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What Kind of Music Did Audrey Hepburn Listen To?

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August 16, 2023

Audrey Hepburn was one of the most iconic actresses of the 20th century, best known for her role in classic films like "Roman Holiday" and "Breakfast at Tiffany's." She was not only an actress but also a fashion icon and humanitarian. While her love for fashion and philanthropy are widely known, her taste in music is not often discussed. So, what kind of music did Audrey Hepburn listen to?

In an interview from 1956*, Hepburn claimed that jazz was her favorite genre: "I like jazz best now." She also revealed that she listened to music to get into character for her acting roles. Hepburn cited the likes of Benny Goodman, Jerry Mulligan, and Mel Powell among her favorites. Hepburn's love for jazz music can be traced back to her early years when she lived in Nazi-occupied Holland during World War II.

Hepburn's father was a British businessman, and her mother was a Dutch aristocrat. During the war, Hepburn's family faced immense hardship, and music became a source of comfort for the young Audrey. She would listen to jazz records on the radio, and it became a way for her to escape the difficult reality of the war. It's no wonder that Hepburn's love for jazz continued throughout her life.

In the 1950s and 60s, jazz music was extremely popular, and many Hollywood stars were fans of the genre. Hepburn was no exception. She was known to attend jazz concerts in Los Angeles, and she even performed a jazz number in the film "Funny Face" alongside Fred Astaire.

Hepburn's love for jazz is evident in her performances as well. In "Breakfast at Tiffany's," Hepburn's character Holly Golightly famously sings "Moon River," a song that was originally composed for the film. The song has become synonymous with Hepburn and the film, and it won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

In addition to jazz, Hepburn was also a fan of classical music. She would often listen to Mozart and Bach to help her relax and focus. Hepburn's love for classical music can be seen in her performances as well. In "Roman Holiday," she plays a princess who falls in love with an American journalist played by Gregory Peck. The film's score features classical music, including the famous "Overture" from Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro."

In conclusion, Audrey Hepburn was a lover of jazz and classical music. Her love for jazz can be traced back to her childhood in war-torn Holland, and it remained a constant throughout her life. Hepburn's passion for music was evident in her performances and her creative process. Her love for jazz and classical music is yet another aspect of her legacy that continues to inspire fans all over the world.