Bobby Troup, a highly accomplished and versatile American creative force, left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, his talents spanning across multiple disciplines, including songwriting, jazz piano performance, singing, and acting.
Notable songwriter Troup is forever etched in the annals of music history for his ingenious composition of the timeless and quintessential hit song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66", a masterpiece crafted in 1946.
This remarkable tune, initially brought to life by the inimitable Nat King Cole and his trio, as well as the legendary Bing Crosby and the iconic Andrews Sisters, swiftly gained widespread popularity and has since been reinterpreted by countless artists, solidifying its enduring status as a cultural phenomenon.
Troup's emergence as a prominent songwriter commenced with the phenomenal success of the chart-topping hit single "Daddy" in the year 1941, a tune that was brought to life by the esteemed Sammy Kaye and His Orchestra, as well as an impressive array of renowned artists including the illustrious Glenn Miller, the iconic Bing Crosby, the charismatic Kay Kyser, and the legendary The Andrews Sisters.
Troup's esteemed tenure in the United States Marine Corps was marked by a rigorous training regimen, culminating in his designation as an officer. Subsequently, he was assigned to a pivotal role, tasked with instructing African-American marine recruits at the historic Camp Montford Point in North Carolina. This esteemed duty allowed him to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless young men, shaping their futures and contributing to the rich tapestry of American history.
In addition to his notable service as an officer and instructor, Troup also demonstrated a profound creative talent, founding the first African-American band of U.S. Marines. This groundbreaking achievement not only paved the way for future generations of African-American Marines but also left a lasting legacy in the realm of music. His composition, "Take Me Away from Jacksonville," has become an anthem, still proudly sung by North Carolina-based Marines to this day, serving as a testament to Troup's enduring impact on the Marine Corps and the world at large.
Following the conclusion of the war, Troup resumed his music career, and his creative output flourished, as he penned an impressive array of chart-topping hits, with notable examples including the iconic "The Girl Can't Help It", which was masterfully interpreted by the renowned Little Richard, "The Meaning of the Blues", a soulful rendition of which was delivered by the sultry-voiced Julie London, and "My City of Sydney", a tribute to his hometown, which was beautifully brought to life by the talented Tommy Leonetti.
Troup's multifaceted career extended far beyond his role as a songwriter, as he also embarked on a singing and piano-playing journey, releasing an impressive 10 records between the years 1953 and 1959.
Despite the fact that his individual records failed to achieve significant commercial success, Troup's talents did not go unnoticed, as he went on to find great success in the realm of music production.
One of his most notable achievements as a producer was his work on the hit song "Cry Me a River" by Julie London, which ultimately became a gold record, a testament to his skill and expertise in the field.
Troup's acting career, which spanned several decades, began with an uncredited appearance as a musician in the 1950 romantic comedy film "Duchess of Idaho". This marked the commencement of his extensive filmography, which would eventually comprise a multitude of cinematic endeavours.
Some of his notable film credits include "Bop Girl Goes Calypso", a music-infused comedy released in the early 1950s, "The High Cost of Loving", a dramatic romance that showcased his versatility as an actor, and "The Five Pennies", a musical comedy that highlighted his flair for the stage.
Troup's acting career continued to flourish throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with his final film role being that of a disgruntled staff sergeant in the 1970 military-themed comedy "M*A*S*H".
Renowned television personality, Bobby Troup, left an indelible mark on the small screen by portraying the esteemed Dr. Joe Early in the critically acclaimed medical drama "Emergency!" from 1972 to 1977.
In addition to his prominent role in "Emergency!", Troup made memorable guest appearances in several other iconic television series, including the classic whodunit "Perry Mason", the crime drama "Dragnet", and the action-packed detective show "Mannix".
Troup spent his twilight years in serene tranquility, basking in the warmth of his golden years until his eventual passing in the year 1999, at the ripe age of eighty.
He left behind a cherished legacy, a loving companion in his second wife, Julie London, who would later depart this mortal coil in the year 2000.
