The great chanteuse Julie London was born on this day in 1926. An actress as well as a singer, she played Dixie McCall, RN on the TV series Emergency! alongside her husband, musician and bandleader Bobby Troup; the show was produced by her ex-husband Jack Webb. “Cry Me A River” was written by Arthur Hamilton in 1953 and popularized by Ms. London in 1955. Her appearance in the 1956 movie The Girl Can’t Help It, where she sang the song, helped the song reach #9 in the US and #22 in the UK. She’s accompanied by Barney Kessel on guitar and Ray Leatherwood on bass.
I’ll always remember her on Emergency. She had a good voice.
Hers is music that’s best played on a 1950’s hi-fi, with the lights down low and a martini in your hand.
I know exactly what you are talking about.
She exudes sexual sensuousness. I saw her first in Emergency and had no idea about her singing until much later
She was an incredible singer and a very attractive woman. Her album covers were essentially pin-ups, but what a voice.
Ok, now you’re talking’! One of my favorite songs ever.
I love the way it was done, with just a guitar and bass backing her. It’s a great song to start with, and she just adds so much with her voice. A classic record. Have you seen “The Girl Can’t Help It,” with Jayne Mansfield and Tom Ewell?
Nope. I’ve seen Tom Ewell in The Seven Year Itch and Tom Ewell with Kate Hepburn in Adam’s Rib which I loved. Did they sing it in that? “The Girl Can’t Help It?”
Great song! One of my favorite versions.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
This is the best-known version of it, and all of the covers since have been similar. It’s an iconic recording.
Hi John – she sings it beautifully … and such a great thought … or sad one! Cheers Hilary
Julie London was a great torch singer with an incredible voice. She really brings the lyrics to life, doesn’t she?