Las Vegas Review-Journal (Sunday)
David de Alba: The man who would be Judy Garland
The legacy of actress and singer Judy Garland, who enjoyed a 40-year career of international stardom, is being maintained by Las Vegas singer-impressionist David de Alba.
Not only does he look like and sound like the superstar who died at age 47, but David also owns one of the most vast, rare and unique Judy Garland and “The Wizard of Oz” memorabilia collections at his Las Vegas home that has been appraised at thousands of dollars.
Judy starred in more than 24 movies, won Golden Globes, was Emmy-nominated for TV series and recorded 22 albums. David is no typical lip-syncing drag queen.
On March 12, he will sing many of her songs and narrate funny anecdotes that Judy told in her 1960s TV appearances, plus anecdotes when they met. David’s tribute takes place at MVIG Cultural Arts Center at Boulevard Mall.
Known as “The Cuban Legend” from The Finocchio Club that ran for 63 years in San Francisco, David told me that he started performing Judy’s act in 1965 as a teen in Chicago. “When I met her and told her that I impersonated her onstage, she asked me, ‘Do you like me that much?’ ”
“I met her several times, and she was always charming and humble. The last time I spoke with her was only eight months before she passed away. She told me that she wished she could see me perform.”
David uses his own voice onstage and has been mentioned in seven books as a key figure in the drag world of yesteryear. He has received several tributes, including an induction into The Gallery of Greats, for his portrayals of Judy.
“I try to do her as close as I can right down to her walking and talking mannerisms. People kept telling me to keep her history alive,” said David ...