Bobby Troup, “Route 66” Songwriter and Dr. Joe Early on “Emergency!”, Dies at 80

Bobby Troup, a jazz pianist, songwriter, and actor best known for his role as Dr. Joe Early on the 1970s TV series Emergency!, died of a heart attack on Sunday, February 7, 1999, in Sherman Oaks. He was 80.

Troup’s career spanned music, film, and television. He first gained recognition as a talented pianist and songwriter, penning hits like Route 66, Daddy, Baby, Baby All the Time, The Meaning of the Blues, and Girl Talk. He later transitioned to acting, with notable appearances in Robert Altman’s M*A*S*H and his longtime role on Emergency!

Bobby Troup and Julie London — Lovely couple: Julie London and Bobby Troup pictured at Ciro’s nightclub in Hollywood.

He was married to singer and actress Julie London, and together they shared both a personal and professional life. In the 1970s, they co-starred on the TV series Emergency!, with Bobby playing Dr. Joe Early and Julie portraying Nurse Dixie McCall. The show was produced by Julie’s ex-husband, Jack Webb. Bobby and Julie had three children—daughter Kelly and twin sons Jody and Reese—and stayed together until Bobby’s death.

Bobby is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles. Julie, who died just a few months after him, was cremated and laid to rest beside her husband. Their shared memorial bears the inscription, “…Their hearts were full of spring”, a tribute to their lifelong bond and love of music.

Bobby Troup and Julie London grave marker — The final resting place of Bobby Troup and Julie London.