Leonardo DiCaprio’s Surprising Playlist: His Top 10 Timeless Artists

Leonardo DiCaprio has never been known for his singing, and there’s a good reason for that. Back in the 1990s, he tried out for the part of Christian in Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge!—having previously worked with the director on Romeo + Juliet—but the role ultimately went to someone else. DiCaprio later admitted that his singing left much to be desired, which may explain why he’s steered clear of musicals ever since. Of course, a lack of vocal talent hasn’t stopped other actors from giving it a go; Russell Crowe’s turn in Les Misérables springs to mind, and while Pierce Brosnan’s efforts in Mama Mia! were earnest, they were hardly pitch-perfect. DiCaprio, on the other hand, has chosen to focus on other genres, cementing his place as one of the most versatile figures in modern cinema.

Despite not performing himself, DiCaprio’s passion for music runs deep. In a 2025 interview, the star of One Battle After Another listed his favourite musicians, revealing a taste that leans heavily towards the classics. While his romantic interests may be famously youthful, his musical preferences are anything but. He confessed a particular fondness for old blues, especially artists who, as he put it, were “a lot of blind guys.” His list included Blind Willie McTell, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Blind Willie Johnson, and Blind Blake, as well as the legendary Stevie Wonder. He also mentioned the Ink Spots, a vocal group whose heyday was in the 1930s and 1940s, alongside their contemporaries, The Mills Brothers. Johnny Mercer, the composer behind standards like ‘Moon River’ and ‘Autumn Leaves’, also featured among his top picks. Rounding out the list were two icons: jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt and soul singer Al Green.

Old-School Favourites

DiCaprio’s selection is strikingly traditional. The youngest artist he named, Stevie Wonder, is approaching his eighth decade. The actor didn’t specify whether he uses music as part of his preparation for roles, a technique some of his peers swear by, but he did share what draws him to these particular vocalists.

“I like that sort of World War II–era harmony… It keeps me calm and chill.”

His appreciation for these harmonies suggests a preference for music that soothes rather than stimulates, a rather charming contrast to his high-profile lifestyle.

It’s easy to picture the star unwinding to Blind Willie Johnson or quietly enjoying the Mills Brothers, even as he navigates the whirlwind of celebrity life. The image of DiCaprio, known for his glamorous escapades, finding solace in the sounds of vintage blues and jazz, is both unexpected and oddly fitting.

DiCaprio’s Top Ten

For those curious about his exact choices, here are the ten musicians DiCaprio singled out as his favourites:

• Blind Willie McTell
• Blind Lemon Jefferson
• Blind Willie Johnson
• Blind Blake
• The Ink Spots
• The Mills Brothers
• Johnny Mercer
• Django Reinhardt
• Al Green
• Stevie Wonder

His list is a testament to a deep respect for the roots of modern music, and a reminder that even the most contemporary stars can have a decidedly retro side.