A collection of Helen McCrory’s favourite songs
There is an endless list of reasons why Damian Lewis, husband of the late Helen McCrory, described her as “the beautiful and mighty woman” when she passed away in 2021. A titan of stage and screen whose talent knew no bounds, McCrory effortlessly brought complex and multifaceted characters to life with an intensity that was both mesmerising and unforgettable.
McCrory’s journey to stardom was marked by a relentless dedication to her craft. She honed her skills at the Drama Centre in London, where her passion for acting blossomed. Early in her career, McCrory gravitated towards the stage, captivating audiences with her commanding presence and unparalleled versatility.
One of her most iconic roles came in the form of Narcissa Malfoy in the globally beloved Harry Potter film series. As the cunning and fiercely protective mother of Draco Malfoy, McCrory imbued the character with depth and nuance, earning the admiration of fans around the world.
However, it was perhaps her portrayal of Polly Gray in the hit television series Peaky Blinders that solidified McCrory’s status as a cultural icon. As the matriarch of the Shelby family, she commanded the screen with an unwavering resolve and steely determination, earning widespread acclaim and accolades for her performance. “She really is the brains with Tommy behind the family and you see the difference of how to rule,” she once said of the role.
Appearing on BBC’s Desert Island Disks in 2020, McCrory divulged her love for music, sharing eight tracks that she held particularly dear. Starting strong with a Bob Dylan track, McCrory picked ‘To Be Alone With You’, because “he has been somebody I have listened to since the age of five when my parents played him,” she said. “This one I chose because it’s remarkable that he knew what he would want to say to me, if he ever had met me”.
Next up, in a rather heartfelt tribute to her family, particularly her father, McCrory discussed the importance of The Corries’ ‘Will Ye Go Lassie Go’ as a song they would sing. “There is nothing nicer than singing, and we have always done it. My father has a beautiful voice,” she said. “My dad will always look at my mum and would either sing ‘Farewell My Nut Brown Maiden’ or ‘Will Ye Go Lassie Go’.”
For many, The Specials are synonymous with British greatness, and McCrory is no different. “There was a kind of electricity about London,” she recalled. “I love London. I love the bones of it. I love the smell of carbon monoxide, I love the drinking dens of Soho, I love the museums, I love the people. I love all of it, and to me, this [song] reminds me of London.”
Helen McCrory’s favourite songs:
- ‘To Be Alone With You’ – Bob Dylan
- ‘Will Ye Go Lassie Go’ – The Corries
- ‘Malaika’ – Miriam Makeba
- ‘A Message to You Rudy’ – The Specials
- ‘Un Homme et Une Femme’ – Francis Lai
- ‘Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk’ – Rufus Wainwright
- ‘Pull Up To The Bumper’ – Grace Jones
- ‘Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing’ – Stevie Wonder
