Eddie Murphy Settles the Debate on Music's Greatest Band Ever

Eddie Murphy's musical output might seem limited to just three official albums, but that's far from the whole story. The actor has a massive private collection of songs he's recorded over the years, purely for his own enjoyment. He's collaborated in the studio with legends like Ernie Isley, BB King, Sly Stone, and even Paul McCartney, though none of these sessions have ever seen the light of day. He claims his secret stash is so diverse he “could put out an album in any genre except for heavy metal,” covering everything from country to jazz. While these tracks will likely remain unheard until after he's gone—a prospect he's fine with—his public musical legacy is largely defined by the 1980s hit ‘Party All the Time’. Despite a strange reggae experiment with Snoop Dogg, it's that iconic track that has remained a staple nearly four decades later.

Icons and Idols

The star of *Beverly Hills Cop* and *Shrek* has been passionate about music his entire life and is clear about who he reveres. He considers Elvis Presley, a figure he's looked up to since he was a kid, the “greatest entertainer who ever lived.” This is a sentiment shared by millions. He holds a similar high regard for his friend, the late Michael Jackson, whom he called the “most talented musician and artist that ever lived.” Once again, it's a popular opinion that doesn't stir up much controversy.

The Ultimate Group

But what about the top band of all time? Murphy didn't reach for an obscure pick. “The Beatles,” he stated firmly to Billboard. He traces his love for them back to his earliest memories of sound. “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.” He added, “Growing up, I liked all the stuff that everyone else was listening to, like Motown, but the biggest group of all was The Beatles.”

A Timeless Legacy

It's hardly a shock that someone born in the early 1960s who developed a love for popular tunes at a young age would hold the Fab Four in such high esteem. To be fair, that opinion spans across generations, which is why John, Paul, George, and Ringo are remembered as enduring pioneers. For Murphy the definitive trinity of modern music is clear: Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and The Beatles. While his picks aren't exactly groundbreaking, it's hard to argue with their monumental impact.