Unveiling Julie Andrews’ Unforgettable Music Journey and Iconic Recordings!
Sixty-eight years ago this week, the original cast album to the Broadway smash My Fair Lady, starring Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison, vaulted from No. 30 to No. 8 in its second week on the Billboard 200. The album logged 173 weeks in the top 10, setting a record that still stands for the longest run in the top 10 since the Billboard 200 began publishing on a regular, weekly basis in March 1956.
The score for My Fair Lady, composed by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, includes such timeless classics as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “On the Street Where You Live,” “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face,” “The Rain in Spain,” and “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly.”
Brooks Atkinson, The New York Times’ influential theater critic at the time, praised My Fair Lady as “one of the best musicals of the century” – a sentiment that was prominently displayed on the show’s theatrical poster. It’s safe to say the praise was well-deserved, with songs so famous and beloved.
Julie Andrews, with her fantastic voice, had a remarkable history on the Billboard charts. She starred in multiple hit albums, including The Sound of Music and Camelot, which had long runs in the top 10.
Andrews has had a unique impact on the music industry, with her work on soundtracks and cast albums that are still loved by audiences today.
In 2011, Andrews received a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to music. The same year, she also won a Grammy for best spoken word album for children.
In 2015, Lady Gaga performed a tribute to Julie Andrews at the Oscars, marking the 50th anniversary of The Sound of Music, showcasing Andrews’ timeless appeal.
Julie Andrews is a three-quarters of the way to achieving EGOT status, having won an Oscar, two Emmys, two Grammys, and still awaiting a Tony award, despite several nominations over the years.
Andrews’ strong connection to Broadway is evident from her work both on stage and as a host for various musical programs, showcasing her love for the genre.
Over the years, Andrews has received numerous accolades and awards for her contributions to film, television, and music, solidifying her status as a legend in the entertainment industry.
Here’s a look back at the four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 that featured Julie Andrews in a leading role:
‘ My Fair Lady’ original cast album
Highlights: “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “On the Street Where You Live,” “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly”
‘Camelot’ original cast album
Highlights: “If Ever I Would Leave You,” “Camelot,” “The Lusty Month of May,” “Then You May Take Me to the Fair,” “What the Simple Folk Do”
‘Mary Poppins’ soundtrack
Highlights: “Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag),” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Super-cali-fragil-istic-expi-ali-docious,” “Jolly Holiday”
‘The Sound of Music’ soundtrack
Highlights: “The Sound of Music,” “I Have Confidence,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Something Good,” “Edelweiss”
Julie Andrews’ impact on the music world is undeniable, with her iconic roles in these legendary albums continuing to resonate with audiences worldwide.
