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The Gumm Sisters

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Gumm Sisters
The Gumm Sisters, also known as the Garland Sisters, c. 1935: Top row: Mary Jane and Dorothy Virginia Gumm; bottom: Judy Garland
The Gumm Sisters, also known as the Garland Sisters, c. 1935: Top row: Mary Jane and Dorothy Virginia Gumm; bottom: Judy Garland
Background information
OriginLancaster, California, U.S.
GenresVaudeville
Years active1924–1935
MembersJudy Garland, Dorothy Virginia Gumm, Mary Jane Gumm

The Gumm Sisters, later also known as The Garland Sisters[1] were an American vaudeville group consisting of the three daughters of Frank and Ethel Gumm: Judy Garland, Dorothy Virginia Gumm, and Mary Jane Gumm. They gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s and were known for their harmonious performances and charming stage presence.[2][3][4]

Career

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Early beginnings (1924–1934)

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The Gumm Sisters began their performance career in 1924 under the guidance of their parents, Frank and Ethel Gumm, who were vaudeville performers in Minnesota. The sisters made their stage debut at their father's theater in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, performing various song and dance routines. The Gumm family moved to California, U.S. where the sisters were booked for stage, radio, and movie work by their mother.[5]

Rise to prominence (1934–1935)

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After moving to California, they began performing at various venues, gaining regional attention. They were featured in short films and appeared in significant performances, such as at the 1934 Chicago World’s Fair. During this period, the sisters officially changed their stage name to "The Garland Sisters," at the suggestion of comedian George Jessel, and Frances adopted the stage name "Judy Garland".[6][7]

Transformation and breakthrough of Judy Garland (1935–1936)

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In 1935, Judy Garland was signed to MGM after a standout solo performance that led studio executives to see her potential as a solo act. MGM’s focus on Judy ultimately marked the end of the trio’s career, as the studio prioritized developing her talent individually. The dissolution of the group allowed Judy Garland to rise as a solo star, leading to an illustrious career that would eclipse The Gumm Sisters’ early fame.[citation needed]

Filmography

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Title Year Role Studio Type References
The Big Revue 1929 Performers Mayfair Pictures Short film
A Holiday in Storyland 1929 Performers First National Pictures Short film
The Wedding of Jack and Jill 1930 Perfomers First National Pictures Short film
Bubbles 1930 Perfomers First National Pictures Short film
La Fiesta de Santa Barbara 1935 Performers Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Short film [8]

References

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  1. ^ Stanton, Scott (2003). The Tombstone Tourist: Musicians. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-0-7434-6330-0.
  2. ^ Finch, Christopher (1975). Rainbow: The Stormy Life of Judy Garland. Grosset & Dunlap. ISBN 978-0448117317.
  3. ^ Luft, Lorna; Vance, Jeffrey; Movies, Turner Classic (2018-09-18). A Star Is Born: Judy Garland and the Film that Got Away. Running Press. ISBN 978-0-7624-6480-7.
  4. ^ Fantle, David; Johnson, Tom (2023-10-10). C'mon, Get Happy: The Making of Summer Stock. Univ. Press of Mississippi. ISBN 978-1-4968-4658-7.
  5. ^ "About | Judy Garland". Judy Garland | Your official home for the latest Judy Garland News.
  6. ^ "Judy Garland 1922-1934". The Judy Room.
  7. ^ "Judy Garland". U-S-History.com.
  8. ^ "Gumm Sisters Shorts". The Judy Room.