent via disc to the various radio stations to promote the latest studio releases. Technically, these are the first “soundtrack records” as they included snippets (sometimes entire songs) usually culled from the studio’s pre-recording sessions. Many times the versions heard on these records were alternate takes or outtakes.

1937

BROADWAY MELODY PRE-RECORDING SESSIONS

YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU – Take 3 (May 7, 1937)
This pre-recording features the middle section without Judy’s spoken monologue giving us a chance to hear the wonderful arrangement. This take also features an alternate ending.

YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU – Tag – Take 1 (May 7, 1937)
This alternate ending can be heard tagged onto the version of “You Made Me Love You” that was included in both That’s Entertainment! CD boxed sets from 1995 and 2006. The version heard in the film, with the powerhouse tag recorded later can be found on the compilation CD “Judy Garland In Hollywood – Her Greatest Movie Hits” and subsequent Garland soundtrack compilation CDs.

YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU – Tag – Take 2 (May 7, 1937)
EVERYBODY SING Part 1 – Take 6 (Mar 5, 1937)
EVERYBODY SING Part 1 – Take 7 (Mar 5, 1937)
EVERYBODY SING Part 1 – Take 8 (Mar 5, 1937)
EVERYBODY SING Part 2 – Take 4 (Mar 5, 1937)
EVERYBODY SING Part 2 – Take 6 (Mar 5, 1937)
YOUR BROADWAY AND MY BROADWAY – Take 7 (remastered) (Mar 14, 1937)
YOUR BROADWAY AND MY BROADWAY – Take 8 (Mar 14, 1937)
YOURS AND MINE – Take 9 (Apr 16, 1937)
YOURS AND MINE – Take 11 (Apr 16, 1937)

August 1, 1937

FEELIN’ LIKE A MILLION

Rehearsal recording with Roger Edens at the piano.

September 11, 1937

SUN SHOWERS (remastered)

This wonderful song was recorded for Thoroughbreds Don’t Cry (1937) and allegedly filmed but ultimately deleted. The footage has not survived.

September 20, 1937

GOT A PAIR OF NEW SHOES (Multiple Takes)

From the MGM pre-recording sessions for Thoroughbreds Don’t Cry (1937). These are the surviving takes from Judy’s recording session for her solo version, plus her solo excerpt for the film’s overture.

Overture Version
Solo Version – Take 4
Short Solo Version – Take 6 (remastered)

October 4, 1937

DOWN ON MELODY FARM (remastered – complete version)

From Everybody Sing (1938). This powerhouse song is another brilliant arrangement that shows off Judy’s vocal versatility. The number was trimmed a bit for the final cut of the film. Here it is in all its glory. It’s not usually listed in “best of” lists of Judy’s film performances but it should be. She’s flawless

October 24, 1937

GOT A PAIR OF NEW SHOES (Finale Version – Multiple Takes)

From the MGM pre-recording sessions for Thoroughbreds Don’t Cry. These are the surviving takes from Judy’s recording session with Mickey Rooney intended for the finale of the film.

Take 1
Take 2

November 6, 1937

SILENT NIGHT

From the MGM short film Silent Night. This short film was made for theaters to play, of course, during the holiday season. Unfortunately, Judy only sings one chorus of the song. Recorded and filmed November 6 through 8, 1937.

1938

“LEO IS ON THE AIR” RADIO PREVIEW FOR EVERYBODY SING

Here is the radio promotional program for Everybody Sing.

1938

“LEO IS ON THE AIR” RADIO PREVIEW FOR LOVE FINDS ANDY HARDY

Here is the radio promotional program for Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938).

June 21, 1938

BEI MIR BIST DU SCHOEN (remastered)

“Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen” was already a hit pop song when Judy pre-recorded this version for Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938). Roger Edens provided this unusual arrangement that fully showcases Judy’s vocal range.

This outtake was first released in 1962 on the MGM Records album “The Judy Garland Story, Vol. 2 – The Hollywood Years.” No mention was made in the liner notes of the fact that it was an outtake, prompting some fans to think that it was a scene cut from the TV showings of the film (this was the pre-home media era) rather than an actual outtake.

June 24, 1938

IN-BETWEEN – Take 4 (remastered)

From Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938). Here is another wonderful song that was filmed but trimmed for the final release of the film. This is the complete version.

July 28, 1938

TEN PINS IN THE SKY – Take 11

From the MGM pre-recording sessions for Listen Darling (1938).

September 16, 1938

ZING! WENT THE STRINGS OF MY HEART (Multiple Takes)

From the MGM pre-recording sessions for Listen Darling (1938). Judy recorded both ballad and “swing” versions for the film. In the end, only part of the ballad was used. This swing version is similar to the version she had been performing on stage and radio since before signing with MGM in 1935.

Ballad Version – Take 15
Ballad Version – Tag – Take 1
Swing Version – Take 4
Swing Version – Tag – Take 4

September 26, 1938

ON THE BUMPY ROAD TO LOVE (Multiple Takes)

From the MGM pre-recording sessions for Listen Darling (1938). The first takes are the version used for the road trip scene, featuring Judy with Mary Astor, Freddie Bartholomew and Scotty Beckett. These are followed by a few takes of the finale version, one with Judy solo and the others featuring Judy with Walter Pidgeon, Mary Astor, Freddie Bartholomew and Scotty Beckett.

Complete Version – Take 8
Complete Version – Take 10
Finale Version – Judy Solo – Take 1
Finale Version – Group – Take 1
Finale Version – Group – Take 11

1939

“LEO IS ON THE AIR” RADIO PREVIEW FOR BABES IN ARMS

Here is the radio promotional program for Babes In Arms.

XXX

IF I FORGET YOU

In the Spring of 1940, Judy recorded and filmed If I Forget You for the Will Rogers Memorial Fund. It’s a beautiful number, showing off Judy’s range when she jumps a full octave towards the end.

Although the short is titled If I Forget You, the lyrics that Judy sings are all if WE forget…

This short is also a good example of the several shorts and newsreels Judy appeared in during the 1940s, ranging from public service announcements for causes like the March of Dimes to brief shots featuring her and stars entertaining and working for the troops.

1940

“LEO IS ON THE AIR” RADIO PREVIEW FOR LITTLE NELLIE KELLY

Here is the radio promotional program for Little Nellie Kelly.

March 14, 1940

BUDS WON’T BUD (remastered)

This outtake from Andy Hardy Meets Debutante (1940) is a wonderful song that was later sung by Ethel Waters in the 1941 MGM film Cairo. Judy recorded a singles version for Decca Records on April 10, 1940.

May 10, 1940

ALL I DO IS DREAM OF YOU (Takes 1 & 5)

From the MGM Recording sessions for Andy Hardy Meets Debutante (1940). These outtakes show off the softer side of Judy’s vocal abilities. Her flub of the lyrics intake 1 followed by a friendly correction by Roger Edens and her apology gives us a rare audio glimpse into the time it took to get things just right. The song was eventually cut from the film.

September 9, 1940

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN – TAKE 10

From the MGM pre-recording sessions for Little Nellie Kelly (1940). This is a vocal track, with the orchestra barely audible in the background.

November 13, 1940

I’M ALWAYS CHASING RAINBOWS

From the MGM Recording Sessions for Ziegfeld Girl, these very different versions of “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows.”

“Comedy” Version – Takes 3 & 4
Ballad Version – Takes 4, 5, & 6

November 28, 1940

“LEO IS ON THE AIR” HOLIDAY BROADCAST

Broadcast live from Santa Claus Lane (Hollywood Boulevard).

Note: Judy’s vocal of “Silent Night” is actually the studio recording she made for the 1937 short subject of the same name.

December 22, 1940

I’M ALWAYS CHASING RAINBOWS

From the MGM Recording Sessions for Ziegfeld Girl, the unused finale versions with Tony Martin.

Takes 1, 2 & 3
Take 4
Take 5

1941

PRE-RECORDING SESSIONS FOR LIFE BEGINS FOR ANDY HARDY

Here are some of the pre-recording sessions for Life Begins for Andy Hardy. All of the songs were unused in the film, making it the first of Judy’s MGM films in which she didn’t sing any major numbers (only a brief “Happy Birthday”).

America (My Country ‘Tis Of Thee) (remastered) (May 19, 1941)
Easy To Love Part 2 – Take 4 (remastered) (June 4 & 25, 1941)
Abide With Me – Take 7 (remastered) (June 4, 1941)
The Rosary – Take 3 (remastered) (June 4, 1941)

1941

“LEO IS ON THE AIR” RADIO PREVIEW FOR LIFE BEGINS FOR ANDY HARDY

Here is the radio promotional program for Life Begins for Andy Hardy. Includes the outtake “Easy To Love.”

January 14, 1941

MINNIE FROM TRINIDAD

Two rare alternate takes from the MGM Recording Sessions for Ziegfeld Girl.

Alternate Stereo Take (remastered)
Alternate Take – Ending

1941

“LEO IS ON THE AIR” RADIO PREVIEW FOR BABES ON BROADWAY

Here is the radio promotional program for Babes On Broadway.

1942

“LEO IS ON THE AIR” RADIO PREVIEW FOR FOR ME AND MY GAL

Here is the radio promotional program for For Me And My Gal.

1942

PRE-RECORDING SESSIONS FOR PRESENTING LILY MARS

From the MGM pre-recording sessions for Presenting Lily Mars (1943), recorded on September 18, 1942.

When I Look At You – Take 10
When I Look At You – Tag
When I Look At You – Tag – Take 10
Caro Mona (When I Look At You Parody) – Take 3

1943/1944

PRE-RECORDING SESSIONS FOR MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS

From the MGM pre-recording sessions for Meet Me In St. Louis (1943/1944). A few highlights are below, followed by zip files of the pre-recordings (23 tracks) and the complete underscore (26 tracks). Included with the underscore are the orchestra-only tracks to the songs. It’s fascinating to hear how deceptively simple the arrangement to “The Trolley Song” is. Judy’s voice adds so much more than meets the eye (or ear).

Under The Bamboo Tree – Take 1
Over The Banister – Tag – Take 3
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Take 3
Boys And Girls Like You And Me – Tag – Take 5
The Boy Next Door – Take 7 (alternate take – remastered)
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Take 6 (alternate take – remastered)

Complete Pre-Recordings (zip file)
Complete Score (zip file)

1945

STEREO PRE-RECORDING SESSIONS FOR THE HARVEY GIRLS

From the MGM pre-recording sessions for The Harvey Girls (1946). These are some of the rarely heard stereo versions of songs from one of Judy’s most popular films.

In The Valley – Take 5 (Feb 16, 1945)
It’s A Great Big World (Jan 5, 1945)
It’s A Great Big World – Tag (Jan 5, 1945)
My Intuition – Take 5 (remastered) (Feb 17, 1945)
March Of The Doagies (remastered) (Feb 17, 1945)
March Of The Doagies Reprise – Take 5 (Feb 17, 1945)
Hayride – Take 11 (remastered) (Feb 19, 1945)
Hayride – Pick Up – Take 1 (Feb 19, 1945)

In The Valley
(This is the only known recording of Judy singing with longtime friend and mentor Kay Thompson. Roger Edens is at the piano. Includes some chatter prior to the song. Recording date unknown.)

October 9, 1945

WHO? – Take 3

From the MGM pre-recording sessions for Till The Clouds Roll By (1946). This is the unused extended stereo version of the song, which is much longer than that used in the film and the version used in the MGM Records soundtrack album.

December 28, 1946

THE PIRATE PRE-RECORDING SESSIONS – MACK THE BLACK

From the MGM pre-recording sessions for The Pirate (1948).

Mack The Black – 1st Deleted Version
Mack The Black – 1st Deleted Version Tag
Mack The Black – 2nd Deleted Version
Mack The Black – 2nd Deleted Version – Tag (Roger Edens on piano)
Mack The Black – Final Version – Part 1 – Take 12 (Dec 15, 1947)
Mack The Black – Final Version Tag (Dec 15, 1947)

1947

MORE PRE-RECORDING SESSIONS FROM THE PIRATE

From the MGM pre-recording sessions for The Pirate (1948).

Love Of My Life – Deleted Version – Take 3 (Dec 27, 1946)
Voodoo – Take 1 (Apr 10, 1947)
Voodoo – Take 3 (Apr 10, 1947)
You Can Do No Wrong – Take 9 (May 13, 1947)
Be A Clown – Take 11 (with Gene Kelly) (Jul 14, 1947)

1947

TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY SOUNDTRACK LP – (zip file)

Here are the very first MGM Records release and the first official “movie soundtrack” album. In most cases, the performances were heavily edited to fit the time constraints of one side of a 78 rpm record. Plus, many songs didn’t make the albums at all, this time because the average 78 albums only had eight sides. Complete versions of many of these soundtracks would not officially appear until the 1980s and 1990s when CBS Special Products and Rhino Records released expanded versions.

Check out The Judy Room’s Spotlight on Till The Clouds Roll By.

1948

THE PIRATE SOUNDTRACK LP – (zip file)

Here is the MGM Records version of the soundtrack. In most cases, the performances were heavily edited to fit the time constraints of one side of a 78 rpm record. Plus, many songs didn’t make the albums at all, this time because the average 78 albums only had eight sides. Complete versions of many of these soundtracks would not officially appear until the 1980s and 1990s when CBS Special Products and Rhino Records released expanded versions.

Check out The Judy Room’s Filmography Pages on The Pirate.

1948

EASTER PARADE SOUNDTRACK LP – (zip file)

Check out The Judy Room’s Spotlight on Easter Parade.

1948

WORDS AND MUSIC SOUNDTRACK LP – (zip file)

1949

IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME SOUNDTRACK LP – (zip file)

Check out The Judy Room’s Filmography Pages on In The Good Old Summertime.

October 13, 1949

(HOWDY NEIGHBOR) HAPPY HARVEST (film version)
(HOWDY NEIGHBOR) HAPPY HARVEST (pre-recording)

The first link is the film version of “Happy Harvest” from Summer Stock. The version on the MGM Records soundtrack albums as well as the Rhino Records CD features Judy and the chorus together for the finale of the song. In the film, Judy sings that part solo. It makes sense, as it brings the focus to Judy and that gorgeous note she holds.

Also included here is the surviving pre-recording which also focuses on Judy’s vocal at the end but due to the early multi-track system of recording the chorus is still audible in the background.

1950

SUMMER STOCK SOUNDTRACK LP – (zip file)

Here is the MGM Records version of the soundtrack to Summer Stock. In most cases, the performances were heavily edited to fit the time constraints of one side of a 78 rpm record. Plus, many songs didn’t make the albums at all, this time because the average 78 albums only had eight sides. Complete versions of many of these soundtracks would not officially appear until the 1980s and 1990s when CBS Special Products and Rhino Records released expanded versions.

1953/1954

A STAR IS BORN ORCHESTRA-ONLY TRACKS – IN STEREO!

Here’s another treat, and a Judy Room exclusive!

The two-channel orchestra-only tracks, in stereo, to some of Judy’s numbers from A Star is Born (1954). No vocals – almost. A Heavenly Choir comes up out of the floor every once in a while, plus there are a few extraneous noises from the effects track and Judy’s full vocal in a few spots during the “Born In A Trunk” sequence. This is due to how the film’s two-track stereo soundtrack was mixed. It’s wonderful to hear the orchestrations alternate from lush to simple. Thank you, David!

GOTTA HAVE ME GO WITH YOU
THE MAN THAT GOT AWAY
BORN IN A TRUNK (this is a large file and might take some time to download)
IT’S A NEW WORLD
SOMEONE AT LAST

June 14, 1954

SWANEE – Alternate Take 1
SWANEE – Alternate Take 2

From June 14, 1954, comes these two alternate takes of “Swanee” for the famous “Born In A Trunk” sequence in A Star is Born (1954). These are not on the expanded soundtrack CD released in 2004. As always, it’s fun to hear Judy in the recording studio.

June 16, 1954

WHEN MY SUGAR WALKS DOWN THE STREET (remastered)

This outtake from the “Born in a Trunk” sequence from A Star is Born (1954) first appeared on the 1977 LP “Cut! Outtakes from Hollywood’s Greatest Musicals Volume 3” released by DRG Records. It made its CD debut on the 2004 expanded edition of the soundtrack.

July 15, 1954

MELANCHOLY BABY – Alternate Take 1
MELANCHOLY BABY – Alternate Take 2

Another pre-recording session from A Star is Born. WARNING!! Towards the end of Take 2, Judy gets frustrated and throws out a few curse words. “Listener beware.”

1954

A STAR IS BORN SOUNDTRACK LP – (zip file)

Here is the Columbia Records mono version of the soundtrack. A few of the performances are different than those heard in the film, edited to fit the time constraints of the various vinyl formats of the day.

Check out The Judy Room’s Spotlight on A Star is Born.

1962

THE WIZARD OF OZ – MGM SOUNDTRACK LP REISSUE

MGM Records released the first Oz soundtrack album in 1956, in monophonic sound. The album wasn’t a complete soundtrack but rather, as noted on the cover, it featured “musical and dramatic selections recorded directly from the soundtrack…” The intent was to provide the experience of listening to the story unfold. Due to the time constraints of LP records at the time, the soundtrack is very truncated, but that didn’t hinder the enjoyment of it or the film’s music. This is the soundtrack album that many fans grew up with. It was re-released in 1962 with a different cover art and “electronically enhanced for stereo.” That “stereo” version is presented here.

This was the only Oz soundtrack recording available until the 1989 CD release by CBS Special Products. That version (heard here) also features “musical and dramatic selections recorded directly from the soundtrack…” only this time expanded due to the longer time available in the CD format. That release also includes the premiere CD release of “The Jitterbug” outtake.

SIDE ONE (MP3 file – 32 megs)
SIDE TWO (MP3 file – 20 megs)

Check out The Judy Room’s Spotlight on The Wizard of Oz.

May 1962

IT NEVER WAS YOU – Take 4 (remastered)

This unused take from Judy’s final film, I Could Go On Singing (1963, ) is lovely. In fact, every version of this song that Judy recorded is sheer perfection.

March 27, 1967

I’LL PLANT MY OWN TREE (STEREO MASTER)
I’LL PLANT MY OWN TREE (A CAPELLA)

Two rare takes of Judy’s version of “I’ll Plant My Own Tree” recorded for her ultimately aborted appearance in the now camp classic Valley of the Dolls.

The a capella take is a rare chance to hear a Garland vocal “unplugged.”

1962

THE GOLDEN YEARS AT MGM SOUNDTRACK LP – (zip file)

This wonderful 2 LP set, complete with booklet and introduction by producer Arthur Freed, features Garland solos from the MGM Records soundtrack albums, MGM pre-recording sessions, and a few directly from the soundtracks fo the films themselves. Of note here is the inclusion of the outtake of “You Can’t Get A Man With A Gun” from Annie Get Your Gun, plus an alternate version of “Danny Boy” from Little Nellie Kelly that has only been released on LP & laserdisc (the Rhino Records CD version is an alternate take).

In 1994, Blue Moon released an expanded version of this album, adding the rest of Judy’s solos as presented by MGM Records. Download the Blue Moon version here.

2013

ZIEGFELD GIRL/PRESENTING LILY MARS – EXPANDED SOUNDTRACKS

In 2013 I posted this “new” release that featured expanded soundtracks to both Ziegfeld Girl (1941) and Presenting Lily Mars (1943) complete with a detailed booklet.

Part 1 (zip file)
Part 2 (zip file)

Download the PDF booklet here.

Check out the Discography’s page devoted to this release here.