What makes Judy so facinating?

[caspase3]

Ok, so recently I saw a like 30 seconds of Oz on TV and I had this urge to rent it and watch it over even though I had seen the movie as a kid over 12 years ago. After watching it I was completely stunned with Judy's voice this time around (must not have been paying attention when I was a kid). I was completely ignorant about Judy Garland and even questioned if that magnificent voice was her own. When I hit the internet one thing led to another and before I knew it I was researching her for days, and now I am starting a dvd collection of her musicals. Whats weird is I was never a fan of musicals before and never had any idea who she even was outside of Oz before.

Now, I would hardly describe my fascination with her as unhealthy, but I found it hard for me to describe to my buddies, who are giving me some serious guff, as to why I find her so interesting. My attempt at explaining myself was supplemented by some classic clips from Meet Me in St. Louis. Of course, I got even funnier looks after that. Can you imagine a room full of "macho" guys reacting to the trolley scene in Meet Me in St. Louis? They thought I had flipped my lid. However, this board and millions of other people around the world find Judy of all ages to be at least as interesting, entertaining, charming and relatable as I do. So, my question is what makes Judy Garland so fascinating? Imagine you were before those goons (my friends), what would you tell them? (btw, for all intensive purposes I am interested in what people here have to say and not in the least bit interested in justifying myself to my friends).

[judydarling]

I think I read someone on here say before, but I will say it again and it is my feeling too, that Judy is like the baby sister I never had.

[caspase3]

Haha, I like that description.

[conwention]

You could point out to your buddies that she's the most uninhibited live performer that ever existed. Your buddies probably being Rock and Roll fans could respect that in her.

[heartbreakerboy]

You have good taste!

[judydarling]

The Trolley Song is fun. I mean, it may happen only in american musicals someone bursting into song on a trolley and then getting the whole carriage to sing along.
I'm trying to imagine someone ever daring to try that on the London Tube.

And falling in love with the boy next door? What girl can't believe her luck when a nice boy moves in next door? (And vice versa?) Beats speed dating!

I'm not sure if St Louis was ever like that in real life, but it's nice to think so.

[just me]

Yeah, St Louis was really like that. People broke into song on the trolley all the time!

Oh, sorry. I don't want to seem snotty, and I know what you mean. Musicals are so fun. But the reason some people don't like them, is because they think it's stupid how people just burst into song. People don't do that in real life.
These people miss the point of a musical, entirely. A musical is meant to be enjoyed. It's not meant to be a realistic, gritty, slice of life. And some people just can't get past the 'bursting into song', on the trolley, or where ever.
I think these types of people handle a musical better, when it's the 'let's put on a show type'. Then, the singing and dancing is either rehearsing or performing for a show, instead of these delightful musical numbers that become part of the show.

[judydarling]

Yes, maybe Meet Me In St Louis wasn't the right musical to show these guys.

Might have better luck with A Star is Born.

I know that one made me sit up and pay attention - and got me into Judy Garland.