Judy's Voyage to London

Entertaining was a gift that Judy enjoyed from the age of 2. Joining her two Sisters she had much success in Vaudeville. Judy's powerful mature voice earned her the nickname "Miss Leather Lungs" as well as a solo spot. In early adulthood, Judy thrilled audiences at benefits, promos and troop shows. Wowing, not only with her voice but with her wit, impromptu dancing and banter. This continued well into her triumphant film years at MGM.

Ill health and pressure from the studio halted her film career in 1950. Val Parnell of the London Palladium cabled Judy to say "We love you as much as ever. Come and appear for me as soon as you are well". The warmth of Londoners was confirmed by Danny Kaye having just been idolised by the Palladium audience himself. Judy was persuaded to cross the Atlantic on a voyage to the Theatre of Legends. Fanny Brice called her to say "You're going over there and with the voice and talent that God gave you you're going to make everyone proud of you".

On arrival in England, the port was engulfed with cheering crowds overwhelming Judy. "They told me that people had a warm feeling for me in England but I never thought it would be anything like this".
The Hollywood Great had arrived.

Judy's train arrived in war-scarred London, thousands of miles from MGM and further from the studio's antiquation of this city. Fortunately, the press waiting to greet her were generally kind. Soon after arrival, Londoners were treated to Judy singing "Embraceable You" and interviewed on the Radio show "In Town Tonight".
Sid Luft flew in and friends Buddy Pepper (Judy's piano accompanist) and Kay Thompson were there for Judy on Opening night. Judy started a relationship with London - the city that became her "second home".