The Murfreesboro Post, January 25, 2010
Catsong Publishing announced today the release of a new book, “From Tennessee to Oz – The Amazing Saga of Judy Garland’s Family History” by author Michelle Russell.
Judy Garland, who is best known for her portrayal of Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” was descended from Tennessee pioneers who braved the wilderness and Indian attack to build a new land.
Author Russell has unearthed a huge amount of material on Garland’s Baugh, Gum and Wade ancestry, which included ministers of God, adventurers and owners of plantations. Some of these people knew the likes of Andrew Jackson and Davy Crockett. The book also includes extensive research on the Civil War. This release is the first in a two-part series, and covers the years 1793 to 1870. There are over 50 illustrations including rare family photos, maps and historical places.
During her research for the book, author Michelle Russell moved to Tennessee, where she spent 20 months over a three year period. She was able to find other descendants of Garland’s ancestors, as well as one descendant of the family slaves. In the coming months, Russell plans to travel, giving talks about her adventures discovering Garland’s ancestry.
What others are saying about the book:
“Fascinating reading for Garland scholars or for anyone, anywhere who revels in genealogy and American history. The back stories, anecdotes, and detail are endlessly captivating, and in many places, the Civil War material reads like an elaboration and expansion of Gone with the Wind. Great stuff!” – John Fricke, Judy Garland and Oz historian
“No Garland authority has ever shown such tender loving care in describing the genealogy of one of the great talents of the 20th century. This is a book not just for admirers of Judy Garland, but for those interested in American history from the angle of one of its most seminal families.” – Lawrence Schulman, Producer of Judy Garland: Child of Hollywood (RPCD/Nimbus); Judy Garland à Paris (Europe 1/RTE); Judy Garland: Classiques et inédits 1929-1956 (Frémeaux & Associés); and a forthcoming box-set to be released by JSP Records.
“From Tennessee to Oz,” Author: Michelle Russell, ISBN: 978-09800642-0-9, Format: 6” x 9” softcover, 278 pages, 55 illustrations, Retail Price: $19.95. www.catsongpublishing.com. The book should be available through most large bookstores and the website.