Musician Biopics

Musician Biopics

Movies based on our favorite singers and/or bands have long been a popular film theme. What are some of the popular biopics based on musicians?

Amadeus (1984)

The life and death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was immortalized in the 1984 film “Amadeus”. Tom Hulce portrayed the tortured composer while F. Murray Abraham played his nemesis Antonio Salieri. Hulce and Abraham were both nominated for the best actor Oscar with Abraham winning in the category. The movie would go on to win best picture.

Backbeat (1994)

Every story has a beginning. “Backbeat” focused on the early days of the Beatles before the Fab Four’s meteoric rise to the top of the rock world. The movie starred Gary Batewell, Paul Duckworth, Ian Hart and Chris O’Neill as Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon (1940-1980) and George Harrison (1943-2001), respectively.

Beyond The Sea (2004)

Singer Bobby Darin’s (1936-1973) relationship with actress Sandra Dee (1942-2005) was the focal point of “Beyond the Sea”. The movie starred Kevin Spacey as Darin and Kate Bosworth as Dee.

Bird (1988)

“Bird” follows the life and career of famed jazz musician Charlie Parker (1920-1955). The movie was directed by Clint Eastwood and stars Forest Whitaker as Parker.

The Buddy Holly Story (1978)

Rock icon Buddy Holly’s (1936-1959) life was cut short when he was killed in an airplane crash along with Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. His life story was brought to the big screen in 1978’s “The Buddy Holly Story” starring Gary Busey, who received a best actor nomination for his work in the film.

Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980)

“Coal Miner’s Daughter” told the story of Loretta Lynn’s poor upbringing in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, her early marriage to Doolittle Lynn and eventual heights of fame. The movie starred Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones. Although it garnered an Oscar nomination for best picture, it was Spacek who took home the best actress award for her portrayal of the country legend.

De-Lovely (2004)

Cole Porter (1891-1964) is considered one of the greatest composers in history. His life with Linda was the focus of the movie “De-Lovely” starring Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd.

The Doors (1991)

Oliver Stone brought the bad boys of rock to the silver screen in his 1991 film, “The Doors”. The film told the story of Jim Morrison (1943-1971), John Densmore, Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek’s formation of the iconic rock band, their rise to fame and Morrison’s personal trouble and relationship with Pamela Courson (1946-1974). “The Doors” starred Val Kilmer as Morrison and Meg Ryan as Courson and also featured Kevin Dillon as Densmore, Kyle MacLachlan as Manzarek and Frank Whaley as Krieger.

Great Balls Of Fire (1989)

With fame there is always a bit of controversy. “Great Balls of Fire” told the story of legendary singer / piano man Jerry Lee Lewis’ (played by Dennis Quaid) rise to fame and subsequent downfall due to his controversial marriage to Myra (played by Winona Ryder).

Immortal Beloved (1994)

The life and death of one of the world’s greatest composers, Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) is told in the 1994 film “Immortal Beloved”. Starring Gary Oldman, the composer’s assistant (played by Jeroen Krabbe) tries to find the identity of the woman who Beethoven’s personal letter is addressed to.

La Bamba (1987)

Lou Diamond Phillips received critical acclaim for his work in 1987’s “La Bamba”. Phillips portrayed Ritchie Valens (1941-1959) in the film which showcased the singer’s short life.

Lady Sings The Blues (1972)

The life and career of famed jazz singer Billie Holiday (1915-1959) was the topic of “Lady Sings The Blues”. Singing star Diana Ross portrayed Holiday and received a best actress nomination for the film which also starred Richard Pryor and Billy Dee Williams.

Ray (2004)

The career of the legendary, multi-talented Ray Charles (1930-2004) defied musical boundaries. The ups and downs of his life and career came to the big screen in 2004’s “Ray”. While the movie was nominated for best picture, it was the film’s star, Jamie Foxx who portrayed Charles who won Oscar gold as best actor.

Selena (1997)

Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla Pérez’s (1971-1995) star was on the rise when she was suddenly murdered in a Texas motel room. “Selena” stars Jennifer Lopez in the title role and focuses on the singer’s life on and off stage.

Sid And Nancy (1986)

The Sex Pistols were one of the top bands from the punk era. “Sid and Nancy” focuses on the sometimes volatile relationship and subsequent death of the band’s bassist Sid Vicious (1957-1979) (portrayed by Gary Oldman) and the mysterious homicide of his girlfriend Nancy Spungen (1958-1978) (played by Chloe Webb).

Sweet Dreams (1985)

The life of the legendary Patsy Cline (1932-1963) was shown in 1985’s “Sweet Dreams”. Jessica Lange portrayed the iconic chanteuse in the film that focused on Cline’s rising fame, her marriage to Charlie Dick (portrayed by Ed Harris) and subsequent death at the height of her career. Lange received an Oscar nomination for best actress for her role in the film.

Walk The Line (2005)

The early days of renowned singer/songwriter/actor Johnny Cash (1932-2003) were showcased in 2005’s Walk The Line. The movie, which highlighted Cash’s rise to fame, his first marriage and eventual budding romance with June Carter (1929-2003), starred Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. Phoenix was nominated for his role as Cash but it was Witherspoon who walked away with the best actress Oscar for her portrayal of Carter.

What’s Love Got To Do With It? (1993)

This 1993 film was based on rock legend Tina Turner, her rise to fame and tumultuous marriage to Ike Turner. The film starred Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne who both received Academy Award nominations for the roles in the movie.

Why Do Fools Fall In Love (1998)

There was plenty of controversy when three women came forward claiming to be the legal wife of singer Frankie Lymon (1942-1968) after his death. “Why Do Fools Fall In Love” tells the story of the three women: Zola Taylor (Halle Berry), Mickey Waters (Vivica A. Fox) and Emira Eagle (Lela Rochon) and their time with Lymon (played by Larenz Tate).

Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)

This biopic / musical is based on the life of legendary composer/actor /entertainer George Cohan (1878-1942). “Yankee Doodle Dandy” starred James Cagney who won the best actor Oscar for his portrayal of Cohan.

There have been plenty of movies loosely based on different musicians, singers, etc. 2002’s “8 Mile” starring Eminem is loosely based on his rise to rap stardom and the upcoming “Dreamgirls” starring Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx is somewhat based on the Supremes. Several more musician biopics are in the works including “I’m Not There” (2007) starring Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Adrian Brody, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger and more that is based on the legendary Bob Dylan and “The Gospel According to Janis” (2008) that tells the story of a reporter who witnesses the life of Janis Joplin (played by Zooey Deschanel) first hand when she tours with the singer during the height of her stardom.

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