Eddie Murphy Reveals His Ultimate Musical Icons
Eddie Murphy opens up about his lifelong passion for music, sharing which legendary artists have shaped his tastes and naming the band he considers the greatest of all time.
Despite having just three albums to his name, Eddie Murphy has spent far more time in the recording studio than most actors who dabble in music. He’s amassed a sizeable collection of unreleased tracks, collaborating with the likes of Ernie Isley, BB King, Sly Stone, and even Paul McCartney. Yet, Murphy has no intention of sharing the majority of these recordings with the public. He’s content to keep them under wraps, joking that perhaps they’ll only see the light of day after he’s gone. According to Murphy, he could easily release an album in any style—save for heavy metal—thanks to the breadth of material he’s quietly stockpiled, from country to jazz.
His more public forays into music, such as the reggae-inspired ‘Oh Jah Jah’ and ‘Red Light’ with Snoop Dogg, have raised a few eyebrows. Still, it’s the infectious ‘Party All the Time’ that remains his most enduring musical legacy, continuing to receive airplay decades after its release. For many, this track defines the musical side of the man best known for his roles in Shrek, The Nutty Professor, and Beverly Hills Cop.
Musical Obsessions and Influences
Murphy’s fascination with music stretches back as far as he can remember. He’s never been shy about naming his heroes. Elvis Presley, for instance, has been a lifelong idol. Murphy once described him as the
“greatest entertainer who ever lived”
—a sentiment shared by many. He’s also counted Michael Jackson among his friends, calling him the
“most talented musician and artist that ever lived.”
These choices may not be surprising, but they certainly reflect the mainstream tastes of someone who grew up surrounded by the sounds of Motown and classic pop.
When it comes to bands, Murphy’s answer is equally direct. Asked to name the greatest group in history, he didn’t hesitate:
“The Beatles,”
he told Billboard. He recalled that the first song he ever remembered was ‘Do You Want to Know a Secret?’ For years, he believed John Lennon sang it, only to later discover it was George Harrison. Murphy vividly remembers standing by the radio, captivated by the tune. While he enjoyed the same music as his peers, he insists that
“the biggest group of all was The Beatles.”
Timeless Legends
It’s hardly a shock that someone born in the early 1960s, who fell in love with music as a child, would hold The Beatles in such high regard. Yet, Murphy’s admiration is far from unique; generations of listeners have placed John, Paul, George, and Ringo on a pedestal, ensuring their status as enduring icons. Their influence, much like that of Presley and Jackson, continues to shape the musical landscape.
For Murphy, these three acts—Presley, Jackson, and The Beatles—stand as the most definitive in the history of popular music. While his choices may not break new ground, few would argue with their impact or legacy.