From Bob Dylan to Tom Waits: Jeff Bridges’ favourite songs
Jeff Bridges is perhaps most well known for his embodiment of The Dude in The Big Lebowski, a cult classic that spawned one of the easiest last-minute Halloween costumes of all time, but Bridges’ work extends far beyond dressing gowns and “The Dude abides”. In fact, it extends far beyond acting and into the realm of music.
More seasoned cinephiles might recognise Bridges for his Oscar-nominated performance in the Coen brothers’ later work True Grit, while blockbuster fans will know him as the mentor of Tony Stark, but few people will be as familiar with his contributions to and love for music.
Bridges’ love of audio artistry has bled into his work in Hollywood, perhaps most notably in 2009’s Crazy Heart. In the film, Bridges took on the role of an artist struggling with alcoholism, delivering a stellar performance that would win him an Academy Award. But he also contributed to the soundtrack, singing alongside his co-star Colin Farrell.
Even off-set, Bridges maintains his place as a player and purveyor of music. He heads up Jeff Bridges and the Abiders and even set up a record label, Ramp Records, with Michael McDonald. He’s also overflowing with music recommendations and praise for his peers and collaborators, as he proved during an appearance on Celebrity Playlist Podcast.
Picking out a playlist of songs he’s “digging these days,” Bridges’ choices were expectedly gritty and folky, dominated by musicians he considers close friends. He kicked off the list with Tom Waits, who he declared one of his favourite artists and said he felt “lucky” to have worked with. He picked out ‘Never Let Go’, deeming it an “incredible song”.
A number of Bridges’ picks come from Crazy Heart collaborators, some song choices coming directly from the film itself, others spawning from the artists’ wider catalogues. Greg Brown, Ryan Bingham, and John Goodwin all appear on the list, the latter of whom he deems very special to him. “We go back to the fourth grade together,” he explained, “painting and playing and making music.”
Bridges also picks out one of his own contributions to the Crazy Heart soundtrack, declaring it “time for a little ego tripping”. He goes on to name ‘Fallin’ and Flyin’’, a song penned by Stephen Bruton and Gary Nicholson but sung by Bridges and Farrell, an experience he remembers fondly. The actor rounds out the list with a Bob Dylan classic, the 1965 version of ‘Maggie’s Farm’, calling it a “very precious, wonderful song.”
It’s a precious playlist, a collection of songs that are clearly dear to the actor, and a more personal look into his love for music. Find the full list of songs below.
Jeff Bridges favourite songs
- ‘Never Let Go’ by Tom Waits
- ‘The Mummy’ by Benji Hughes
- ‘Brand New Angel’ by Greg Brown
- ‘Bucket’ by Greg Brown
- ‘She Lay Her Whip Down’ by John Goodwin
- ‘Shenandoah’ by Charlie Haden
- ‘Bigger Wheel’ by Stephen Bruton
- ‘Fear Country’ by T Bone Burnett
- ‘Ain’t That Peculiar’ by Michael McDonald
- ‘Unseeing Eye’ by Bo Ramsey
- ‘The Weary Kind’ by Ryan Bingham
- ‘Peace Piece’ by Bill Evans
- ‘Fallin’ and Flyin’’ by Jeff Bridges and Colin Farrell
- ‘Maggie’s Farm’ by Bob Dylan
