Judy Garland singing “Ol’ Man River,” on her CBS Television show in 1969. I find Judy’s version is the best. Look at her face when she sings those words.
I believe she looks scared and tired.
Hearing Judy sing those words greatly moved me. I can relate to her emotions.
Here is Paul Robeson’s version from the 1936 film Show Boat. It became his signature song.
There were two other film versions of Show Boat, based on the novel by Edna Ferber of the same name, and I consider this version the best.
The song is sung by a black actor in the musical and it is often considered insulting for a white person to sing the song based on the lyrics and the meaning in the musical.
Frank Sinatra sang a version that I consider cringe-worthy.
Here is a version by Sammy Davis, Jr.
Because of the references to the injustices towards black men, it is considered that only black men should sing it.
I find Judy’s version an exception to that opinion. Her version leaves out the prelude and interlude with the references to white masters. She sings the main chorus that focuses on the suffering of the singer. Judy died five years after this performance.
“I’m tired of living, but scared of dying….”
I hear you, Judy, I hear you.
Those could be my own words.
Edna Ferber is one of my favorite authors. She won a Pulitzer Prize for her novel So Big.
I have read four of her books, however I never read Showboat.
For some reason I only want the musical in my head. There is no way I could read the novel without songs from the musical taking over my mind.
Town and Country Magazine: Judy Garland Death – How Old Was Judy Garland When She Died
The New York Times: Judy Garland, 47, Found Dead
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