Playlist: When Hugh Hefner picked his favourite songs
Hugh Hefner, the horny devil who took the world by storm with his creation, Playboy magazine, passed away in 2017, aged 91, with many a female in his wake. Of course, it started with the bait of sultry centrefolds that kept teenagers fond of exercise, but beneath the bunny ears, there was more to Hef. Like him or loathe him, the man was a visionary of his era who turned a simple men’s magazine into a titan of popular culture.
What began as a modest publication in 1953, financed by Hefner’s mother, soon evolved into a multimedia empire. Meanwhile, Hef enjoyed the high life, puffing on his pipe in silk robes at the famous Playboy Mansion. But it wasn’t just about the parties and the playmates; Playboy became a platform for some of the most iconic interviews in history.
Nestled between the glossy pages of nude models, one could find thought-provoking conversations with the likes of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, John Lennon, and Robin Williams. Hefner wasn’t just interested in titillation; he sought to stimulate minds as well as other parts of the anatomy.
As the founder of an entertainment magazine, Hef was a fond follower of music and movies, often socialising with and entertaining the A-lister elite in return. The magnate undoubtedly kept up to date with the latest trends, even in his old age. However, when it comes to his favourite music of all time, he would resign to the nostalgic comfort of his sunrise years.
“My love of music, rooted in jazz and the popular music that grew from it, has enriched my life in ways beyond description,” Hefner said in 2017 on The Soundtrack of My Life. “It is the music of my younger days that has resonated with me through a lifetime of celebrations, triumphs, and wonderfully romantic love affairs.”
“It is also the music that has comforted me in times of sorrow and darkness,” he added. “The music I love remains the soundtrack of my life and continues to bring me joy, inspire me and most importantly, keep my heart open.”
In April 2017, just a few months before his death, Hugh Hefner picked out his 24 favourite songs of all time for a feature with People magazine. As seen below, the list includes multiple selections from Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Glenn Miller and more.
Hugh Hefner’s favourite songs:
- ‘Sunrise Serenade’ – Glenn Miller
- ‘I’ll Be Seeing You’ – Frank Sinatra
- ‘Wishing (Will Make It So)’ – Vera Lynn
- ‘Begin The Beguine’ – Artie Shaw
- ‘Ciribiribin’ – Harry James
- ‘It’s Like Reaching for the Moon’ – Billie Holiday
- ‘Candy’ – Johnny Mercer
- ‘This Love of Mine’ – Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
- ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’ – Glenn Miller
- ‘As Time Goes By’ – Dooley Wilson
- ‘Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man’ – Ella Fitzgerald
- Frank Sinatra – ‘Mood Indigo’
- ‘You Made Me Love You’ – Harry James
- ‘Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do’ – Billie Holiday
- ‘Cherry’ – Harry James
- ‘Sophisticated Lady’ – Duke Ellington
- ‘Is That All There Is’ – Peggy Lee
- ‘Deep Purple’ – Artie Shaw
- ‘We’ll Meet Again’ – Vera Lynn
- ‘Baby, I Love You’ – Aretha Franklin
- ‘One For My Baby (And One More for the Road)’ – Frank Sinatra
- ‘If You Were Mine’ – Billie Holiday
- ‘Moonlight Serenade’ – Glenn Miller
