Diahann Carroll Met Judy Garland For A Match Made in Heaven In 1964

Oct 07, 2019

It is always worth taking a look at the moments when two legends cross paths in history. With the recent passing of Diahann Carroll and the release of the Judy Garland biopic “Judy,” it might be an apt moment to take the time to watch their 1964 TV duet on “The Judy Garland Show.”

Diahann Carroll appeared on the show for a few solo songs including “Quiet Nights” and “Goody Goody” before joining up with Judy Garland for an unusual arrangement. The song starts off with Diahann singing “You sing Arlen and I’ll sing Rodgers” to which Judy replies “Roy Rogers?”

The two then launch into a medley of songs where Carroll sang Richard Rodgers songs and Garland, Harold Arlen. The powerhouse singers sit casually on two tall chairs dressed in gorgeous gowns before belting out American songbook staples like “It Might As Well Be Spring” and “That Old Black Magic.”

Diahann carried the Rodgers medley beautifully, since she had practice with that particular songwriter. She won a Tony Award for the musical two years earlier for the Richard Rodgers musical “No Strings.” She then took her place in history as the first black woman to win a best actress Tony.

The episode aired on February 16, 1964 according to The Judy Garland Project when Diahann was 28 and Judy was 41. It was just a mere 5 years before the end of Judy Garland’s life, while Diahann’s career was just starting. She went on to star in the hit show “Julia” starting in 1968.

After you have watched the video, tell us what you think of the medley between Diahann Caroll and Judy Garland. Be sure to pass this historical moment on to others as well.