Julie London: 8 Fascinating Facts on Her 100th Birthday

On September 26, 1926, in Santa Rosa, California, Julie Peck was born, who the world would come to know as Julie London. One hundred years after her arrival, this iconic artist remains a beacon of the smooth voice and elegance of jazz and traditional pop. Known for her intimate style and ability to convey deep emotions, Julie London was not only a successful singer but also a prolific actress with a career spanning over three decades. Her life was full of unexpected twists, from being discovered in an ordinary job to becoming a global star. We invite you to explore eight fascinating facts that highlight her captivating journey.

Like other influential entertainment figures, Julie London's life offers a glimpse into how talent and personality make their way, sometimes in the most unexpected forms. Her legacy endures not only in her recordings but also in the influence she exerted on generations of artists, showing that a singular voice can have an enormous impact.

"A Thimbleful of Voice": Her Intimate Style That Won Over the World

Julie London was famous for a voice many described as sensual and velvety, but she herself had a much more humble description. In a 1957 Life magazine cover story, London referred to her vocal ability in a very particular way: "It’s only a thimbleful of a voice, and I have to use it close to the microphone. But it is a smoky kind of a voice, and it automatically sounds intimate," she explained, according to Wikipedia. This self-perception did not prevent Billboard from naming her the most popular female vocalist for three consecutive years, from 1955 to 1957.

Her minimalist style and distinctive phrasing made her a lasting influence in vocal jazz. London didn't need to shout to be heard; her power lay in the closeness and honesty of her interpretation. She knew her voice was perfect for songs of love and heartbreak, creating an atmosphere of intimacy with every listener.

From Elevator Operator to Hollywood Star

Before the spotlights shone on her, Julie London led a fairly normal life. While attending Hollywood Professional School, she worked as an elevator operator at Roos Bros. (Roos/Atkins), a luxury clothing store on Hollywood Boulevard. It was there, between ups and downs, that her luck took an unexpected turn.

A talent agent named Sue Carol, wife of actor Alan Ladd, was impressed by London's physical features and offered her a screen test. This chance encounter changed the course of her life, leading her from a modest job to signing a contract and starting a film career, as detailed in the Wikipedia entry. It's a reminder that opportunities can arise in the least expected places.

The Pin-Up Face That Boosted Morale in World War II

In addition to her work as an elevator operator, London also had a second job as a sales clerk in a men's clothing store. There, she met Henry Waxman, an Esquire magazine photographer, who took photos of her that ended up in the November 1943 issue. These images propelled her to fame as a pin-up girl during World War II.

Her radiant image helped lift the spirits of troops and established her as a recognized figure even before her film debut in 1944. Waxman's photos were key to solidifying her as a symbol of beauty and hope in challenging times, before her voice made her immortal.

"Cry Me a River": The Song That Defined Her and Bobby Troup's Role

If there's one song that defines Julie London, it's "Cry Me a River." Released on her debut album Julie Is Her Name in 1955, this ballad became her biggest hit and an instant classic. The story behind the song is as fascinating as her performance: it was written by Arthur Hamilton and produced by her then-husband, Bobby Troup.

Troup, who was also a musician and actor, played a crucial role in London's career, not only producing her biggest hit but also encouraging her to pursue a recording career. In fact, it was he who recommended her to producer Simon Waronker, who signed her to Liberty Records, according to Wikipedia. This is a clear example of how personal and professional relationships can intertwine to create something enduring.

The Shy Star Behind the Sensual Glamour

Despite the image of a sensual, confident woman she projected on stage and screen, Julie London was actually quite shy and lacked self-confidence. Friends and family described her this way during her youth, a detail that sometimes surprises those who only knew her public persona.

This contrast between her real personality and her artistic figure adds a layer of humanity to her story. It's a testament that even the brightest stars can have their own insecurities, something also seen in other entertainment figures, as we discussed in this article about Mark Sandman. Her notable stage fright, mentioned by producer Simon Waronker, is further proof of this vulnerability, which did not prevent her from shining.

Beyond Music: Nurse Dixie McCall in `Emergency!`

After a successful music and film career, Julie London found new and lasting success in television. She portrayed Nurse Dixie McCall in the popular series Emergency!, which aired from 1972 to 1979. What's interesting is that this series was produced by her ex-husband, Jack Webb, with whom she maintained a good relationship after their divorce in 1953.

This role not only brought her a second wave of fame but also kept her in American homes for years, solidifying her status as a beloved figure in entertainment. After Emergency! ended, London retired from show business to focus on her family life, leaving a significant legacy in both the musical and television worlds.

A Prolific Career: 32 Albums and Most Popular Vocalist for 3 Years

While "Cry Me a River" is her most well-known song, Julie London's musical career was far more extensive. She recorded 32 albums throughout her career, which began in 1955. From her debut album Julie Is Her Name to works like The End of the World (1963) and All Through the Night: Julie London Sings the Choicest of Cole Porter (1965), she demonstrated remarkable versatility and consistency.

Her success was not a flash in the pan. She was named America's most popular female singer for three consecutive years (1955-1957) by Billboard, a testament to her impact and the connection she forged with the public. This popularity kept her relevant on the music scene for over a decade, influencing many with her unique voice.

A Poignant End on a Special Day: Her Death on Bobby Troup's Birthday

Julie London was a heavy smoker from the age of 16, sometimes consuming more than three packs of cigarettes a day, a habit that unfortunately took a toll on her health. She suffered a stroke in 1995 and battled health issues for the next five years. In late 1999, she was diagnosed with lung cancer but chose to forgo treatment due to her already weakened physical state.

She passed away on October 18, 2000, at the age of 74, due to cardiac arrest. What makes this day even more poignant is that it was the birthday of her late husband, Bobby Troup, who had passed away a year earlier. A sad end to a life full of music and performances, closing with an emotionally charged coincidence, as detailed in the Wikipedia biographical information.

Why it matters

Julie London left an indelible mark on music and film. Her "smoky" voice and intimate style made her one of the most recognizable and beloved figures of her era. One hundred years after her birth, her music continues to resonate, and her legacy as an actress and singer endures, reminding us of the power of an artist who knew how to be authentic even in the glitz of Hollywood.