New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Academy Award winner and three-time Academy Award nominee Renée Zellweger is set to release her first ever solo album as she stars on the Original
Soundtrack for the highly-anticipated feature film JUDY.
Set for global release on
September 27, this brand-new soundtrack marks 50 years since Judy Garland's premature death in 1969, 80 years since she shot to teenage stardom in The Wizard of Oz in 1939, and will be released on the singer's original record label, Decca.
Based on the true story of Judy Garland's final concerts in London in the late 1960s, the forthcoming JUDY biopic sees Zellweger in the role of the show business legend, bringing her own newly-recorded and distinctive vocals to this unique album.
Talking of Zellweger's phenomenal musical performance, the two-time Olivier winner and Tony nominated director Rupert Goold commented:
"I made it clear to Renee that I wasn't looking for an impersonation of Judy Garland's inimitable voice, but what I wanted was for Renee to make the songs her own and this she did to thrilling effect."
Here, Zellweger delivers breath-taking performances of Judy Garland's best-known and much-loved numbers which have become some of the most iconic songs in film and theatre history including "Get Happy", "Come Rain or Come Shine" and "Over the Rainbow". With Renee's vocals recorded in London's famous Abbey Road Studios, these new recordings perfectly capture the moving intensity of Garland's electrifying performances, all set against the backdrop of a stormy private life and erratic health:
Winter 1968 and showbiz legend
Judy Garland arrives in Swinging London to perform in a sell-out run at The Talk of the Town. It is 30 years since she shot to global stardom in The Wizard of Oz, but if her voice has weakened, its dramatic intensity has only grown. As she prepares for the show, battles with management, charms musicians, and reminisces with friends and adoring fans, her wit and warmth shine through. Even her dreams of romance seem undimmed as she embarks on a courtship with Mickey Deans, her soon-to-be fifth husband. And yet Judy is fragile. After working for 45 of her 47 years, she is exhausted; haunted by memories of a childhood lost to Hollywood; and gripped by a desire to be back home with her kids. Featuring some of her best-known songs, the film celebrates the voice, the capacity for love and the sheer pizzazz of "The World's Greatest Entertainer".
Cast members joining Zellweger in JUDY include Michael Gambon (Harry Potter),
Jessie Buckley (War and Peace) and Finn Wittrock (American Horror Story). The film is based on a script written by Tom Edge (The Crown) and is produced by BAFTA winner
David Livingstone (Pride) with Matt Dunkley (Black Swan) as Musical Director.
JUDY is a Pathe, BBC Films and Ingenious Media Presentation of a Calamity Films Production and is set for a UK nationwide theatrical release on October 4. Worldwide dates ex UK to be announced.
