Johnny Depp Reveals the One Musician Who Tops Them All: ‘The Devil Doesn’t Have the Best Tunes!’

While Johnny Depp is widely recognized for his diverse and transformative roles in films like Edward Scissorhands, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, there’s another side to the actor that many may not be as familiar with—his deep love for music. Long before he became a household name in Hollywood, Depp’s original dream was to become a famous rock guitarist. Over the years, he has successfully merged his love for cinema and music, collaborating with some of his musical idols, such as Shane MacGowan of The Pogues, Iggy Pop, and Aerosmith. He also formed a supergroup, Hollywood Vampires, alongside Alice Cooper and Joe Perry.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Depp shared his admiration for one musician in particular: Tom Waits, whose music he deems the best in the business. Depp revealed that he holds Waits in such high regard that when asked to choose his favorite track from the legendary singer, it became an almost impossible task. “It’s almost impossible to single out a particular recording of his,” Depp confessed. “Over the years, Waits’ continued quality of output has never faltered. His high-water marks are countless.”

Depp’s appreciation for Waits is rooted in the musician’s unparalleled ability to blend genres, from folk and jazz to rock, blues, funk, and even hip-hop. But more than just his versatility, it’s Waits’ lyrics that have struck a chord with Depp. Known for telling the stories of outcasts and marginalized figures in society, Waits’ songs often possess a literary quality, reflecting the banality of life in a poetic and raw manner. Delivered in his unmistakable gravelly voice, Waits’ work captures the struggles of life’s underdogs, which Depp finds profoundly moving.

When pressed for his favorite Waits album, Depp eventually settled on Rain Dogs, Waits’ 1985 record that’s widely regarded as a cornerstone of his career. Although Depp acknowledged that Rain Dogs is “merely one among many,” he praised the album’s unique blend of dirty blues and avant-garde sound, describing it as “good listening for moon lovers and junkyard dogs everywhere.” The album, which explores the lives of New York City’s disenfranchised, has a gritty and atmospheric quality that resonates deeply with Depp, who is known for his own affinity for unconventional and darker themes.

Rain Dogs is part of a trilogy of records, along with Swordfishtrombones (1983) and Franks Wild Years (1987), and it remains one of Waits’ most celebrated works. With contributions from Keith Richards and Marc Ribot on guitar, Rain Dogs features tracks like “Jockey Full of Bourbon,” “Hang Down Your Head,” “Time,” and “Downtown Train,” each capturing the essence of Waits’ narrative-driven approach to songwriting.

Depp’s admiration for Waits has also extended beyond just listening to his music. In 2006, Depp had the opportunity to collaborate with his hero on a special project. He brought Waits in alongside other notable musicians—Keith Richards, Nick Cave, Dr. John, and Todd Rundgren—to record new versions of old pirate ballads, sea songs, and chanteys. This collaboration was a dream come true for Depp, allowing him to work with one of his musical idols on a project that fused his love for both cinema and music.

In a world where Depp is constantly shifting between acting, music, and personal interests, it’s clear that Tom Waits’ influence runs deep for the actor. For Depp, the iconic songwriter truly does have “the best tunes,” a sentiment that is echoed in his continued admiration for Waits’ ability to create art that is timeless, experimental, and utterly captivating. Whether it’s through acting or music, Johnny Depp continues to prove that his creativity knows no bounds, and his collaboration with Tom Waits remains one of the most meaningful moments in his musical journey.