The group's early career, shaped by their parents’ involvement in vaudeville, helped lay the foundation for Judy Garland’s later success.

Frances, nicknamed "Baby Gumm" at the time, made her first public singing appearance at a Christmas holiday show, demonstrating an early talent that captivated audiences.

The sisters performed a mix of vocal numbers, dance routines, and comedy, reflecting the multi-talented nature of vaudeville acts at the time.

Accounts from Judy Garland: The Secret Life of an American Legend suggest that audiences sometimes misread "Gumm" as "Glum," leading to confusion and occasional ridicule.

The transition from Garland being in a family act to a solo career reflected the shifting nature of the entertainment industry at the time, as vaudeville gave way to radio and film stardom.

Though Garland’s career ultimately eclipsed the group's legacy, the Gumm Sisters played a vital role in her development as an entertainer.