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IN-DEPTH SONG HOME COVER VERSIONS YOUR VIEWS Cry me a river Julie London The only chart hit for both singer and composer, "Cry Me A River" is a staple of the torch song tradition. Actress/singer Julie London memorably performed the song in the film The Girl Can't Help It. It became a bestseller. The song was originally offered to London's first husband, film director Jack Webb, with Ella Fitzgerald in mind. Webb didn't like the use of the word "plebeian" in the lyrics but composer Arthur Hamilton refused to change them, so Webb rejected it. Hamilton and Julie London were old school friends and she asked if she could record it instead. Singer/songwriter Bobby Troup produced the song. He also became London's second husband after her marriage to Jack Webb failed. "She'll always be remembered for one song. 'Cry Me A River' sky-rocketed her to fame within weeks." Listen to Eartha Kitt on Julie London's life as as singer Audio help Despite suffering from severe stage fright, Julie was at her smouldering best heard live in a smoky club. In an effort to replicate this ambience, Troup used minimal instrumentation and arrangement. With renowned jazz guitarist Barney Kessel, who would later play on Pet Sounds, and Tommy Dorsey's bassist Ray Leatherwood, he had the perfect trio. "Cry Me A River" was revived in the 1980s by soul singer Mari Wilson, and in the 1990s by actress/singer Denise Welch of Soldier, Soldier fame. You can listen to their covers in the Other Versions section. Recommended viewing: The Girl Can't Help It (1955) Her interpretation still influences today's recordings of the song Russell Davies Listen to Russell Davies on the magic of "Cry Me A River" READ MORE COMMENTS... Make a comment Your Name and Town/City: Your Message: Songwriting tips Arranging and producing a song can clarify it or change it out of all recognition... Find out more in the Songwriting Guides Test your knowledge Have a go at the "Cry Me a River" quiz! Newsletter sign-up Sign up for updates on new songs, documentaries and live events Like this song? Try these... Serenata Sarah Vaughan DON'T MISS Doves Special guests on Dermot's show this week What's on Radio 2 Documentaries Find out more about current and forthcoming documentaries on Radio 2.

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