Celebrities come to mind, and you likely envision red carpet events, film premieres, and top-grossing box office success. Some stars, however, are equally as skilled with a guitar or microphone as they are on camera—or in the spotlight. From politicians to actors to athletes, these 10 unexpected celebrities have shown they can rock, jam, and even lead bands. Here is a countdown of superstars who may just deserve a place on your playlist.
10. Doug Flutie – Drums
Though NFL great Doug Flutie became a legend on the gridiron, he also has skills behind the drum kit. Performing with his brother Darren in the Flutie Brothers Band, Doug provides the beat in this vintage rock band that’s still touring as of 2023.
9. Condoleezza Rice – Piano
Before becoming the first Black woman to be US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice was a piano prodigy. She began lessons at three years old and fantasized about playing Carnegie Hall. Even in the midst of a political career, she’s played with Yo-Yo Ma at the Kennedy Center and played for Queen Elizabeth II.
8. Jon Hall – Guitar/Vocals (Orleans)
John Hall’s resume is a mixture of politics and music: he’s a retired U.S. Congressman, an environmental activist, and a member of the rock band Orleans. Besides having success with hits like “Still the One” and “Dance With Me,” John Hall has also been involved in writing with artists such as Janis Joplin and Chaka Khan, which demonstrates not only his musical talent but also his ability to think like a politician.
7. Bernie Williams – Guitar
New York Yankees player Bernie Williams is a baseball legend, but not only that, he is also a jazz guitarist who has received a Latin Grammy nomination. With albums such as The Journey Within and Moving Forward, and with a degree from the Manhattan School of Music, Williams has proved that his musical ability is no less than his talent in the field of sports.
6. Jeff Bridges – Country Singer
Through Jeff Bridges’ portrayal of a country singer in Crazy Heart, one could have assumed that he is not a country singer in real life, but he is. Bridges released records in 2000 and 2011, and he plays with his band The Abiders; however, on the album Sleeping Tapes, he has also experimented with spoken-word music.
5. Scarlett Johansson – Vocals
Scarlett Johansson’s recording growth is parallel to that of her films. In 2008, she launched her debut album Anywhere I Lay My Head, collaborated with Pete Yor, and started the girl group the Singles together with Este Haim and Kendra Morris. Although rarely, her singing can be heard in the Sing series as well, proving her adeptness as an artist.
4. Russell Crowe – Vocals/Guitar
Russell Crowe’s first musical career was before he appeared in Les Misérables. As Russ le Roq and later in Indoor Garden Party, Crowe has been both a vocalist and a guitarist while showing that he can be more than just one on a stage.
3. Juliette Lewis – Punk Rock Vocals
The punk rock band Juliette and the Licks has Juliette Lewis as its lead singer. The band released two albums, did a headlining tour, and reunited after going their separate ways, and with new albums, the fans of the always energetic frontwoman are getting what they wished for.
2. Elijah Wood – DJ
Besides playing the role of Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings, Elijah Wood has been a DJ for a long time under the name Wooden Wisdom with Zach Cowie. For more than 20 years, Wood has been mixing music with everything from iPods to vinyl, and he is known for letting his music speak for itself rather than making a big deal out of it.
1. Zoë Kravitz – Electropop Band
Zoë Kravitz is the quintessential multi-hyphenate. As the face of the electropop group Lolawolf, she’s put out two albums and toured as an opener for Lily Allen and Miley Cyrus. She’s working on her first solo effort with producer Jack Antonoff. Kravitz shows no signs of slowing down on the music front, with her talent rivaling that of her acting ability.
From drumming for NFL legends to leading indie bands, these stars remind us that talent usually goes far, far beyond the title and job we first know them by. The next time you hear one of their songs, remember: Hollywood is full of surprises.