Judy Garland's rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is iconic, and there are some interesting facts about her performance of this beloved holiday song:
Origin of the Song: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" was originally written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane for the 1944 musical film "Meet Me in St. Louis," in which Judy Garland played the role of Esther Smith. The song was specifically created for Garland to sing in the film.
Emotional Performance: Judy Garland's rendition of the song in the film is particularly notable for its emotional depth. In the movie, she sings it to console her younger sister, Tootie, played by Margaret O'Brien, who is upset about their family's impending move to New York. Garland's heartfelt delivery of the song adds a poignant layer to the scene.
Lyric Changes: The original lyrics of the song included more melancholic lines, such as "It may be your last / Next year we may all be living in the past." Judy Garland was reportedly concerned that these lyrics were too sad, so she and the songwriters made changes to make it a more hopeful and uplifting song.
Classic Cover: Judy Garland's version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" became immensely popular and has since been covered by numerous artists. Her rendition remains one of the most iconic and enduring Christmas songs in history.
Frank Sinatra's Influence: Frank Sinatra, another legendary artist, recorded his own version of the song in 1957. He asked for further lyric changes to make it even more optimistic. His version is the one that is often heard today, emphasizing the "merry" aspect of Christmas.
Recognition: Judy Garland's performance of this song in "Meet Me in St. Louis" is considered one of her most memorable moments in film, and it is often cited as one of the greatest Christmas songs ever recorded.
So, Judy Garland's rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is not only a beautiful and timeless holiday classic but also a testament to her emotional depth and influence in the world of music and film.