26 | June | 2009 | Inspirations and Aspirations

Singer Judy Garland, shortly before her death

By THE NEW YORK TIMES

ONDON, June 22- Judy Garland, whose successes on stage and screen were later overshadowed by the pathos of her personal life, was found dead in her home here today.

The cause of death of the 47-year-old singer was not immediately established, and an autopsy was scheduled. [Reuters reported that police sources said a preliminary investigation revealed nothing to suggest that Miss Garland had taken her own life.]

Miss Garland’s personal life often seemed a fruitless search for the happiness promised in “Over the Rainbow,” the song she made famous in the movie “The Wizard of Oz.”

Apollo Theater, Harlem, New York, June 25, 2009

In all seriousness. Poor, lucky, tortured, brilliant, boy. Your sudden death is oddly touching. Like Judy, one supposes, a testament to the outsize scale of your talent and your demons both. Do they always go hand in hand? You fit the mold like a glove (if you’ll forgive me), Michael.

So, here’s one for you, Jacko, in memory of Judy: