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PHOTO Julie London (September 26, 1926 – October 18, 2000) singer, actress

Julie London

Julie London (née Peck; September 26, 1926 – October 18, 2000) was an American singer and actress, whose career spanned more than 40 years. Born in Santa Rosa, California to vaudevillian parents, London was discovered while working as an elevator operator in downtown Los Angeles, and began her career as an actress. London’s 35-year acting career began in film in 1944, and included roles as the female lead in numerous Westerns, co-starring with Rock Hudson in The Fat Man (1951), with Robert Taylor and John Cassavetes in Saddle the Wind (1958) and opposite Robert Mitchum in The Wonderful Country (1959).

In the mid-1950s, she signed a recording contract with the newly established Liberty Records, and released a total of 32 albums of pop and jazz standards during the 1950s and 1960s, with her signature song being “Cry Me a River”, which she introduced in 1955. London was noted by critics for her husky, smoky voice and languid vocal style. She released her final studio album in 1969, but achieved continuing success playing the female starring role of Nurse Dixie McCall, in the television series Emergency! (1972–79), in which she appeared opposite her real-life husband, Bobby Troup. The show was produced by her ex-husband, Jack Webb.

Julie London Awards

2000 – Grammy Lifetime for Cry Me a River
Cry Me a River was ranked number 48 in NPR’s list of the 50 Greatest Jazz Vocals

Quotes about Julie London

“Julie London was a true artist. Her voice was both sultry and sophisticated, and her music continues to inspire and move people today.” – Diana Krall

“Julie London was a master of her craft. Her voice was both powerful and nuanced, and she had a way of making every note count.” – Tony Bennett

“Julie London had a way of singing that was both sexy and sophisticated. She had a real gift for interpreting lyrics.” – Michael Bublé

“Julie London was a true original. Her music had a way of transporting you to another time and place.” – Harry Connick Jr.

“Julie London had a voice that was both smoky and intimate. She had a real talent for making you feel like she was singing just for you.” – Norah Jones

“Julie London was a true icon, a musician and actress who left an indelible mark on popular culture.” – Willie Nelson

“Julie London had a unique style and presence that was both alluring and sophisticated. She had a real way of making you pay attention.” – Michael Feinstein

“Julie London was a true artist, a singer whose music had a way of touching the heart and the soul.” – Diana Krall

“Julie London was a legend, a musician whose music will always be remembered and cherished.” – Paul McCartney

“Julie London had a way of making even the simplest song sound special. She had a real talent for bringing out the emotion in every lyric.” – Harry Connick Jr.

Julie London Personal Life

Julie London, born as Nancy Gayle Peck on September 26, 1926, was an American singer and actress. She is best known for her smoky, sensual voice and her timeless hit “Cry Me a River.” As a popular actress, she appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, and she is also known for her role as Dixie McCall in the TV series “Emergency!” from 1972 to 1979.

In her personal life, Julie London was married twice. Her first marriage was to Jack Webb, an actor, writer, and producer, best known for creating and starring in the TV series “Dragnet.” They were married from 1947 to 1953 and had two daughters together, Stacy and Lisa. After their divorce, Webb and London remained friends, and Webb even helped create the role of Dixie McCall for her on “Emergency!”

London’s second marriage was to Bobby Troup, a singer, pianist, and actor. Troup is best known for composing the iconic song “Route 66” and for his role as Dr. Joe Early on “Emergency!” alongside London. The couple married in 1959 and remained together until Troup’s death in 1999. They had one daughter, Kelly, and two sons, Jody and Reese, together.

Throughout her life, Julie London was known for her low-key, private nature. She preferred spending time with her family and friends over the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. London passed away on October 18, 2000, at the age of 74, after suffering a stroke.

Julie London and Bobby Troup: Partners in Life and Art

Julie London’s husband, Bobby Troup, was a musician and songwriter who was best known for writing the classic jazz standard “Route 66.” Troup and London met in the early 1950s, and they soon began collaborating on music together.

Troup wrote many of the songs that London recorded during her career, including “Cry Me a River,” which became one of her signature songs. Troup’s sophisticated, jazz-influenced compositions were a perfect match for London’s smoky, sensual voice, and the two became one of the most successful and celebrated musical partnerships of the 1950s and 1960s.

In addition to their musical collaborations, Troup and London were also known for their on-screen chemistry. They appeared together in a number of films and television shows, including the popular detective series “Emergency!” in the 1970s where Julie played Nurse Dixie McCall.

Overall, the collaboration between Julie London and Bobby Troup was a testament to the power of creative partnerships and the enduring legacy of jazz music. Their songs and performances continue to be celebrated and admired by music lovers around the world, and their influence on the world of jazz and popular music remains significant to this day.

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Julie London and Jack Webb

Julie London was married to actor and director Jack Webb from 1947 to 1954. The couple met while London was working as a singer and actress, and Webb was best known for his role as Sgt. Joe Friday on the television series “Dragnet.”

In the 1970s, Julie and her second husband were cast in a Jack Webb produced show, “Emergency”. It is unclear whether or not Jack Webb directly helped Julie London get the role of Nurse Dixie McCall on the television series. However, it is known that London and Webb had a close personal and professional relationship, and that they had collaborated on a number of projects throughout their careers.

In fact, Webb had helped to launch London’s singing career in the 1950s, and had produced many of her early recordings. It is possible that Webb may have had some influence in London’s casting on “Emergency!” given their history of collaboration and friendship.

Regardless of how London got the role, her performance on “Emergency!” was widely praised and helped to revive her career in the 1970s. Her portrayal of Nurse Dixie McCall, a compassionate and dedicated healthcare professional, resonated with audiences and helped to solidify her status as one of the most beloved and talented performers of her generation.

Despite their divorce, London and Webb remained on good terms and continued to work together on occasion. In fact, Webb was instrumental in helping to launch London’s singing career, and he produced many of her early recordings.

Overall, Julie London’s marriage to Jack Webb was a significant part of her personal and professional life, and their collaboration helped to create some of the most iconic moments in the history of jazz and popular music.

Pete Kelley’s Blues, Julie London and Peggy Lee

During their marriage, London and Webb collaborated on a number of projects, including the film “Pete Kelly’s Blues,” which was directed by Webb and starred London in the lead role.
While Julie London starred in the lead role in the 1955 film “Pete Kelly’s Blues,” the film’s soundtrack featured Peggy Lee singing the songs that London’s character performed on screen.

Lee, who was a renowned jazz vocalist and songwriter in her own right, was chosen by the film’s producers to provide the vocals for London’s character, as they believed that Lee’s voice better suited the style and tone of the music.

Lee’s performances on the “Pete Kelly’s Blues” soundtrack were widely praised by critics and audiences alike, and helped to cement her status as one of the most important and influential jazz singers of the 1950s and 1960s.

Overall, while Julie London may have been the face of “Pete Kelly’s Blues” on screen, it was Peggy Lee’s voice and talent that helped to make the film’s soundtrack one of the most iconic and beloved in the history of jazz music.

On the Charts: Julie London’s Biggest Billboard Hits

Julie London was not only a critically acclaimed jazz singer but also a chart-topping artist with several hits on the Billboard charts. Her sultry and seductive voice captured the hearts of millions, and her music continues to be celebrated today. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Julie London’s biggest Billboard hits and the impact they had on her career.

“Cry Me a River”

Julie London’s most well-known hit is undoubtedly “Cry Me a River.” Released in 1955, the song was an instant success and became a breakout hit for the young singer. It peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it London’s first top 10 hit. The song’s success helped establish London as a prominent figure in the music industry and solidified her place in music history.

Top 10 Hits

In addition to “Cry Me a River,” Julie London had several other top 10 hits on the Billboard charts. Her 1963 single “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” peaked at number nine on the Hot 100 chart. “Love on the Rocks” and “Desafinado” both reached number seven on the Adult Contemporary chart in 1962 and 1963, respectively. London’s success on the charts continued throughout the 1960s, with several more top 40 hits, including “You Don’t Have to Be a Baby to Cry” and “The End of the World.”

Album Success

Julie London’s chart success was not limited to singles. Several of her albums were also successful on the Billboard charts. Her 1957 album “Julie” reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart, while “Julie…At Home” peaked at number 17 in 1960. Her album “About the Blues” also saw success, reaching number 18 on the Billboard 200 chart in 1957.

Legacy

Julie London’s chart success helped to solidify her place in music history as one of the greatest jazz singers of all time. Her music continues to be celebrated today, and her influence can be heard in the music of contemporary artists. Her signature song “Cry Me a River” has been covered by numerous artists and remains a classic. London’s chart success helped to establish her as a major recording artist and pave the way for future generations of female artists.

Famous Julie London Songs

Julie London’s talent and influence on the world of music cannot be overstated. Her sultry voice and emotive performances helped to define the sound of jazz and popular music in the 1950s and 1960s, and her contributions to the world of film and television helped to make her a beloved and respected cultural icon. Whether performing solo or collaborating with her husband Bobby Troup or other musicians, London always brought a unique and personal touch to every song she sang, making each one a memorable and timeless masterpiece. Her legacy as one of the greatest singers of all time continues to be celebrated and admired by music lovers around the world, and her impact on the world of jazz and popular music will continue to be felt for generations to come.