“A torch song is a sentimental love song, typically one in which the singer laments an unrequited or lost love, either where one party is oblivious to the existence of the other, where one party has moved on, or where a romantic affair has affected the relationship. The term comes from the saying, ‘to carry a torch for someone,’ or to keep aflame the light of an unrequited love. It was first used by the cabaret singer Tommy Lyman in his praise of ‘My Melancholy Baby.'” – Wikipedia

Torch singers appeared in supper clubs featuring music and dancing and were often shown in movies with such clubs. I loved torch songs whether it was Patsy Cline singing “Crazy,” Billie Holiday singing “Solitude,” or Dale Storm singing “Dark Moon.” My family wasn’t affluent enough to go to supper clubs or adventurous enough to go to the better dive bars, so my exposure to torch singers came exclusively through movies, records, and the singers’ TV appearances.

Though I was a big fan of Patsy Cline, when it came to torch singers, my favorite was Julie London who had an active singing career (32 albums) up until the late 1960s. She recorded “Motherless Child,” “Don’t Worry About Me,” “A Foggy Day,” and many other standards. As her sultry, contralto voice began to falter, she turned to acting in movies (“Man of the West,” “The Wonderful Country”) and television (“The Julie London Show, “The Big Valley.”)

She appeared as head nurse Dixie McCall throughout the entire 122-episode run of the action-adventure drama “Emergency!” from 1972 to 1977. The series focuses on the paramedics, firemen, and hospital support staff, showing (I think) a more accurate look at firefighting techniques than shows like “Chicago Fire.” London’s second husband Bobby Troup (to her right in the photo) was also in the cast. The show was produced by her first husband Jack Webb.  Like London, Troup came from the music business.

I’ve had fun watching the currently available “Emergency!” reruns via the DISH Network and appreciate the style and presence she brings to the role even though it’s a bit difficult to stop seeing London as a sexy torch singer.

–Malcolm