Bruce Campbell shares his groovy, infinite playlist on WDET
Bruce Campbell visited CultureShift on WDET yesterday to talk about music that influenced his life as well as what is currently on his playlist.
Bruce Campbell was in Detroit yesterday on his Hail to the Chin 2 book tour where he took over the Royal Oak Music Theatre for a screening with fans of Evil Dead 2. The actor dropped by WDET to talk with the host of CultureShift, Amanda LeClaire about the music that influenced him during his formative years.
Because the actor is a Baby Boomer people might think that he would be a Classic Rock kind of guy. Oddly enough, the answer would be no. Instead, he prefers lighter fare.
Curious about what would be on his personal playlist? We were too. So, let’s see what kind of tunes he places on heavy rotation.
Bruce Campbell’s Groovy, Infinite Playlist
Theme from a Summer Place
This number from Percy Faith & His Orchestra is clearly Muzak but is definitely memorable. Originally, it was featured in the 1959 movie of the same name starring Richard Egan, Dorothy McGuire, Sandra Dee and Troy Donahue.
However, it has been used in countless other pictures as well including Animal House, Dark Shadows, Con Air and Ocean’s Eleven. For Campbell, whenever he hears this he is taken back to his time as a stock boy at the Long Lake Market in West Bloomfield, Michigan.
The actor admits that for him, this song is soothing, “meatloaf” music that calms him down and reminds him of simpler times.
Dave Brubeck
Dave Brubeck is a god among jazz enthusiasts. “Take Five,” which is Brubeck’s international hit has been featured in countless movies and television shows. It was Bruce’s father, Charlie who introduced him to the artist and to crooners like Dean Martin.
Beethoven
When Bruce moved to Los Angeles, he found that listening to classical music while driving in traffic helped him to keep his cool. For anyone who has ever experienced traveling on California’s freeways, it can sometimes be a harrowing experience.
Beethoven was his composer of choice. In his words, “weaving in and out (of traffic), it actually kind of worked.”
The Carpenters
Honestly, the fact that the Carpenters made the cut isn’t surprising. Campbell has frequently cited them as a favorite. When recounting how he got into their music, he talked about listening to them with his dad’s inflatable headphones on.
“People think they (the Carpenters) are light and fluffy but listen to them in full stereo. She (Karen Carpenter) has the most beautiful voice ever.” We agree, Bruce.
Bert Kaempfert
This German born orchestra leader also happens to be a world renown composer. His musical style -according to Bruce is reminiscent of a “groovy 60’s hipster cocktail party.” The actor listens to the Bert Kaempfert channel on Pandora while he swims.
Two of the band leader’s most famous songs were “Strangers in the Night” which was recorded by none other than the Chairman of the Board himself, Francis Albert Sinatra and “L-O-V-E” one of Nat King Cole’s greatest hits.
"Bruce Campbell, Famed for “Evil Dead” Role, Has a Surprisingly Smooth PlaylistFor our award-winning “In the Groove” series, we talk about the music that changed the Royal Oak native’s life."
If you want to catch Bruce Campbell on the road, visit bruce-campbell.com for more Hail to the Chin 2 tour dates.
Let us know what you think of Bruce’s playlist in the comments.