Documentary: Julie London

Singer Julie London was the first video vocalist. I don't mean she was the first to appear on film. Plenty of others came before her. But she was the first to fully understand how to use the camera, in an MTV sort of way, to enhance her delivery and capture hearts. And unlike Marilyn Monroe, her contemporary, she did this without ever over-playing the minx card.

London had a dry, cool and urbane tone—singing a song as though she had just fled the clutches of a brutish boyfriend and was asking you to help hide her. There was a certain breathlessness and vulnerability in her voice, and yet her eyes told you she was completely in charge. Adding to her sensuality, London was in complete control of her features and figure. Which all makes sense, since she began as an actress. Singing came later.

There's plenty more you probably don't know about Julie London. That ends now...

Here's Part 1 of a documentary on the singer produced for the BBC in 2006...

 

Here's Part 2...

 

Here's Part 3...

 

Here's Part 4...

 

Comments

[Gary Carthew]

Miss London was not only a unique jazz performer, but also a wise and witty woman. When asked about the secret of her long-term relationship with singer/songwriter, producer, pianist and actor Robert Wesley "Bobby" Troup, she nonchalantly replied - and I do hope I recall the exact words: "You can't build a relationship over the telephone."