Judy Garland’s Autographed Album Cover

This episode of If This Hall Could Talk takes a close look at a Carnegie Hall icon: Judy Garland. With her magnificent and complex character, a public persona that often differed from her private reality, and incredible vivacity in the face of personal adversity, Garland is a figure who has long inspired and fascinated fans. The album from her landmark 1961 concert at Carnegie Hall captured these dualities, winning five Grammy Awards (including Album of the Year) and spending weeks at the top of the charts. It has also inspired numerous tribute performances, including a concert celebration led by host Jessica Vosk in 2022.

Among the featured voices in this episode is John Fricke, author of “Judy Garland: World’s Greatest Entertainer,” and Emmy Award–winning producer of documentaries about Judy Garland for the PBS series “American Masters” and A&E.

If This Hall Could Talk is available wherever you get podcasts. New episodes are released every other week.