Folks, let's not get hung up on Judy vs. Ethel--there's room enough for both of these mega talented ladies. Ethel was all superb technique--she wasn't that emotional--but her voice was like a laser beam--so you forgave the first because you were blown away by the second--hers was a force of nature. Judy was ALL heart. Two different type of performers, and BOTH valid in their own ways. Certainly more talent in their pinkies than the rafters of today's no talents paraded out before us.
Two of the greatest show business professionals - both Judy and Ethel were such real stars in the classic sense - and together in this video they are just dynamite. These two ladies possesed something far more than just talent - they were two golden persons that gave everything they had in their performances which transcends time - and they are stll a light to the world through their movies and recordings.
Friendship, written by Cole Porter. Introduced by Ethel Merman & Bert Lahr from the musical, DuBarry Was A Lady 1939. Revived in a '55 musical, Three For The Money.
What a splendid combination! Dead as they are now, both Ethel Merman and Judy Garland remain great legends. And they symbolize the show business. If only Mary Martin had been in the studio at the time when this was aired.
First song is friendship, second is let's be buddies, third is you're the top, all from anything goes. The fourth is you're not sick you're just in love from call me madam. Next is Delovely from anything goes too. And then its together wherever we go from gypsy! SO many songs, they're just amazing, and I love this medley!!! Perfect blend of friendship songs, I wouldn't mind if they'd added bosom buddies from Mame :D
This is so interesting. Clearly Ethel is at her vocal prime, whereas Judy is towards the end of her life. But still there is something more interesting and vulnerable about Judy. Ethel seems to be just trying to sound great. Judy is better at connecting with the material here.
The two greatest woman singers. I love Judy. I love Ethel Merman too. But for some reason Judy really captivates me. I just Love Judy Garland, but Ethel's great also. two great voices, two great personalities, two great people.
@LaCageAuxGypsy Not anymore. At the time this was aired (1964), it was true, but then Babs & Liza appeared. And on Broadway, we got Idina Menzel and Sutton Foster.
It's their talent that made them so great and powerful! It's not just screaming and holding the notes. It's being classy performers and respected in their field.
As Ragtime1925 says, there will never be talent like this again. Shame that today's generation didn't get to see artists like these - todays bunch of wannabes don't come anywhere close!
@shealways Not into either of these singers in a big way. But I can hear what people respected about Merman. Was her diction. The way she belted out a tune and every word could be heard clearly. Back in her day, singers didn't necessarily have microphones. I think she had some silly kind of twang thing happening but... times were what they were.
Uh, no...not even sometimes. Why would she be jealous? Merman was a legend in her own right. The biggest Broadway star, ever. Judy was one of the greatest movie stars ever. Both had their iconic songs and trademark style. Merman had never been unprofessional, fired from a job, attempted suicde, and ended up an accidental overdose at the age of 47. Just six years after this clip. If anyting, I'm sure Ethel sympathized watching Judy's genius being destroyed.
When I watch at these two monsters of the seventh art and the theater singing together, I say myself in spite of any bad moment of the life, is worth the trouble to live it, when seeing these so spectacular and wonderful moments that this it offers us, where it wants that to be, Juday and Ethel to have existed thanks.
Ethel cannot even compete with JUDY GARLAND be cause Judy was/is peerless. Judy had the rarest of qualities when she preformed with a scene partner. When she was in the scene the audience only watches her. Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly when they danced the audience watched them only but when they worked with Judy it was Judy who had the audience's capitvated. Judy knew she had extreme gifts and she always made her guests know she was on their side. She was very giving in that way.
Ethel is rude here . . she makes no eye contact whatsoever with Judy Garland although Judy trys all the time!! Judy had a much greater stage presence!
I agree with you that it's certainly noticeable, but it might not be a result of rudeness. It could just be on account of different acting styles - Judy may act best while playing off of her partner on stage, while Ethel (being a stage actress through and through) may be most comfortable playing off of the audience. To be honest however, I think they both have great presence on stage.
I can't believe some of the conclusions drawn on this video. I am overwhelmed with the chemistry between these two ENOURMOUS stars! There will NEVER be another Merman or Garland. Sit back and watch what this world will never see again. I've had the pleasure of being around when Ethel/Judy was around. I have seen most of Ethel's performances liveing in NYC so you know nothing about eye contact and Ethel Merman.
Thanks for pointing that out. I actually saw Ethel looking over at Judy quite a number of times but as SOON as Judy looks back, she looks away. Perhaps she thought it would break her concentration or something. But she was a pro, and seasoned as can be at this point, and the boom would have picked up her colossal voice whether she was singing whether or not she sang straight out front to the audience, so that can't be the reason either!
What silly analyzing. Ethel Merman and Judy Garland were brilliant. So were/are others. No need to analyze. This clip is so wonderful because they are singing together in their own fashion. Bravo.
I didn't really get to see Ethel until her later years. I found her brilliant & Entertaining (with the cap.E) I was there at the Broadway Theater in 77? when she and Mary Martin performed for charity, 1 night only. It was great seeing both these performers together again & a shame that it wasn't recorded (Mary didn't want it to be). Ethel stole the show! Go back and look up the reviews of every NYC newspaper. She was simply unique and there will never EVER be another!
OMIGOD!!! I so wish they would have taped that show!!! I've read so much about it!! It was such a success that they wanted to do a tour and tv special of it. Ethel was up for it but Mary wasn't. She had developed really bad stage fright by that point.
Why all the Merman hate? She had a particular voice and style; one that made her legend on Broadway. And she was the epitome of professionalism. She liked Judy very much and vice versa. I mean, I love Judy, but there are people who don't "get" her..don't care for her voice or style--especially later in Judy's career. I respect those dissenting opinions, and don't feel I have to put anybody down in the process.
@waif55 Ethel Merman was the greatest star ever to appear on Broadway. She appeared in no fewer than fifteen hit shows in her career, a record that no one else comes even close to matching. She was never in anything but a hit, and that speaks for itself. Her record on Broadway was unique.
@Robert4770 She didn't want a theater named for her. She actually got angry at the one man who tried to make that happen. Traditionally theaters are only named for people who are alive to see the honor done to them.
@waif55 I love Ethel. Quite honestly she reminds me of my grandmother. Classic. Different era I guess. More talent then most people theses days. Like Judy in the early days. Everyones life leads them down a different path. Some better than other. Either way, gald there is a Merman fan out there!!!
I am probably going to get internet bullied with this one but I am going to say it anyway... I just dont see Ethel's appeal, i just dont get the admiration that people have for her voice. I respect the fact that she was insanely popular on broadway & was in so many good shows, but i just dont get her voice. It kinda sounds like she is speaking and when she "belts" she just yells/speaks louder. That being said I respect the talent people saw in her but just dont see it myself. Judy is love tho ;)
ethel merman was one of the greatest singers that ever lived and hating on her is treason.And the reason why she is so big everywhere is becauseshe bought an exciting twist to broadway.And the fact that she had no singing lessons means her voice is natural and not artificial.Another reason why she is so famous is because Cole Porter 'the greatest songwritter that ever lived picked her to be his broadway leading lady which is something Judy Garland could never do.
Ok please dont start the argument about what Judy couldn't do but Ethel could.... I am not saying i dont think that ethel did not do well for herself and did not have and still does have a HUGE fan base, I just meant that I do not really see what the hype is. But like i said, i respect that fact that she is one of if not the leading legend of Broadway which is not an easy title to obtain, but i rest by my opinion and think Judy is the leading legend of musical movies! :) but to each his own!
Ethel had possibly the most powerful voice that Broadway has ever experienced. Listening to her on YouTube doesn't really do it justice. Simply nobody could keep up with her vocal chords. That said, Judy Garland is possibly the most talented lady ever. So it's fitting that Ethel would go on her show, because the talent is just overwhelming. This video is an absolute treasure.
OMG Does that Ethel woman come across as a vamped up dinner lady or what? Quite a talent of having a range of 3 notes! Even worse she never even acknowledges Judy was even there! Judy would have been better doing this one with Kermit!
there is alarmingly little eye contact with Judy? Was she that insecure? I don't think that comes out of self-confidence, but the reverse, maybe defensiveness?
Very good arrangement...Judy evokes so much more personality when singing..Ethel is very staged..& very monotonic with her irritating voice..If only Ethel would ligthen up a bit..You can tell Judy is inconspicuously taking the piss..so funny to watch
Ethel has such a commanding voice, she dominates this duo but Judy is no slouch either...they're magic together! RIP you two wonderful ladies...I'm sure they're tearing down the house up in Heaven's Mass Choir!!
I love Judy's "Mickey Mouse" "Yah" haha lmao!! Oh what talent!! :) She just looks like she is having a blast!! I dont think Judy ever wanted to be anywhere else besides on the stage!! She just lights up! I know you can fake that happiness but i dont think she is!! I love this medley too btw!
You're right! In Jackie Susann's Valley of the Dolls, Ethel was Helen Lawson and Judy was Neely O'Hara. Oddly, Judy refused to rehearse with Merman, but knew her for ages, and some would say they REALLY knew each other, if you get my drift. There are a lot of negative things here about Merman but what folks don't get is that this brilliant stage talent she had just didn't work before a camera, which is why she wasn't even offered Annie Get Your Gun or Gypsy.
The Tony award didn't exist till 1947. By that time Ethel had starred in 10 Broadway musicals that were all hits! She will always be the Queen of Musical Comedy!
I neither said that Ethel wasnt a terrific singer or that Roz was... I merely pointed out that Roz wasnt a terrible singer. Learn to read before you start throwing around accusations...
Nonesense, watch the movie "There's No Business Like Showbusiness." ethel kills it. there's a reason why she was known as "The Voice You Could Hear on Mars!"
What you're not getting, gorlia, is that sheer talent and especially sheer volume don't make a movie star. In fact, it's almost impossible to say what does make a movie star. Take Marilyn Monroe, for example, who you couldn't hear on Mars, and some would question her talent. Yet the public made her a star. There were equally beautiful girls who acted and sang, and didn't make it. Streisand was not a beautiful girl, but made it. Merman did not. That's not to deny her enormous talent.
Ethel Merman, from what little I've read about her, and seen of her in interviews, seems to have been a very nice person (if a little on the brassy side), and she was certainly....um....dynamic onstage. She could carry a tune, I'll give her that. But her appeal has always escaped me. The singing voice was extremely harsh and nasal, and her take-no-prisoners style was WAY over the top. I guess it's just me, but how this woman ever became such a legendary singer is a mystery to me.
dave: AMEN. Ethe's voice shatters my speakers EVERY time I end up listening to her. I'm surprised we don't ALL need a hearing aid after listening to her in GYPSY. Even Carol Channing and Bea Aurthur's voices are more tolerable (lol). JUDY RULES!
Well Ethel naturally just upstaged her performers, she loved being the center of attention. Plus she had the habit of always delivering lines to the audience instead of her scene partner, which naturally upstaged the other person. However, I think that both of them are SO FABULOUS and I think this is a a fabulous performance
You obviously dont know anything about her. If there is one thing Ethel couldn't stand it was upstaging and her motto was "if they can't keep up with me then why should I lower myself to their level?"
Love these two ladies! This is so fun! Ethel Merman had such a big overpowering presence and personality. Judy despite her problems seems so sweet and funny that you just want to hug her. I love how when she duets with singers on her show, she is gracious enough to let them shine and still do her thing instead of coming off as catty.
This comes from the heart, its not just for the cameras. These ladies are having a friggin ball trying to top each other. I could have listened to them belt all night. Thank God these performances are preserved forever.
I think out the two performers it is Merman who is trying to outshine Garland...this WAS Garland's show, but you wouldn't think it from this clip, and many of the other duets. The mentality at CBS was 'We need to knock down Garland a peg or two'. However, Garland was always gracious and never let her ego get in the way of her integrity.
Actually, I think the best entertainers who are also nice people always knew and know how to share the stage and allow their guests to shine or even take the center for a bit if it makes for a better show. Watching someone be snitty with a fellow performer is annoying.
Yeah, it just didn't get any better than this - the duets Judy did with her various co-stars was such a great and entertaining part of her series. It's even fun to watch Judy laugh at herself when she gets a little tripped up during "You're Just in Love." An entertainer for all time!
Two enormously talented individuals in their element doing what they do best! Like Ethel Merman said two of the last great belters. No one could belt out a song like these ladies! It doesn't get any better than this.
Oh, and back then a woman knew how to dress. No leggings and tight T-shirts for these gals. Bring back ball gowns, shoulder length gloves and sequins!!!
I am probably the only woman who still wears seams, pressed suits that fall to the knee, and gloves and scarves. I wish the tradition would continue too.
You know things weren't so bad back in the day when you could smoke in a movie theatre, on a domestic flight, and even (gasp) in a bar. We are more restrictive nowadays. God I wish I lived back in the days of Merman and Garland, when a lady wasn't afraid to drink a scotch on the rocks and belt out a show tune or two. I suspect life was better and way sweeter then.
These gals have more talent in one finger then everyone else today combined. I remember a time when variety shows were on 7 nights a week and we could see talent like this for free. Gone are the days.
They look so cute together. It's a shame there both gone now. We only have trash now adays like: Jennifer Lopez, Leona Lewis, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan, Christina Aguelaria, Jessica Sipson, Ashlee (can't sing simpson), Madonna, Brooke Hogan, and the list could go on and on. Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, and Linda Eder are the only true stars around today!!
Also let's give credit to Mel Torme who crafted this wonderful songbag for the two Divas. I love "What say, Let's be Buddies". You can just see how much both performers respected eachother.
my favorite female singers in order are Ethel Merman, Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion. too bad they all couldn't have made an album together.
I do find it intresting that Judy was in a movie with Fanny Brice in 1938(everybody sing) then when she had her show, Barbra came on it and sang a line in her be my guest skit "can i replace you?" then Barbra goes on to play brice, and remake a Garland film.... and in a sense collect many of Garlands fans after her death... not to say that she has repalced her, Not in my life, but just intresting how things come full circle.
Brilliant!Not bad for two women that never had a singing lesson(judy did take a class the last yr or so of her life)such natural incredible talent.The Queen of the Broadway Musical of the Queen of Hollywoods Musicals,,what could be better
If it hadn't been for the competition with "Bonanza" on another network when Judy's shown was on, Judy's show probably wouldn't have been cancelled so soon. She was so talented, died too young.
Ethel Merman was marvelous and Broadway will probably not see her likes again. She NEVER appeared in a flop. And we're talking more than a few HITS here. Who (even among the very best) can say that about themselves? She once told an interviewer, around 1960; "Stand up straight, look the world in the face, otherwise people will cut you down!" She wasn't afraid to live her own credo - good advice for all of us! Thanks to the "Merm!"
2:14 haha I fricken love Judy Garland!! xD
Wicked1253 3 months ago
I love them both for different reasons.
kgarmaker123 4 months ago
Love Merman!!
chaksheba 4 months ago
What a great como, Merman and Garland. Both are LARGER than life.
Brockett122 4 months ago
could someone list me the songs those two great godesses sing please??
minesdecarli 7 months ago
God i love watching this video. So much fun and pizazz
VivaLaMerman 7 months ago
Folks, let's not get hung up on Judy vs. Ethel--there's room enough for both of these mega talented ladies. Ethel was all superb technique--she wasn't that emotional--but her voice was like a laser beam--so you forgave the first because you were blown away by the second--hers was a force of nature. Judy was ALL heart. Two different type of performers, and BOTH valid in their own ways. Certainly more talent in their pinkies than the rafters of today's no talents paraded out before us.
windstorm1000 8 months ago
@windstorm1000 well put!
chaksheba 4 months ago
Wow. Two giants. Today's talent is not worthy to shine their shoes.
windstorm1000 8 months ago
What is the name to this lovely song?
GospelArtist1 8 months ago
real entertainers
JackGarcia1000 9 months ago 2
Volume please.
susancanadamorrier 9 months ago
Two of the greatest show business professionals - both Judy and Ethel were such real stars in the classic sense - and together in this video they are just dynamite. These two ladies possesed something far more than just talent - they were two golden persons that gave everything they had in their performances which transcends time - and they are stll a light to the world through their movies and recordings.
RobertBensonPianist 10 months ago 4
Friendship, written by Cole Porter. Introduced by Ethel Merman & Bert Lahr from the musical, DuBarry Was A Lady 1939. Revived in a '55 musical, Three For The Money.
kingusmcgee 10 months ago
lol Judy has nothing compared to Ethel
spicywinniepooh 11 months ago
Nothing like Anything Goes, Call Me Madam, Gypsy, etc! It's delightful
heidston 11 months ago 2
Nothing like Anything Goes and Call Me Madam!
heidston 11 months ago
aww
subbtopp 1 year ago
where did people in the audience ever get the idea they were supposed to clap like maniacs every time they recognize a song title?
BernardProfitendieu 1 year ago
@BernardProfitendieu It's called the APPLAUSE sign. Compared to now, they were used very sparingly in those days.
defundthewar 11 months ago
Also, Ethel had to adapt to Judy's key for this duet. It's a little low for her.
filmmekker 1 year ago
What a splendid combination! Dead as they are now, both Ethel Merman and Judy Garland remain great legends. And they symbolize the show business. If only Mary Martin had been in the studio at the time when this was aired.
Bluejeans0701 1 year ago
First song is friendship, second is let's be buddies, third is you're the top, all from anything goes. The fourth is you're not sick you're just in love from call me madam. Next is Delovely from anything goes too. And then its together wherever we go from gypsy! SO many songs, they're just amazing, and I love this medley!!! Perfect blend of friendship songs, I wouldn't mind if they'd added bosom buddies from Mame :D
GLEEcurb 1 year ago
This is so interesting. Clearly Ethel is at her vocal prime, whereas Judy is towards the end of her life. But still there is something more interesting and vulnerable about Judy. Ethel seems to be just trying to sound great. Judy is better at connecting with the material here.
KevinRRose1 1 year ago
The two greatest woman singers. I love Judy. I love Ethel Merman too. But for some reason Judy really captivates me. I just Love Judy Garland, but Ethel's great also. two great voices, two great personalities, two great people.
actorinfilms 1 year ago
@LaCageAuxGypsy Not anymore. At the time this was aired (1964), it was true, but then Babs & Liza appeared. And on Broadway, we got Idina Menzel and Sutton Foster.
amazinggarrett1 1 year ago
This segment was originally telecast on January 12, 1964.
fromthesidelines 1 year ago
Comment removed
fromthesidelines 1 year ago
i have this song on itunes. but i've been looking for the video forever. i'm so glad i found it. they are amazing.
isitall2fimilar757 1 year ago
Ah, two people to obnoxiously oversing...
rdangelo 1 year ago
Thank you kuvanozo. I concur! Thank god for these two!
GinaCary 1 year ago
I'd love the lyrics to this...
witch4 1 year ago
@JudygarlandRulez15... and speaking about breaking glass...check out Perry Como and Ethel Merman singing together.
pal035s 1 year ago
I like Merman in Gypsy, but her style is a little one-dimensional. I think Judy had more range and more personality and a better voice all around!
oscarlover100 1 year ago
I dont like ethel merman at all I dont like her voice or her personality!
less01 1 year ago
Judy addresses Ethel and tries to interact with her. Ethel plays straight to the front. Well, why share the spotlight if you don't want to?
GeorgeWTush 1 year ago
@GeorgeWTush I think Mary Martin had more luck engaging Ethel.
pal035s 1 year ago
@GeorgeWTush You're right.
nandesneto 1 year ago
Love both these wonderful women!
damechastain 1 year ago
It's their talent that made them so great and powerful! It's not just screaming and holding the notes. It's being classy performers and respected in their field.
arnelakawhitewash 1 year ago
As Ragtime1925 says, there will never be talent like this again. Shame that today's generation didn't get to see artists like these - todays bunch of wannabes don't come anywhere close!
accomm 1 year ago 4
i love this melody, i think Ethel merman is underrated.
isizulu1 1 year ago 3
@isizulu1
ethel was really populer in the 1930s, times change and others progress and become populer.
endlesslesboz 1 year ago
Boy they don't make them like these GREAT dames any longer! I miss them tremendously!!
positivityforever 1 year ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
jesus merman really cant sing
shealways 2 years ago
@shealways Not into either of these singers in a big way. But I can hear what people respected about Merman. Was her diction. The way she belted out a tune and every word could be heard clearly. Back in her day, singers didn't necessarily have microphones. I think she had some silly kind of twang thing happening but... times were what they were.
brelfan 2 years ago 2
I do wonder if Merman was jealous of Garland. Not often... just... sometimes.
Messylin 2 years ago
@Messylin
Uh, no...not even sometimes. Why would she be jealous? Merman was a legend in her own right. The biggest Broadway star, ever. Judy was one of the greatest movie stars ever. Both had their iconic songs and trademark style. Merman had never been unprofessional, fired from a job, attempted suicde, and ended up an accidental overdose at the age of 47. Just six years after this clip. If anyting, I'm sure Ethel sympathized watching Judy's genius being destroyed.
waif55 2 years ago 2
When I watch at these two monsters of the seventh art and the theater singing together, I say myself in spite of any bad moment of the life, is worth the trouble to live it, when seeing these so spectacular and wonderful moments that this it offers us, where it wants that to be, Juday and Ethel to have existed thanks.
kuvanozo 2 years ago 26
@kuvanozo
They ARE monsters now- terrible voices, no dancing capabilty either except jumping around like felines in heat.
NO talent on B-way now.
Sad.
ugha323a 1 year ago
Ethel cannot even compete with JUDY GARLAND be cause Judy was/is peerless. Judy had the rarest of qualities when she preformed with a scene partner. When she was in the scene the audience only watches her. Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly when they danced the audience watched them only but when they worked with Judy it was Judy who had the audience's capitvated. Judy knew she had extreme gifts and she always made her guests know she was on their side. She was very giving in that way.
NFitalianGuy 2 years ago
What year?????
Streisand1HorseLover 2 years ago
Ethel is rude here . . she makes no eye contact whatsoever with Judy Garland although Judy trys all the time!! Judy had a much greater stage presence!
FinCups 2 years ago
I agree with you that it's certainly noticeable, but it might not be a result of rudeness. It could just be on account of different acting styles - Judy may act best while playing off of her partner on stage, while Ethel (being a stage actress through and through) may be most comfortable playing off of the audience. To be honest however, I think they both have great presence on stage.
hahahachrist 2 years ago 3
I can't believe some of the conclusions drawn on this video. I am overwhelmed with the chemistry between these two ENOURMOUS stars! There will NEVER be another Merman or Garland. Sit back and watch what this world will never see again. I've had the pleasure of being around when Ethel/Judy was around. I have seen most of Ethel's performances liveing in NYC so you know nothing about eye contact and Ethel Merman.
ragtime1925 2 years ago 5
Comment removed
Kellieannef 2 years ago
@FinCups
Thanks for pointing that out. I actually saw Ethel looking over at Judy quite a number of times but as SOON as Judy looks back, she looks away. Perhaps she thought it would break her concentration or something. But she was a pro, and seasoned as can be at this point, and the boom would have picked up her colossal voice whether she was singing whether or not she sang straight out front to the audience, so that can't be the reason either!
rlee1976 1 year ago
What Joy! Thank you thank you thank you!
operarus33184 2 years ago
The first time I ever saw or heard of Ethel Merman was when she played in It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad World
AdamMichaelMercer 2 years ago
2 great broads of screen and stage
TheJazzlady40 2 years ago
In real life, they were life long friends and admired each others talents greatly.
monroenorma 2 years ago 2
What silly analyzing. Ethel Merman and Judy Garland were brilliant. So were/are others. No need to analyze. This clip is so wonderful because they are singing together in their own fashion. Bravo.
AdamWhitely 2 years ago 3
I didn't really get to see Ethel until her later years. I found her brilliant & Entertaining (with the cap.E) I was there at the Broadway Theater in 77? when she and Mary Martin performed for charity, 1 night only. It was great seeing both these performers together again & a shame that it wasn't recorded (Mary didn't want it to be). Ethel stole the show! Go back and look up the reviews of every NYC newspaper. She was simply unique and there will never EVER be another!
boba385 2 years ago 4
OMIGOD!!! I so wish they would have taped that show!!! I've read so much about it!! It was such a success that they wanted to do a tour and tv special of it. Ethel was up for it but Mary wasn't. She had developed really bad stage fright by that point.
CapricornDavo 2 years ago
this vid is awsomeness
sfuze3 2 years ago
Why all the Merman hate? She had a particular voice and style; one that made her legend on Broadway. And she was the epitome of professionalism. She liked Judy very much and vice versa. I mean, I love Judy, but there are people who don't "get" her..don't care for her voice or style--especially later in Judy's career. I respect those dissenting opinions, and don't feel I have to put anybody down in the process.
waif55 2 years ago 40
@waif55 Ethel Merman was the greatest star ever to appear on Broadway. She appeared in no fewer than fifteen hit shows in her career, a record that no one else comes even close to matching. She was never in anything but a hit, and that speaks for itself. Her record on Broadway was unique.
karlakor 1 year ago
@karlakor It sickens me there is no Broadway Theatre named for her. Merman was the greatest musical comedy star of all time, the queen of Broadway.
Robert4770 1 year ago
@Robert4770 She didn't want a theater named for her. She actually got angry at the one man who tried to make that happen. Traditionally theaters are only named for people who are alive to see the honor done to them.
netram28 1 year ago
@netram28 Not true at all........When Etyhel was dieing they were speaking of naming a theatyer after her...her reply when her son told her...?
'I'll believe it when I see it!'
boba385 8 months ago
@waif55 I agree with you
there are not man people who have voices like what judy and ethel had... if people do it a rare gift
prckay 1 year ago
@waif55 I love Ethel. Quite honestly she reminds me of my grandmother. Classic. Different era I guess. More talent then most people theses days. Like Judy in the early days. Everyones life leads them down a different path. Some better than other. Either way, gald there is a Merman fan out there!!!
hockeyham3 1 year ago
@waif55 THANK YOU!
sarahtheteenager 1 year ago
@waif55
People are jealous of Mermen to this day. She WAS Broadway, they wrote songs FOR her.
She is 100x better than ANY foamdome that dares to walk the B-way stage now, they are NOTHING in comparison to Merman--NOTHING!!!
ugha323a 1 year ago 6
@ugha323a Exactly
alishadoll1 1 year ago
@ugha323a Exactly
alishadoll1 1 year ago
I am probably going to get internet bullied with this one but I am going to say it anyway... I just dont see Ethel's appeal, i just dont get the admiration that people have for her voice. I respect the fact that she was insanely popular on broadway & was in so many good shows, but i just dont get her voice. It kinda sounds like she is speaking and when she "belts" she just yells/speaks louder. That being said I respect the talent people saw in her but just dont see it myself. Judy is love tho ;)
malyak 2 years ago
ethel merman was one of the greatest singers that ever lived and hating on her is treason.And the reason why she is so big everywhere is becauseshe bought an exciting twist to broadway.And the fact that she had no singing lessons means her voice is natural and not artificial.Another reason why she is so famous is because Cole Porter 'the greatest songwritter that ever lived picked her to be his broadway leading lady which is something Judy Garland could never do.
sfuze3 2 years ago 3
Ok please dont start the argument about what Judy couldn't do but Ethel could.... I am not saying i dont think that ethel did not do well for herself and did not have and still does have a HUGE fan base, I just meant that I do not really see what the hype is. But like i said, i respect that fact that she is one of if not the leading legend of Broadway which is not an easy title to obtain, but i rest by my opinion and think Judy is the leading legend of musical movies! :) but to each his own!
malyak 2 years ago
Ethel had possibly the most powerful voice that Broadway has ever experienced. Listening to her on YouTube doesn't really do it justice. Simply nobody could keep up with her vocal chords. That said, Judy Garland is possibly the most talented lady ever. So it's fitting that Ethel would go on her show, because the talent is just overwhelming. This video is an absolute treasure.
anrohen1991 2 years ago 3
I think they're both bril in their own right.
drdoodle2006 2 years ago
It's from Anything Goes (:
whyhellotherefreak 2 years ago
legends doesn't even begin to cover it. total freaking talent
keglerking01 2 years ago 4
This has been flagged as spam show
there's two ugly broads.
eldrama1 2 years ago
OMG Does that Ethel woman come across as a vamped up dinner lady or what? Quite a talent of having a range of 3 notes! Even worse she never even acknowledges Judy was even there! Judy would have been better doing this one with Kermit!
Ostlan 2 years ago
ethel actually had a rather large mezzo soprano range and was known for belting
high C's. her voice had obviously started to leave her by now, she was getting on in age and belters never retain there voices for long.
no i am not a fan of hers i hadn't even heard of her until class yesterday when we started talking about belters in my vocals class.
tenor220 2 years ago
there is alarmingly little eye contact with Judy? Was she that insecure? I don't think that comes out of self-confidence, but the reverse, maybe defensiveness?
gabsylv 2 years ago
Maybe she needs to watch the conductor or the prompter!
DueTrombe 2 years ago
Very good arrangement...Judy evokes so much more personality when singing..Ethel is very staged..& very monotonic with her irritating voice..If only Ethel would ligthen up a bit..You can tell Judy is inconspicuously taking the piss..so funny to watch
funkytune2006 2 years ago
L-E-G-E-N-D-S.
almamatters2471 2 years ago
WOW! Who would think they could build a stage large enough to hold all that talent? ...and people marvel at the Pyramids!
fiftiesflashback1953 2 years ago 4
Ethel has such a commanding voice, she dominates this duo but Judy is no slouch either...they're magic together! RIP you two wonderful ladies...I'm sure they're tearing down the house up in Heaven's Mass Choir!!
dreamboynyc2 2 years ago 5
I love Judy's "Mickey Mouse" "Yah" haha lmao!! Oh what talent!! :) She just looks like she is having a blast!! I dont think Judy ever wanted to be anywhere else besides on the stage!! She just lights up! I know you can fake that happiness but i dont think she is!! I love this medley too btw!
malyak 2 years ago 5
Judy Garland aged very well, I must say.
beautexinterieur 2 years ago
unbelievable. wow the 2 powerhouses of the century, together!!! amazing!!!!!
Elphaboy 2 years ago 2
Helen Lawson and Neely O'Hara.
oranger2525 3 years ago 2
You're right! In Jackie Susann's Valley of the Dolls, Ethel was Helen Lawson and Judy was Neely O'Hara. Oddly, Judy refused to rehearse with Merman, but knew her for ages, and some would say they REALLY knew each other, if you get my drift. There are a lot of negative things here about Merman but what folks don't get is that this brilliant stage talent she had just didn't work before a camera, which is why she wasn't even offered Annie Get Your Gun or Gypsy.
defundthewar 2 years ago
I can't even watch the original "Gypsy" movie. Rosalind Russell was horrible!! Thank god they dubbed most of her singing! She was NO singer!
CapricornDavo 2 years ago
Roz won 2 tonys for musicals... just sayin...
Evilqueen1985 2 years ago
Wait... she only won for Wonderful Town... but still, you dont win a Tony for not being able to sing...
Evilqueen1985 2 years ago
The Tony award didn't exist till 1947. By that time Ethel had starred in 10 Broadway musicals that were all hits! She will always be the Queen of Musical Comedy!
CapricornDavo 2 years ago
If Roz was such a great singer why did they dub most of her voice in Gypsy???
CapricornDavo 2 years ago
I neither said that Ethel wasnt a terrific singer or that Roz was... I merely pointed out that Roz wasnt a terrible singer. Learn to read before you start throwing around accusations...
Evilqueen1985 2 years ago
Nonesense, watch the movie "There's No Business Like Showbusiness." ethel kills it. there's a reason why she was known as "The Voice You Could Hear on Mars!"
gorlia01 2 years ago 3
What you're not getting, gorlia, is that sheer talent and especially sheer volume don't make a movie star. In fact, it's almost impossible to say what does make a movie star. Take Marilyn Monroe, for example, who you couldn't hear on Mars, and some would question her talent. Yet the public made her a star. There were equally beautiful girls who acted and sang, and didn't make it. Streisand was not a beautiful girl, but made it. Merman did not. That's not to deny her enormous talent.
defundthewar 2 years ago 2
hahaha that's funny
this song was a hit for both of them, with different partners!!
Luckynumber78 3 years ago
I adore Judy's singing on "You're just in love"! even though lyrics are mixed up
fontenayperi 3 years ago
LE MERM will live "forever" in talented hearts !
peter97624 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Well thank god her awful voice won't live forever. What a train wreck.
tonyjay 3 years ago
yes, I am SURE that she really cared what you think OR anyone else for that matter- she was on BROADWAY for SIXTY years. 60.
ugha323a 3 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Big deal, 60 years. I think she did do a lot to promote the acceptance and understanding of transexual women.
tonyjay 3 years ago
What are you talking about??
ugha323a 3 years ago 2
He's talking shit, that's what he's talking about.
Luckynumber78 3 years ago
AMEN Peter!
ugha323a 3 years ago 2
Ethel Merman, from what little I've read about her, and seen of her in interviews, seems to have been a very nice person (if a little on the brassy side), and she was certainly....um....dynamic onstage. She could carry a tune, I'll give her that. But her appeal has always escaped me. The singing voice was extremely harsh and nasal, and her take-no-prisoners style was WAY over the top. I guess it's just me, but how this woman ever became such a legendary singer is a mystery to me.
dave00004483 3 years ago
dave: AMEN. Ethe's voice shatters my speakers EVERY time I end up listening to her. I'm surprised we don't ALL need a hearing aid after listening to her in GYPSY. Even Carol Channing and Bea Aurthur's voices are more tolerable (lol). JUDY RULES!
1940spianoman 3 years ago
Well Ethel naturally just upstaged her performers, she loved being the center of attention. Plus she had the habit of always delivering lines to the audience instead of her scene partner, which naturally upstaged the other person. However, I think that both of them are SO FABULOUS and I think this is a a fabulous performance
VivaLaMerman 3 years ago 4
You obviously dont know anything about her. If there is one thing Ethel couldn't stand it was upstaging and her motto was "if they can't keep up with me then why should I lower myself to their level?"
ethelmermanforever 2 years ago
Obviously you are a devoted fan of Merman
I was only pointing out my own observation
Not everybody is going to like/or agree with everything one says/or see's.
Eveyone has the freedom of speech
funkytune2006 2 years ago
Yes true but I just thought I'd correct you.
ethelmermanforever 2 years ago
amazing talents!! absolutely fabulous!!!!! love them
nurselondon 3 years ago
I LOVE them BOTH in this Nurse- they were FANTASTIC, more than I could say for 'entertainers' now.
ugha323a 3 years ago 3
I love both Ethel and Slayer and King Diamond... it's all great.
bubbabubba20042004 3 years ago
bubba- that was cute ;)
ugha323a 3 years ago
It's a shame "Bosom Buddies" had not yet been written. Damn you, Jerry Herman!
smilebesidefrown 3 years ago
isn`t this great?
pablocrap 3 years ago
Love these two ladies! This is so fun! Ethel Merman had such a big overpowering presence and personality. Judy despite her problems seems so sweet and funny that you just want to hug her. I love how when she duets with singers on her show, she is gracious enough to let them shine and still do her thing instead of coming off as catty.
Tigerlily21 3 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Ethel Merman is alive and kicking in our Nursing Home here in NYC.She is one of the great talents here.We love you Ethel, No eat your applesauce.
mcqueen12345667 3 years ago
Um, perhaps you're joking, but Ethel passed away in 1984.
KBOH0301 3 years ago
She would be 101 years old, I expected her not to live past 80 because of all her stress. Believe me I knew her for a long time you have no idea.
ethelmermanforever 2 years ago 2
Absolutely FABULOUS!!!
kenslavin1961 3 years ago 2
This comes from the heart, its not just for the cameras. These ladies are having a friggin ball trying to top each other. I could have listened to them belt all night. Thank God these performances are preserved forever.
Robert4770 3 years ago
I think out the two performers it is Merman who is trying to outshine Garland...this WAS Garland's show, but you wouldn't think it from this clip, and many of the other duets. The mentality at CBS was 'We need to knock down Garland a peg or two'. However, Garland was always gracious and never let her ego get in the way of her integrity.
hirchik 3 years ago
Actually, I think the best entertainers who are also nice people always knew and know how to share the stage and allow their guests to shine or even take the center for a bit if it makes for a better show. Watching someone be snitty with a fellow performer is annoying.
CelestialTeaRoom 3 years ago
nah- She just was an overbearing Brooklynite- typical.
ugha323a 3 years ago
Yeah, it just didn't get any better than this - the duets Judy did with her various co-stars was such a great and entertaining part of her series. It's even fun to watch Judy laugh at herself when she gets a little tripped up during "You're Just in Love." An entertainer for all time!
etienne818 3 years ago
YEAH! haha
Ahpgujung 3 years ago
What a brilliant pairing of two great talents. I wish they'd made a film together. And I LOVE La Merm's dress!
GroovyBlackCat 3 years ago
edit: love it. i wish had some kind of show like this on tv. nothing too thought out.
PollyPeachum3penny 3 years ago
love it. i wish had some kind of show like this on tv. nothing too thought.
PollyPeachum3penny 3 years ago 2
Two enormously talented individuals in their element doing what they do best! Like Ethel Merman said two of the last great belters. No one could belt out a song like these ladies! It doesn't get any better than this.
xoxAtTheTwilightxox 3 years ago
And we will never see talent like this again
Robert4770 3 years ago
Class act totally!
biegel88 3 years ago
Oh, and back then a woman knew how to dress. No leggings and tight T-shirts for these gals. Bring back ball gowns, shoulder length gloves and sequins!!!
ElectrGirl 3 years ago 3
I am probably the only woman who still wears seams, pressed suits that fall to the knee, and gloves and scarves. I wish the tradition would continue too.
ragtime1925 3 years ago
You know things weren't so bad back in the day when you could smoke in a movie theatre, on a domestic flight, and even (gasp) in a bar. We are more restrictive nowadays. God I wish I lived back in the days of Merman and Garland, when a lady wasn't afraid to drink a scotch on the rocks and belt out a show tune or two. I suspect life was better and way sweeter then.
ElectrGirl 3 years ago
wow i've never seen two peformers so in sync and enjoying each other what a treat
gurudyhunk 3 years ago
Everytime I watch this, I find myself with a silly grin on my face by the time they're finished, it's so enjoyable.
doh996 3 years ago
Ah Judy, we hardly knew ya. And Miss Merman, yes, you were the tops.
sharonbraymcpherson 3 years ago 5
These gals have more talent in one finger then everyone else today combined. I remember a time when variety shows were on 7 nights a week and we could see talent like this for free. Gone are the days.
Robert4770 3 years ago
Now all we have are "reality shows" with little reality involved and even less talent, such a shame in my opinion.
ElectrGirl 3 years ago 3
They look so cute together. It's a shame there both gone now. We only have trash now adays like: Jennifer Lopez, Leona Lewis, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan, Christina Aguelaria, Jessica Sipson, Ashlee (can't sing simpson), Madonna, Brooke Hogan, and the list could go on and on. Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, and Linda Eder are the only true stars around today!!
punisher21200 3 years ago
wat year was this?
sixrubberduckies 3 years ago
1964
ragtime1925 3 years ago
great thanks!!
sixrubberduckies 3 years ago
judys such an amazinggggggggggg singer luv her
sussie5 3 years ago
I don't mean to say anything but...THANK YOU! Holy schmoly. What a great addition to my list. ragtime1925, you are IT!
clarkcny 3 years ago 3
Got to love great talent!
weatdamal 3 years ago 2
Talk about TALENT! Sure wish I could sing like them. Ethel & Judy FOREVER!
KickazzRedhead 3 years ago 6
MY GOD. That is amazing. Two of the most amazing performers ever.
And they sang You're Just In Love. Which is just about the most amazing song. Along with De-Lovely, because Cole Porter is amazing.
rachpheonix 3 years ago 9
I just posted an audio of "Rose's Turn" by Ethel Merman. You can search "Rose's Turn Ethel Merman"
apsara81cloud 3 years ago
this is much much better than the judy/barbra duets
octopussy1234 3 years ago
nice video and they sing some of 'you're just in love' from call me madam, which is a favourite of mine.
thanks everso for posting inonemus.
millyx48 3 years ago
I was at this show! It was marvelous! I absoulutly treasure this show with all my heart!
ragtime1925 3 years ago 2
This clip just makes me smile, fun and they are great.
jpshuntny 3 years ago
This is so fun!
RexRed 4 years ago 3
Also let's give credit to Mel Torme who crafted this wonderful songbag for the two Divas. I love "What say, Let's be Buddies". You can just see how much both performers respected eachother.
damone77 4 years ago
my favorite female singers in order are Ethel Merman, Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion. too bad they all couldn't have made an album together.
karenkbf 4 years ago 2
Thank you soo much for not putting Celine in with the soul Diva's. Celine is good, but an Aretha (etc) she ain't!
Hawnzz 3 years ago
I do find it intresting that Judy was in a movie with Fanny Brice in 1938(everybody sing) then when she had her show, Barbra came on it and sang a line in her be my guest skit "can i replace you?" then Barbra goes on to play brice, and remake a Garland film.... and in a sense collect many of Garlands fans after her death... not to say that she has repalced her, Not in my life, but just intresting how things come full circle.
hobogirl1254 2 years ago
Brilliant!Not bad for two women that never had a singing lesson(judy did take a class the last yr or so of her life)such natural incredible talent.The Queen of the Broadway Musical of the Queen of Hollywoods Musicals,,what could be better
arabesqueny 4 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
judy garlan overcome the anoing voice of ethel thats freeck thats call tallent!! point
renatolopesmelquiade 4 years ago
If it hadn't been for the competition with "Bonanza" on another network when Judy's shown was on, Judy's show probably wouldn't have been cancelled so soon. She was so talented, died too young.
stanmugs 4 years ago 3
Ethel Merman was marvelous and Broadway will probably not see her likes again. She NEVER appeared in a flop. And we're talking more than a few HITS here. Who (even among the very best) can say that about themselves? She once told an interviewer, around 1960; "Stand up straight, look the world in the face, otherwise people will cut you down!" She wasn't afraid to live her own credo - good advice for all of us! Thanks to the "Merm!"
etienne818 4 years ago 3
omg obsessed with these 2! couldnt be any more talented
baby98tt 4 years ago
I especially love the duet from Call me Madam. In all the duets I've seen from the tv series, she seems the happiest in this one..
thevanderman 4 years ago 2