Judy at Carnegie Hall
The late '50s were tough on Judy Garland, but this live recording, cut on April 23, 1961, at Carnegie Hall, would (rightfully) bring the legendary icon back into the spotlight.Livewould go on to win five Grammys, be Garland's bestselling record, and confirm that, yes, on certain levels, she still hadit. Her vocals are as strong as ever on these tunes, and Garland has fun with an audience obviously enraptured by her charms. She's self-deprecating where necessary--on "You Go to My Head" she forgets the lyrics but keeps improvising. But mostly she just shines, especially on tunes she made famous, such as "Come Rain or Come Shine," "Stormy Weather," and "Over the Rainbow." This is easily one of pop music's greatest live recordings and a fine testament to Garland's recorded legacy.--Jason Verlinde