Robert William Troup Jr. (October 18, 1918 – February 7, 1999) was an American actor, jazz pianist, singer, and songwriter. He composed the rhythm and blues standard "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" and portrayed Dr. Joe Early in the television program Emergency! co-starring with his wife Julie London, in the 1970s.
Early life
Robert William Troup Jr. was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. His father Robert William Troup worked as a pianist for the family business J. H. Troup Music House and founded its Lancaster, Pennsylvania, branch store. He graduated from The Hill School, a preparatory school in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, in 1937. written for a Mask and Wig production.
After graduating from college in 1941, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps but did not receive orders until January 1942. After completing officer training, he was assigned as one of two dozen white officers to direct recruit training at Montford Point, the recruit depot for the first black Marines. During this time he composed "Take Me Away from Jacksonville", which was to become an anthem of sorts for the Marines at Montford Point and other areas of Camp Lejeune.
In 1946, Nat King Cole had a hit with Troup's most popular song, "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66".
Troup's hipster interpretation of the fairy tale "The Three Bears" was first recorded by the Page Cavanaugh Trio in 1946 and later by Leon McAuliffe, and Ray Ellington.
Troup's recordings in the 1950s and 1960s were not commercially successful. He recorded for Liberty and Capitol. He wrote the title song (sung by Little Richard) for the 1950s rock and roll film The Girl Can't Help It. He met singer Julie London at the Celebrity Room, where he was singing.