Here - Linda Eder

Volume 6- Edition 1
Summer/Fall 2005
Judy Garland was an American singer/entertainer who is considered by most to be the greatest female musical star of
Hollywood's Golden Era. Perhaps best known and loved for the magic she brought to stage, screen, television, and recordings,
her intense acting ability, singular communicative power, humor, and powerful singing voice were — and still are today —
considered nearly unequaled.
The Beginning
● Judy (christened Frances Ethel Gumm and nicknamed "Baby") was born on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
● She was the third daughter of Frank Avent Gumm and Ethel Marion (Milne) Gumm.
● Judy performed with her family at their theatre, the New Grand, in Grand Rapids, with her sisters Mary Jane (nicknamed
"Susie") and Dorothy Jane ("Jimmie"). They called their act "The Gumm Sisters."
● Judy's stage debut came on December 26, 1924, at the New Grand. She sang and danced with her sisters and soloed on
"Jingle Bells" — the latter repeatedly until her grandmother (or father, depending on which story one believes) had to
walk on and carry her off.
● In autumn 1926, the Gumm family moved to California, ultimately settling the next year in Lancaster, some 80 miles
north of Los Angeles. The sisters continued to perform and to take dancing and acting lessons.
● In 1929, Judy made her film debut with her sisters in the two-reel short, THE BIG REVUE.
"Baby Gumm" 1924.
"The Gumm Sisters" (L to R:
Susie, Jimmie and Baby) 1925.
"Baby Gumm" 1925.
"Baby Gumm" in her first film
THE BIG REVUE, 1929.