Eddie Murphy Reveals His Pick for Music’s Top Band

While most folks know Eddie Murphy for his comedy chops and blockbuster films, his passion for music runs deep. Despite only having three albums to his name, Murphy’s spent plenty of time in the studio, laying down tracks with legends like Ernie Isley, BB King, Sly Stone, and even Paul McCartney. He’s got a stash of unreleased tunes covering everything from country to jazz, and he reckons he could drop an album in just about any style—except heavy metal. For now, though, he’s happy to keep those recordings under wraps, joking that they’ll probably see the light of day after he’s gone. He’s not fussed about that, either.

Of course, not all of his musical experiments have been hits. His reggae detour with ‘Oh Jah Jah’ and ‘Red Light’ (featuring Snoop Dogg) left some punters scratching their heads. Still, ‘Party All the Time’ remains his signature track, spinning on the airwaves four decades after its release. It’s not a bad legacy for the bloke who brought us Shrek, The Nutty Professor, and Beverly Hills Cop.

Musical Obsessions and Childhood Idols

Murphy’s love for music started early and never let up. He’s always been clear about his favourites. Elvis Presley, who he’s admired since he was a kid, is, in his words, the

“greatest entertainer who ever lived”

. That’s a pretty common view, but Murphy’s not one to take the mickey out of the King. He’s also mates with Michael Jackson, calling him the

“most talented musician and artist that ever lived”

. Again, not exactly a controversial take, but it’s clear these icons left a mark on him.

When it comes to bands, Murphy doesn’t go for the obscure. Asked about the best group ever, he didn’t hesitate:

“The Beatles. 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.”

Why The Beatles Still Matter

It’s hardly a shock that someone born in the early ‘60s would put The Beatles at the top of the pile. But Murphy’s not alone—heaps of people from all walks of life reckon John, Paul, George, and Ringo are the gold standard. Their music’s stuck around for generations, and their influence is still felt everywhere.

For Murphy, the three acts that define music history are clear: Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and The Beatles. It’s not a groundbreaking list, but you’d be hard-pressed to find many who’d argue with it. These names have shaped the soundtracks of countless lives, including Murphy’s own.