"Judy and I: My Life with Judy Garland" is Hollywood producer Sid Luft's autobiography, 30 years in the making

CHICAGO, Feb. 21, 2017 The third of Judy Garland's five husbands, Sid Luft was the one man in her life who stuck around. He was chiefly responsible for the final act of her meteoric career, producing her iconic, Oscar-nominated performance in A Star Is Born and expertly shaping her concert career. The Lufts were married for 13 years (1952-1965), but together — on and off and on again — for two decades. Some saw Sid as Judy's savior, others thought he was a shady opportunist riding the coattails of his famous wife. But it's hard to deny that they were obviously doing something right. The Palace, A Star is Born, Carnegie Hall, The Judy Garland Show — some of her finest performances and greatest triumphs — all came during the Luft years.

Previously unpublished, and only recently found, Judy and I: My Life with Judy Garland (Chicago Review Press; March 1, 2017) is Sid Luft's intimate autobiography, which has been in the works for more than 30 years. His original manuscript came to a halt in 1960 — the year that marked a turning point in the couple's marriage: the arrival of Judy's new agents. This was to be the beginning of the end for Sid, who soon witnessed a swift succession of steps in which he was gradually and strategically removed from Judy's professional and personal life. Sid remained in Hollywood and never gave up on his plan to tell the story of his life with Judy Garland, but the manuscript remained unfinished at the time of his death in 2005 at the age of 89. With the blessing and encouragement of the Sid Luft Living Trust, editor Randy L. Schmidt (Judy Garland on Judy Garland) meticulously crafted the final sections of this book with artistic license from quotes mined from various interviews and conversations with Sid.

Judy and I is Sid's long-lost "love letter" to his legendary wife. It's a rich and intimate portrait of their lives and creative work together, and one that captivatingly explores the couple's very public marriage as well as their private struggles. For Judy fans and anyone interested in Old Hollywood, Judy and I shares a wealth of information and insight into one of Hollywood's stormiest up-and-down relationships.

About the Author
Sid Luft was an amateur boxer, test pilot, Hollywood producer, and impresario. He was married to Judy Garland from 1952 to 1965.

About the Foreword Writer
Randy L. Schmidt edited Judy Garland on Judy Garland and wrote Little Girl Blue: The Life of Karen Carpenter. He lives in Denton, TX.

Judy and I: My Life with Judy Garland
By Sid Luft, foreword by Randy L. Schmidt | Chicago Review Press | Distributed by IPG
Autobiography | ISBN: 9781613735831 | 480 pages | 40 b/w photos | 6 x 9 | Cloth | $30.00 ($40.00 Canada)

SOURCE Chicago Review Press