When did Julie London perform the song Cry Me a River for the first time?
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Cry Me a River is an iconic song first performed by Julie London in 1955. Written by Arthur Hamilton in 1953, this jazz ballad has become an essential standard, thanks in no small part to London’s sensual, haunting voice.
Arthur Hamilton, composer of Cry Me a River, wrote the song in 1953. He revealed that he had never heard the expression before, but liked the combination of words and the effect produced. The song was first proposed to Ella Fitzgerald for the film Pete Kelly’s Blues (1955), but was withdrawn from the project. In the end, Julie London recorded it first.
Julie London recorded Cry Me a River in 1955, accompanied by Barney Kessel on guitar and Ray Leatherwood on bass. This version was released as a single and featured on her first album, Julie Is Her Name. The song was an immediate success, reaching #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and #22 in the U.K. It quickly became the most iconic track of London’s career.
Julie London’s interpretation in the film The Girl Can’t Help It (1956) further popularized Cry Me a River. Since then, the song has become a jazz standard and has been covered by many artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand and Diana Krall. In 2001, Julie London’s version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, in recognition of its historic importance and lasting influence.
Cry Me a River is a bluesy ballad expressing the pain and disappointment of betrayed love. Julie London’s suave, intimate voice, combined with the minimalist arrangement of guitar and bass, creates a melancholy, poignant atmosphere. The song’s simplicity and raw emotion have contributed to its enduring popularity.
Born in 1926, Julie London was an American singer and actress renowned for her sensual voice and unique performing style. Over the course of her career, she recorded over 30 albums and appeared in numerous films and TV series. Cry Me a River remains her most famous recording, symbolizing her talent and influence in the world of jazz music.
Cry Me a River, first performed by Julie London in 1955, is a song that has gone down in music history. Thanks to London’s unforgettable interpretation, it remains a jazz standard, appreciated by generations of listeners and covered by numerous artists over the decades.
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When did Julie London perform the song Cry Me a River for the first time?
Answer
Julie London first sang Cry Me a River in 1955. This song, written by Arthur Hamilton, has become emblematic of her career.