Julie London was a multi-talented American singer, actress, and television star whose career spanned several decades. Known for her sultry voice and understated style, she became one of the most popular jazz and pop singers of the 1950s and 1960s. London’s hushed, intimate vocal style became her trademark, earning her widespread acclaim and numerous chart-topping hits. Beyond her success in music, she also enjoyed a successful acting career, with roles in films, television, and particularly her famous portrayal of nurse Dixie McCall on the iconic TV show Emergency!.
With a career that crossed multiple entertainment genres, Julie London left an enduring legacy that continues to influence artists in music and television today.
Early Life and Hollywood Beginnings
Julie London was born Julie Peck on September 26, 1926, in Santa Rosa, California. Raised in a family of entertainers, London’s parents were vaudeville performers, which exposed her to show business from an early age. When her family moved to Los Angeles during her childhood, London found herself growing up in the heart of the entertainment industry. Her proximity to Hollywood would play a significant role in shaping her future career.
London attended Hollywood Professional School, a private institution for aspiring young actors and performers, but she left high school early to support her family. To make ends meet, London took various jobs, including working as an elevator operator at a department store. It was during this time that her natural beauty caught the attention of talent scouts, and at the age of 17, she was signed to her first film contract.
Her early film roles were often minor, but they helped her build a foundation in Hollywood. She appeared in several films during the late 1940s and early 1950s, including The Red House (1947) and Tap Roots (1948). Though these early roles did not make her a household name, they allowed London to hone her acting skills and gain a foothold in the competitive world of Hollywood.
Musical Breakthrough: “Cry Me a River”
While Julie London’s acting career was beginning to take shape, it was her music that would catapult her to stardom. In the mid-1950s, London’s deep, smoky voice caught the attention of jazz fans, and she began recording music with a style that was uniquely her own. Her voice had an intimate, whispery quality that made listeners feel as if they were being serenaded in a smoky, dimly lit club, and her minimalist, stripped-down arrangements set her apart from other singers of the era.
In 1955, London recorded what would become her signature song, “Cry Me a River.” Written by Arthur Hamilton, the song’s melancholy lyrics and haunting melody were a perfect match for London’s sultry vocals. Released as a single, “Cry Me a River” became an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts and earning London widespread acclaim. The song has since become a jazz standard, covered by countless artists, but it remains most closely associated with London’s iconic version.
Her success with “Cry Me a River” led to the release of her first full-length album, Julie Is Her Name (1955), which further showcased her unique vocal style. The album featured sparse arrangements, with Barney Kessel on guitar and Ray Leatherwood on bass, allowing London’s voice to take center stage. The simplicity of the instrumentation only enhanced the emotional power of her voice, and the album was a commercial success.
Throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, London continued to release a string of successful albums, many of which featured a similar minimalist style. Her music was a blend of jazz, pop, and blues, and her ability to convey deep emotion through her vocals made her one of the most popular recording artists of the time. Albums such as Lonely Girl (1956), Calendar Girl (1956), and About the Blues (1957) became hits, cementing her place as one of the leading female vocalists of the era.
Acting Career: Hollywood and Television
While London was enjoying immense success as a singer, she continued to act in films and television. Her film career, which began in the 1940s, saw her taking on a variety of roles in genres ranging from Westerns to film noir. Some of her more notable film credits during this period include Man of the West (1958), where she starred alongside Gary Cooper, and The Great Man (1956).
Despite her achievements in film, London never reached the same level of stardom in acting that she did in music. However, her acting career took a significant turn in the 1970s when she was cast in the role that would become her most famous: nurse Dixie McCall on the popular television series Emergency!
Emergency! premiered in 1972 and was a medical drama created by Jack Webb, London’s ex-husband, and Robert A. Cinader. The show followed the lives of paramedics and emergency room staff in Los Angeles, with London playing a no-nonsense nurse who worked alongside doctors and paramedics to save lives. The series was not only popular with viewers, but it also helped raise awareness about emergency medical services (EMS) and the importance of first responders in medical care.
London’s portrayal of Dixie McCall was marked by her strong screen presence and her ability to convey compassion and authority in equal measure. She became a key part of the show’s success, and her on-screen chemistry with her co-stars, including Robert Fuller and Bobby Troup (her real-life husband), was a central element of the show’s appeal.
Emergency! ran for six seasons and several television movies, and London’s performance as Dixie McCall remains one of her most enduring roles. The series introduced her to a new generation of fans, many of whom may not have been familiar with her music career. Her work on the show earned her widespread recognition and solidified her place as a beloved figure in American television.
Marriage to Bobby Troup and Professional Collaborations
Julie London’s personal and professional lives were deeply intertwined. In 1959, she married jazz pianist, songwriter, and actor Bobby Troup, whom she met shortly after her divorce from Jack Webb. London and Troup shared a deep passion for music, and their marriage became one of Hollywood’s most celebrated creative partnerships.
Troup played a significant role in shaping London’s musical career during the 1960s and 1970s. He worked as her musical director and producer on several albums, helping her craft the sophisticated, intimate sound that became her trademark. Together, they produced some of her most memorable albums, including Julie…At Home (1960) and Around Midnight(1960).
Their partnership extended to Emergency!, where Troup played Dr. Joe Early, a colleague of London’s character, Dixie McCall. Their on-screen collaboration brought a sense of authenticity to their roles, and fans of the show appreciated the chemistry between the two.
The couple remained married until Troup’s death in 1999, and their relationship was marked by mutual respect and admiration for each other’s talents. London often credited Troup with helping her shape her music career, and their shared love of jazz created a strong bond that lasted throughout their lives.
Later Years and Legacy
Julie London retired from acting and singing in the late 1970s after the conclusion of Emergency!. While she had stepped away from the spotlight, her music and performances continued to be celebrated by fans around the world. Her recordings remained popular, and she became an enduring figure in the world of jazz and pop music.
Her legacy as a singer is particularly notable for her distinctive vocal style, which continues to influence contemporary artists. London’s ability to convey deep emotion through minimalist arrangements set her apart from many of her peers, and her influence can be heard in the work of modern jazz and pop vocalists. Songs like “Cry Me a River” remain timeless classics, and her albums are still appreciated by both new and long-time listeners.
Julie London passed away on October 18, 2000, at the age of 74, after suffering a stroke five years earlier. She left behind an indelible mark on both the music and television industries, and her contributions continue to resonate with fans and artists alike. Whether through her iconic music or her memorable performance as Dixie McCall, Julie London remains a beloved figure in American entertainment history. Her unique style, both as a singer and an actress, has ensured her place in the pantheon of timeless entertainers.