Obviously The Wizard of Oz has been
Judy's most popular film and recording. In July 1939, a month
prior to the opening of Oz, Judy signed
a contract with Decca for 12 new singles.
Shortly thereafter
on July 28, 1939 she made her first commercial recording of
"Over The Rainbow", for Decca. The single (with "The
Jitterbug"
on the "B" side) was released in September 1939.
It eventually peaked at the #5 spot on the Hit Parade (the "Billboard
Top 20" of the day). In the intervening years it has
sold well over several million copies.
The number
was also
released (supposedly in 1939 as well, although I can't verify
it) with "(Dear Mr. Gable) You Made Me Love You" on
the "B"
side.
"Over The Rainbow"/"The Jitterbug" was released as a single
on:
Decca 2672 (78 rpm)
Decca 23961 (78 rpm) (this is the 78 with "Dear Mr. Gable"
on the "B" side)
Decca 9-23961 (45 rpm)
(I believe this also has "Dear Mr. Gable" on the "B" side,
but I have not been able to verify that).
The album of songs from "The Wizard of Oz" was the
first of Decca's original movie "cast albums". Although
these songs were done
at the Decca studios, and differ immensely from those heard in
the film, this album was nonetheless very popular and lucrative
for Decca. The company would re-release the "album" in
various formats over the years.
CLICK HERE to see
the British version of the 78 album on the Brunswick label.
CLICK HERE to see the 1951
10" version. CLICK HERE to see the
1951 45rpm version. CLICK HERE to see the 1953
7" 45rpm version. CLICK HERE to see
the 1956 12" 33 1/3 version. CLICK HERE to see the
1970's picture disc. CLICK HERE to see the 2014 CD release - the only release of the complete Decca album on CD!
Album cover image above & 45 rpm cover image below from the
collection of Scott Brogan.
Original 78 booklet insert images from the collection of Eric
Hemphill.
The cover and first page of the original
insert to the March 1940 inaugural issue of the album.
The remaining pages are biographies of Harold Arlen and E.Y.
"Yip" Harburg
(the composers of the songs and score).
TRACK
LISTING
Note:
Only "Over The Rainbow" and "The Jitterbug" are
Garland vocals.
The "vocal trio" who accompany Judy on "The Jitterbug"
are none other than Harold Arlen as The Scarecrow
with
Bud Lyon
as The Tin Man, & Garney Bell as The Lion.
The remaining songs are performed by the
Ken Darby Singers.
Song
Title
Date
Recorded
Master
#
Record
#
Over
The Rainbow
07-28-1939
DLA
1840-A
2672
A
The
Jitterbug
07-28-1939
DLA
1841-A
2672
B
Munchkinland
Part I (includes "Ding! Dong! The Witch Is Dead")
07-29-1939
DLA
1846
2673
A
Munchkinland
Part II
07-29-1939
DLA
1847
2673
B
If
I Only Had A Brain
07-29-1939
DLA
1845-A
2674
A
If
I Only Had A Heart
07-29-1939
DLA
1844-A
2674
B
The
Merry Old Land Of Oz
07-29-1939
DLA
1848
2675
A
We're
Off To See The Wizard
07-29-1939
DLA
1849
2675
B
CREDITS
The Victor Young Orchestra under the direction
of Victor
Young
Vocals by The Ken Darby Singers under the direction
of Ken Darby
