This time in the Palace: a singer who claimed she had “only a thimbleful of a voice”, but used that thimble to do phenomenal things.
Jazz pianist and songwriter Bobby Troup said the world of women was simple: the pretty ones have no talent, so a good singer can never look good.
He changed his mind overnight when he had to accompany Julie London at a party.
It has been said that she had a voice for a smoke-filled room. Her hypothermic sound and the exciting streamline of her body (that was optimally exploited for album covers) made men weak in the knees and women green with envy.
Julie London started her career as a lift attendant, became Jan Soldaat’s favourite pin-up and then started singing.
Troup became her coach and later her husband. He carefully developed the concept that made her famous. Her sound, often described as sultry, husky, breathy and intimate, was best appreciated with a small, intimate accompaniment. This resulted in beautiful albums.
This portrait of Julie London is one of them.
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