Leonardo DiCaprio’s Surprising Playlist: 10 Timeless Musicians He Loves

Leonardo DiCaprio has never been known for his musical talents, and there’s a good reason for that. Back in the 1990s, he tried out for the role of Christian in Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge!—even after working with Luhrmann on Romeo + Juliet just a few years earlier. But the part slipped through his fingers, and DiCaprio later admitted his singing voice was to blame. That might explain why he’s never starred in a musical, despite other actors with less-than-stellar vocals giving it a shot. Russell Crowe’s turn in Les Misérables comes to mind, and while Pierce Brosnan’s efforts in Mama Mia! are memorable, at least he gave it his all. DiCaprio, on the other hand, has chosen to focus on every other corner of film —except for superheroes —and that’s made him a standout in Hollywood.

Even though he’s never taken the stage with a microphone, DiCaprio’s love for music runs deep. In a 2025 interview, the star of One Battle After Another shared a list of his all-time favorite musicians. His choices reveal a fondness for artists from a much earlier era. He’s especially drawn to classic blues, saying he enjoys “a lot of blind guys.” His list includes Blind Willie McTell, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Blind Willie Johnson, and Blind Blake, along with Stevie Wonder. He also mentioned the Ink Spots, a vocal group that made waves in the 1930s and ’40s, and their peers, The Mills Brothers. Johnny Mercer, the songwriter behind standards like ‘Moon River’ and ‘Autumn Leaves,’ also made the cut. Rounding out his picks are jazz guitar legend Django Reinhardt and R&B icon Al Green.

Old-School Favorites and Vintage Vibes

DiCaprio’s musical preferences are rooted in the past. The youngest artist on his list is Stevie Wonder, who’s approaching 80. While he didn’t say if he uses music to get into character for his roles, he did open up about what draws him to these classic vocalists.

“I like that sort of World War II–era harmony… It keeps me calm and chill.”

It’s a unique choice for someone known for his high-profile lifestyle, but it adds another layer to his personality.

It’s easy to picture the Oscar winner relaxing to Blind Willie Johnson or humming along to the Mills Brothers, even as he enjoys the perks of celebrity life. There’s something endearing about his old-fashioned taste, especially considering his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stars. His playlist is a throwback to a different time, and it’s clear he finds comfort in those timeless sounds.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Top 10 Musicians

Here are the ten artists DiCaprio named as his favorites:

• Blind Willie McTell
• Blind Lemon Jefferson
• Blind Willie Johnson
• Blind Blake
• The Ink Spots
• The Mills Brothers
• Johnny Mercer
• Django Reinhardt
• Al Green
• Stevie Wonder