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Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM
A Definitive Celebration of Hollywood's Iconic Musical Star and Her Legendary CareerMore than 100 years after her birth, Judy Garland remains the gold standard by which all movie musical leading ladies are judged. She is revered and celebrated by current stars, directors, songwriters, and others in the entertainment industry. She also has a fan base that is as large as that of Marilyn Monroe or James Dean. Her image, especially “Dorothy” in The Wizard of Oz (1939), is an instantly recognized icon. Garland really was the voice of MGM during her tenure and after. No documentary about any aspect of the history of the MGM Studios is complete without Garland’s voice on the soundtrack. When people think of MGM Musicals, they think of Garland along with Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. She’s the only female in that exalted “top three.” There have been many books about Garland’s fabled and troubled life, but none devoted solely to the study (and celebration) of her years at MGM. She entered the studio as a 13-year-old contract player in 1935. She left the studio in 1950 carrying the title “Metro’s Greatest Asset.” Judy The Voice of MGM will focus on Garland’s films, but it will also delve into her other professional achievements such as her extensive appearances on radio programs, her long association with Decca Records, and her personal appearances, highlighted by her two USO Bond Tours in the early 1940s. This will be the definitive book about Garland’s legendary career at MGM, pulling back the curtain to reveal the truths about that career while also presenting previously unknown details and facts that are sure to delight her fans as well as fans of classic film.
416 pages, Hardcover
Published June 18, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 22, 2025
This is it.
Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM is The DEFINITIVE Biography of the MGM Film career of the great Judy Garland.
Author Scott Brogan, Garland expert and webmaster of the acclaimed, long-running website TheJudyRoom.com (a massive, virtual anthology on the life and career of Judy Garland) has now reached higher authority, as a significant principal of Garland’s everlasting legacy. This new book, released June 18th certifies Mr. Brogan as an honorary Judy Garland Historian.
A little more than a week ago Garland’s 103rd Birthday was celebrated with anticipation of Brogan’s release. It is by far the most dignified way to honor the late Garland in the month of her birthday and untimely passing.
Speaking of “Dignified” Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM is nothing but a tome of respect for Judy Garland’s crucial part of her career. The time she spent during her years from 1935-1950 at MGM.
Mr. Brogan is very passionate about Garland’s work at MGM and possibly his favorite part of her long career. Mr. Brogan writes with utmost respect towards her work. You can tell that Brogan did his research, and by citing his sources, he covers each topic and film with just the right length and recommends to the reader what other books on Judy Garland they would enjoy reading if they wish to delve deeper into a specific area of not only Garland’s career but life after MGM and on her personal life. For instance, it isn’t a book filled with hundreds of pages on the tales of behind-the-scenes or the making of The Wizard of OZ, rehashed as it has been many times over the years. It gets right to the point.
The most gratifying thing about this read is that the author doesn’t spend a ghastly amount of time focusing on Garland’s troubled life, nor does he keep harping on Garland’s addiction problems or financial woes as many Biographers have often done so. He doesn’t portray Garland as the ultimate can-do no wrong God.
Something wonderful to be noted is that the book contains the most well-researched information on Garland’s father, Frank Gumm. These include things that readers have never known before. The author’s research is so great that he often catches me off guard with a little unknown fact.
Also, in the world of Judy Garland, not all stories line up. For example, there have been multiple stories on how she came to MGM and the author cites the various sources of each story instead of writing about one and leaving that as definitive. I highly respect that he did this.
Another enjoyable feat is that although the book is focused on Garland’s MGM years there are brief sections at the end of the book on her work outside of MGM including her Legendary “Concert Years.”
Also the appendices. I find them to be very useful. As a Garland fan, if I need to look up something that has slipped my memory, instead of going off to research it in a bunch of other Garland books, with Brogan’s book the information is there at my fingertips.
The book is a beautiful coffee table book but much, much more and includes such wonderful photos that will delight readers and put some smiles on their faces.
I believe that Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM, a beautiful modern work of art will have a great impact on attracting new fans, enjoyment for the casual reader, and us long-time Garland fans, continue to keep our burning love for Judy Garland ignited.
Thank you, Mr. Brogan, for this gift. Your profound devotion to Judy Garland and your articulated and highly respected book will endure for a very long time as a contribution to the legacy of Judy Garland
I’d like to also add to my review how enjoyable it was to read about the promotional tours that Judy went on to promote her films. Also, the USO tours, that was an in-depth and exciting read on how Judy and other MGM folks entertained our troops during one of the worst times in history. Judy was one hell of a patriotic gal!
By the way, does anyone else want a Girl Crazy Sundae?
Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM is The DEFINITIVE Biography of the MGM Film career of the great Judy Garland.
Author Scott Brogan, Garland expert and webmaster of the acclaimed, long-running website TheJudyRoom.com (a massive, virtual anthology on the life and career of Judy Garland) has now reached higher authority, as a significant principal of Garland’s everlasting legacy. This new book, released June 18th certifies Mr. Brogan as an honorary Judy Garland Historian.
A little more than a week ago Garland’s 103rd Birthday was celebrated with anticipation of Brogan’s release. It is by far the most dignified way to honor the late Garland in the month of her birthday and untimely passing.
Speaking of “Dignified” Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM is nothing but a tome of respect for Judy Garland’s crucial part of her career. The time she spent during her years from 1935-1950 at MGM.
Mr. Brogan is very passionate about Garland’s work at MGM and possibly his favorite part of her long career. Mr. Brogan writes with utmost respect towards her work. You can tell that Brogan did his research, and by citing his sources, he covers each topic and film with just the right length and recommends to the reader what other books on Judy Garland they would enjoy reading if they wish to delve deeper into a specific area of not only Garland’s career but life after MGM and on her personal life. For instance, it isn’t a book filled with hundreds of pages on the tales of behind-the-scenes or the making of The Wizard of OZ, rehashed as it has been many times over the years. It gets right to the point.
The most gratifying thing about this read is that the author doesn’t spend a ghastly amount of time focusing on Garland’s troubled life, nor does he keep harping on Garland’s addiction problems or financial woes as many Biographers have often done so. He doesn’t portray Garland as the ultimate can-do no wrong God.
Something wonderful to be noted is that the book contains the most well-researched information on Garland’s father, Frank Gumm. These include things that readers have never known before. The author’s research is so great that he often catches me off guard with a little unknown fact.
Also, in the world of Judy Garland, not all stories line up. For example, there have been multiple stories on how she came to MGM and the author cites the various sources of each story instead of writing about one and leaving that as definitive. I highly respect that he did this.
Another enjoyable feat is that although the book is focused on Garland’s MGM years there are brief sections at the end of the book on her work outside of MGM including her Legendary “Concert Years.”
Also the appendices. I find them to be very useful. As a Garland fan, if I need to look up something that has slipped my memory, instead of going off to research it in a bunch of other Garland books, with Brogan’s book the information is there at my fingertips.
The book is a beautiful coffee table book but much, much more and includes such wonderful photos that will delight readers and put some smiles on their faces.
I believe that Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM, a beautiful modern work of art will have a great impact on attracting new fans, enjoyment for the casual reader, and us long-time Garland fans, continue to keep our burning love for Judy Garland ignited.
Thank you, Mr. Brogan, for this gift. Your profound devotion to Judy Garland and your articulated and highly respected book will endure for a very long time as a contribution to the legacy of Judy Garland
I’d like to also add to my review how enjoyable it was to read about the promotional tours that Judy went on to promote her films. Also, the USO tours, that was an in-depth and exciting read on how Judy and other MGM folks entertained our troops during one of the worst times in history. Judy was one hell of a patriotic gal!
By the way, does anyone else want a Girl Crazy Sundae?
June 18, 2025
Alyssa Griffin, the Marketing Manager of The Globe Pequot Publishing Group, Inc., had the kindness to send me an advance copy of this book many months ago to review for the ARSC Journal, where it appears in the Spring 2025 edition. My review there has been edited down for publication reasons, but the unabridged version will be published in my fourth BearManor Media book, UNFETTERED: Words on Music by a Hi-Def Critic in an MP3 World, Volume II, that also includes All About Yves, a Foreword by Joe Marchese, who heads the website The Second Disc, and will be published in early 2026.
In passing, I would note that Mr. Brogan’s account of the discovery and licensing of Garland’s 1935 lost Decca tests, of which I played an intimate role and which took me over a year to negotiate, is pure fiction and not at all historically accurate. This revisionism, dishonorable for anyone who claims to be an author, is dealt with in my review.
Lawrence Schulman
Author of: Garland: That’s Beyond Entertainment – Reflections on Judy Garland, Volumes I and II (BearManor Media, 2023) and others
Represented by: Alice Speilburg, Speilburg Literary Agency
In passing, I would note that Mr. Brogan’s account of the discovery and licensing of Garland’s 1935 lost Decca tests, of which I played an intimate role and which took me over a year to negotiate, is pure fiction and not at all historically accurate. This revisionism, dishonorable for anyone who claims to be an author, is dealt with in my review.
Lawrence Schulman
Author of: Garland: That’s Beyond Entertainment – Reflections on Judy Garland, Volumes I and II (BearManor Media, 2023) and others
Represented by: Alice Speilburg, Speilburg Literary Agency
December 14, 2025
Beautiful, well-researched biography on the legend Judy Garland focusing on her 15 years at MGM. Brogan is sympathetic to Garland and her troubles, but focuses more on her brilliance as an entertainer more than her the tragedy that nearly eclipses the talent these days. The majority of photos are from the author's collection which makes the book all the more unique. My biggest complaint is the type-os and misspellings that pop up from time to time. German-born actress Luise Rainer's name was never spelled with an "o" in it. Scarlett O'Hara's youngest sister (Judy was considered for the part) is Carreen, not Colleen. I'm hoping these errors will be corrected in future editions.
October 18, 2025
Wow. Just...wow. This is the book I've always wanted to get a really good feel of what it was like, professionally, for Judy in her MGM years. I ate every word up, but stopped for a while between chapters to savor all the detail in my head. And can I talk about the detail for a second? The DETAIL is incredible! All the time on set for movies, in the studio recording, and doing radio shows...all here in exhaustive, exhaustive detail. But it isn't just a bunch of dry facts and lists (although that is available in the really thorough appendices). All the amazing detail is told in a narrative way that is engaging and immersive. And even though the author touches on the troubles (addictions, studio delays, etc), it is never done in a salacious way or even really in a judgmental way. Which can't be said of a lot of the books about Judy that are out there. 5 stars all around.
I read the other reviews before posing mine. Strange that they are all 5 stars but 1, and that is a 1 star review. But also strangely, the "critic" of that post seems to only have an issue with one very very small detail, and because of that issue with that detail, he is condemning the whole book. That doesn't really sound like a talented criticism to me, so hopefully everyone will disregard that review. And I won't even support that reviewer by clicking on or searching for what is stated as a full review of the book elsewhere. If you can't be bothered to put a thorough review here, well, the one word that comes to mind for the whole post is "self-promotion".
I read the other reviews before posing mine. Strange that they are all 5 stars but 1, and that is a 1 star review. But also strangely, the "critic" of that post seems to only have an issue with one very very small detail, and because of that issue with that detail, he is condemning the whole book. That doesn't really sound like a talented criticism to me, so hopefully everyone will disregard that review. And I won't even support that reviewer by clicking on or searching for what is stated as a full review of the book elsewhere. If you can't be bothered to put a thorough review here, well, the one word that comes to mind for the whole post is "self-promotion".
September 10, 2025
judy garland: the voice of mgm is glorious and one of the best biographies out there. brogan paints a complete and empathetic picture of judy garland’s beginnings, her time at mgm, and her time post-mgm. the photography is fantastic and the details are extensive. a classic and essential title for any judy garland fan.
January 9, 2026
For a true fan this book has an extreme amount of detail such as her travel schedule on USO tours. For the more casual fan it is perfect to skim to your areas of interest. I love Meet me in St Louis so I read those portions in depth. Many excellent pictures that I had not seen before.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews