Died On This Date (June 22, 1969) Judy Garland
themusicsover Judy Garland
June 10, 1922 – June 22, 1969
Judy Garland was a star of stage, screen and a record through a career that spanned 45 of her 47 years. Starting out on vaudeville with her sister act, The Gumm Sisters (she was born Francis Gumm), would go on to win an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, an Emmy and several Grammys. Best known for her iconic role as Dorothy in 1939’s The Wizard Of Oz, Garland also wowed audiences with her standing-room-only concert performances. She was considered by many to be the greatest female entertainer the US had ever produced. Despite her years of success and respect, Garland lived in a personal hell, no thanks in part to studio executives who told her she was too fat or unattractive. That lead to an addiction to weight loss pills and other drugs. Garland also suffered through financial troubles, often owing hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes. She reportedly attempted suicide on more than one occasion but finally succumbed to an accidental overdose of barbiturates on June 22, 1969, leaving behind two daughters, Lorna Luft and Liza Minnelli, as well as son, Joey Luft.
What You Should Own
Sonny Stitt was an influential jazz saxophonist who amassed an incredible catalog of over 100 albums over his career. He is considered one of the greatest musicians of the bebop and hard bop sub genres, often compared to 
Peter Laughner was a founding guitarist for Cleveland cult faves, Pere Ubu. Helping form the band in 1975, Laughner and company are considered to be one of the foundations of Cleveland’s alternative rock scene. His tenure with the band didn’t last long due to his struggles with drug addiction. Laughner was also a contributor to the legendary Creem magazine. He died of pancreatic at the age of 24.
Nick Holt is best remembered as the longtime bassist for his brother’s band, Magic Slim & the Teardrops. Co-forming the band in 1960, Holt played beside his brother for the next 40 years. Besides also fronting the Nick Holt Blues Band, he was also a popular session musician, having worked with the likes of Little Milton and Vance Kelly. He died of brain cancer at the age of 69.
