Julie Budd, a remarkably gifted and precocious singing voice, burst onto the scene in 1968, leaving a lasting impression on audiences with her exceptional vocal capabilities, including a remarkable range, impressive strength, crystal-clear tone, extraordinary purity, and an unexpected maturity that belied her tender years, showcasing a mastery of her craft that was truly remarkable, given her youthful age, which only added to the sense of wonder and awe that surrounded her performances, as she effortlessly navigated the complexities of her chosen art form, her voice ringing out with a clarity and precision that was both captivating and mesmerizing, leaving a lasting legacy that would be felt for generations to come.
Julie's life story begins on May 4, 1954, in the bustling metropolis of New York, where the vibrant energy of the city would serve as the backdrop for her remarkable journey. At a tender age, Julie's extraordinary vocal abilities were first acknowledged, when she emerged victorious in a prestigious talent contest held in the picturesque Catskill Mountains, a feat that she accomplished at the remarkably young age of 12. This early recognition of her natural aptitude would ultimately pave the way for her rise to stardom, as her talents continued to flourish and develop over the years.
Julie's extraordinary gift was initially identified by the renowned producer/arranger Herb Bernstein at the tender age of 13, marking the beginning of a lifelong friendship, professional collaboration, and mentorship between the two. Bernstein, celebrated for his exceptional ability to detect and nurture emerging talent, bestowed upon Julie the monikers "The Mini-Girl with the Maxi-Voice" and "The Young Barbra Streisand," in recognition of her exceptional vocal abilities. Following the validation of her immense potential, Julie was subsequently offered a recording contract with the esteemed MGM, thereby paving the way for her debut album "Child of Plenty" to be released to the world, introducing her remarkable talent to a global audience.
Julie's initial television appearance on Merv Griffin's esteemed program in the year 1968 served as the catalyst for a remarkably successful and enduring career in the entertainment industry, ultimately resulting in a consistent and recurring presence on a broad and eclectic assortment of variety and talk shows.
Notably, Julie's professional journey extended beyond her captivating television presence, as she had the esteemed opportunity to serve as the opening act for an impressive array of legendary performers, including the incomparable Ol' Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra, the trailblazing entertainer and beloved comedian, Bob Hope, the ingenious and prolific Bill Cosby, the irrepressible and quick-witted Joan Rivers, the sage and witty George Burns, and the flamboyant and charismatic showman, Liberace, each a luminary in their own right, their presence a testament to Julie's impressive talent and dedication to her craft.
Julie's professional career continued its upward momentum, with a string of notable performances in films like "Living Free", which hit the big screens in 1972, and "The Devil and Max Devlin", which premiered in 1981, garnering widespread recognition and acclaim.
In tandem with her work in the cinematic world, Julie also made significant contributions to the realm of live theatre, dazzling audiences with her captivating stage presence in productions such as the Tony Award-nominated musical "They're Playing Our Song", and the hit revue "Catskills on Broadway", which showcased her remarkable versatility and range as a performer.
Julie, an accomplished American vocalist, has garnered a devoted and unwavering fan base throughout her distinguished and storied career, which has traversed a substantial amount of time. Despite the inexorable march of time, she continues to be widely regarded as one of the most exceptional and outstanding female singers of her generation, with her remarkable talent and artistic prowess remaining unparalleled and unmatched to this day.
