Judy Garland...Why Can't I?

Recorded and performed live at the Manhattan Centre on 26 April, 1962. Judy was originally recording a live album for Capitol Records that would be entitled ''Judy Takes Broadway'', but on the night of the sessions, Judy had a touch of laryngitis and therefore her voice wasn't in good form. The album was shelved and then released in 1989 as ''Judy Garland: Live!''

[@gabinadina]

Laryngitis or not, this is a great recording. No one could truly get to heart of a song like Judy. I'm surprised they didn't put this on the 1989 live album.

[@stephenperretti8847]

It's a shame that the album wasn't released. Perfect is the enemy of excellent.

[@roberthenleynola]

This is one of the most touching renditions I ever heard Judy do. Clearly she was struggling with laryngitis, but the huskiness just seemed to enhance the emotion of the song. The woman was truly the consummate entertainer and the epitome of an interpreter of song.

[@russellcandy9850]

I agree with you very much!! That little roughness adds to the emotion of the song. It's wonderful!! God Bless our Judy!!!

[@ton4347]

Can we give her after so many years at leat a million views!

[@SaxonC]

This woman can never be surpassed! A God given voice!

[@semejanteael]

BEAUTIFUL STILL...

[@glenconmc]

Even with a bad throat she sounds great. Wonderful arrangement.

[@joecool89nm]

So beautiful!

[@s34cea75]

I wish that "Judy Takes Broadway" was released. These recodings are really very good

[@richardselfridge2926]

"He said, " It's all in your beezer.' Beezer? "

[@jstellamedialv]

She was in fine form, just a little hoarse. Jesus.

[@stephenperretti8847]

Perfect is the enemy of excellent.

[@infamouscanadiandecomposer]

Why couldn't they have taped the beautiful stereo orchestral arrangements, later that evening, without the voice. (all that work by Mort!) Then Garland would have had the option, at any time to add in the vocals and make it a studio album. We would miss the audience, but wouldn't have to wait until her CBS series to hear snippets of the intended album. Does anyone know if she ever recorded this song, other than here? What show is it from? thanks! bob in toronto

[@deuxjournalistes2993]

"Why Can't I" is from a 1929 Rodgers and Hart show "Spring Is Here". There was also a film version the musical but "Why Can't I" was dropped (I think). I'm fairly certain this is the only album Judy sang this for. I've only heard her perform it here, and then once on The Judy Garland Show. There are so many songs that I wish she could have done for a studio album (especially with darling, amazing Mort. They really understood each other musically). But for this one, I would have missed the audience's presence. l feel several songs were really, really enhanced by the almost palpable excitement from the audience that night. Especially during Joey, Joey, Joey and Never Will I Marry.