The Julie London Show

You're in for a treat. Since my post two days ago on singer-songwriter and pianist Bobby Troup, I've been bombarded by emails from readers—some who are long-time fans of Troup and others who are new to him. All of those email writers also said they were fans of singer Julie London, who was married to Troup.

By any measure, London was special. In some ways, her recordings don't really do her justice. As the following video clip demonstrates, London really had to be heard and seen to be fully appreciated. The only other singer I can think of who is this much fun to watch on camera is Nancy Wilson. Both London and Nancy knew how to work their feline features and hourglass figures  gingerly to punctuate a song's lyrics in the most sophisticated and seductive way. As singers, they were the new models—like cars with fins or homes made largely of glass. Visually, they moved like cats leaping onto furniture without making a sound. Their voices were like a drummer's brushes, not the sticks, and visually they had an innate, natural sense of how to wrap a camera lens around their fingers, leaving audience's mouths slightly agape. Best of all, the seduction always was done with finesse, a minimalist bouquet of subtleties. And with their knowing faces and arful body language that appeared as series of French Vogue poses, you never were sure if they were naughty or nice. And that was all part of the great, theatrical mystery.

Here are Julie London and Bobby Troup in a Japanese TV special from May 28, 1964 called The Julie London Show. They are joined on stage at different points by trumpeter Joe Burnett, guitarist Dennis Budimir, bassist Don Bagley and drummer Dee Barton. There's also a big band back there.

Just be sure you're sitting down for the 48-minute show. The performances by both singers are exceptional. Watch carefully what London does with her eyes and how she cocks her head or tilts it back to sell a song, not to mention that pearl necklace of a voice. London never oversold a song. Instead, she coolly operates doe-like in the shadows, moving forcefully with care. Like Nancy, mesmerizing—yet untouchable... 

 

Comments

[Jean-François Pitet]

Always thrilled by her "Nice girls don't stay for breakfast"...

[Brew]

"All of those email writers also said they were fans of singer Julie London, who was married to Troup." ... a fact which caused numerous pangs of jealousy among men who were "leaving the room as soon as Bobby started to sing."

That's what a very good friend of mine (a record seller) has told me when I seriously wanted to order the original Capitol LP "Bobby Troup!" ... He of course didn't have it in stock, and I had to get it on eBay.

Julie is phrasing like a horn player; and the little duet with Don Bagley is priceless (it can be found in color at YT too).

[Omar Ridder]

A charming woman by all accounts, she was a neighbor of my aunt in Encino and was much loved by her neighbors. Interesting fact; she was married to Jack Webb prior to Mr. Troup.

[Barbara Ireland]

Loved this blog and video clip Marc! Julie London is one of my faves too (as are Troup's songs), and the phrase I use to describe her is 'pheromone jazz.' It is power and elegance and sublety and eroticism all mixed together to create music sublime!

[Richard Salvucci]

Ah, you're smitten Marc. But who wouldn't be? Can I suggest that part of what made Troup and London work were the wonderful stylings of a very young Dennis Budimir on guitar? Also a member of the Wrecking Crew, and too little appreciated.

[Ray Accardi]

Great Show!!!!

[Brian McMillen]

She's intoxicating.

[Dennis Budimir]

to Richard Salvucci: Thanx so much Richard for your very nice compliments!