I listen to a lot of oldies. From The Andrews Sisters to Billie Holiday, and Elvis, depending on my mood I take my pick of artists and eras on Pandora’s streaming service. But when Julie London popped up on one of my jazzy mixes, I was surprised that I hadn’t a clue who she was. Her smoky voice and the beautiful face on the album cover had me wanting to know more!
Turns out Julie London was not only a singer but a 35-year veteran of Hollywood – which is no surprise given her dashing good looks. Best known for her role on a 70’s television show called Emergency!, Julie had a long and successful movie career starring alongside huge stars in the 1950’s like Rock Hudson (dreamboat) and Gary Cooper. Perhaps that’s why I like her voice so much – despite not having the vocal range of jazz singing heavyweights like Ella Fitzgerald (one of my favorite singers), her voice has the wonderful sound of the 50’s and reminds me of a sultry Doris Day.
And did I mention her album covers? They are reason enough to like her! Check out just a few of my favorites below.
Well, she’s certainly got my attention!
With 32 albums released, I think you’ll find there’s a lot to listen to. Her warm voice is the perfect accompaniment to a fireside snuggle, captures the gloomy longing of the icy frost, and will send you back a few decades to a smoky lounge of skinny suits and hourglass figures.
Enjoy London’s best-known song, Cry Me A River, and her incredible outfits in this clip from the 1956 film, The Girl Can’t Help It:
I’ll be adding this vinyl to my birthday wishlist, but in the meantime, I hope you find Julie London’s music the perfect jazz to cut through these winter blues!
If you want to listen to more of London’s music, add her radio station on Pandora by clicking here! And what singers have you recently discovered, or enjoy listening to? I’d love some great suggestions!
