Eddie Murphy, best known for his comedic and acting talents, has opened up about his greatest musical inspirations, claiming The Beatles are his top influence in music. The revelation adds another chapter to the story of Murphy’s passion for music, highlighting the deep roots of the Eddie Murphy music influence that’s remained largely private.
Murphy’s Hidden Decades of Musical Exploration
Despite releasing just three albums, Eddie Murphy has spent years making music far beyond what has ever been shared with fans or the public. While many actors try their hand at recording, Murphy admits that he ventures into the studio mainly for his own enjoyment, with no intention to release most of his work. Over the years, he has worked with influential names like Ernie Isley, BB King, Sly Stone, and Paul McCartney, but those collaborations remain unheard by audiences.
“could put out an album in any genre except for heavy metal”
Murphy, Entertainer
His unreleased sessions cover a range of genres, including country and jazz. According to Murphy, it’s possible that these recordings will be made public only after his passing, a decision he appears comfortable with. For now, much of his music remains under wraps. That said, some of his more unusual musical experiments, such as his reggae tracks ‘Oh Jah Jah’ and ‘Red Light’ featuring Snoop Dogg, have made their way to listeners, though they received mixed reactions.
Legacy of ‘Party All the Time’ and Beyond
Murphy’s hit song ‘Party All the Time’ continues to play on radio stations and at parties nearly four decades after it was first released. While his acting credits include roles in ‘Shrek’, ‘Nutty Professor’ and ‘Beverly Hills Cop’, this 1980s single remains a defining piece of his music career. The Eddie Murphy music influence is evident in the way his forays into music are remembered, not just for their curiosity factor but for their staying power in pop culture.
Early Inspiration From Icons of the Industry
From an early age, Murphy was fascinated by music and drew inspiration from legends. He often refers to Elvis Presley as his greatest idol, calling him the “greatest entertainer who ever lived” and reinforcing the widespread appeal of Presley’s persona. Murphy counts himself not only as a fan but as someone deeply influenced by Presley’s showmanship. He also maintains strong admiration for Michael Jackson, whom he described as the
“most talented musician and artist that ever lived.”
Murphy, Entertainer
Murphy’s appreciation for Michael Jackson mirrors that of the public, recognizing Jackson’s broad creative impact. The actor and comedian’s friendships and interactions within the music industry have certainly contributed to the diversity in his own musical explorations.
The Beatles: Murphy’s Enduring Musical Touchstone
When asked about the most influential band in his life, Murphy gave an answer that would surprise few fans: The Beatles. He recounted listening to the group as a child and how those early experiences shaped his love for music. In his interview with Billboard, Murphy shared:
“The very first song in my memory is ‘Do You Want to Know a Secret?’ For years, I thought John was singing that song, but then I realised it was George. I remember standing by a radio and just listening to that song. Growing up, I liked all the stuff that everyone else was listening to, like Motown, but the biggest group of all was The Beatles.”
Murphy, Entertainer
His memories reflect the powerful connection many people feel with The Beatles, whose music transcends generations. For Murphy and millions of others, the band’s members—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—symbolize the gold standard for musical achievement.
Celebrating Music’s Biggest Legends
Eddie Murphy believes that the three most significant figures in music history are Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and The Beatles. While these choices may not be surprising, they capture the broad appeal and enduring influence these artists have had across the globe. Whether through his eclectic collaborations or his deep admiration for these legends, Murphy continues to show how the Eddie Murphy music influence reflects the icons who helped shape the modern music landscape.
The Beatles’ lasting impact and status as trailblazers remain central to Murphy’s artistic outlook, providing a foundation for his ongoing, if mostly private, engagement with music. Fans may someday hear the vault of unreleased tracks and collaborations hinted at by Murphy, but for now, his reverence for these musical figures stands as a testament to the timeless power of cultural icons.
