Julie London was one of the most versatile and talented women of her generation. Her more than forty-year career showcased her gifts not only as a singer, but also as an actress. Her film career spanned 35 years and included starring roles alongside Robert Mitchum and John Cassavetes. A later generation would know her by her role in the television show "Emergency." The show ran for six years and London's lead character, nurse Dixie McCall, appeared in every episode.
As a singer, London began in nightclubs in Los Angeles while still a teenager. Her vocal style has often been described as sultry and low-key...that was the style that lead to her first hit in 1955, the classic "Cry Me A River." The song went to #9 on the U.S. record charts and the album it was on, her debut recording "Julie Is Her Name," peaked at #2 on the charts. London had firmly made her mark and was named Billboard magazine's Most Popular Female Vocalist in 1955, 1956, and 1957. Throughout the late 1950s and 1960s, she balanced a busy schedule of singing, appearing in multiple films, and guest starring on popular television shows. During this time, she recorded 29 studio albums for Liberty Records, as well as live recordings.
When considering the breadth of her career, it's somewhat surprising that she was also noted as an introverted and very private person. But, when viewing the list of artistic endeavors and her success in each of them, Julie London's legacy speaks for itself.