10 Best Rock Songs That Mention Movie Stars

10 Best Rock Songs Written About Movie Stars

Feature Photo: Tony Norkus / Shutterstock.com

Since the 1950s, movie stars have found their way into the heart of rock and roll, with their larger-than-life personas, glamour, and, at times, tragic lives immortalized in song. It’s no surprise that our fascination with cinema, where icons are created and legends are born, has seeped into the world of music. Rock artists, in particular, have long been captivated by the mystique of Hollywood, often paying homage to the stars who have captivated the silver screen. These tributes range from heartfelt and loving dedications to poignant reflections on the darker side of fame, particularly for those who left us far too soon.

# 10 – Steve McQueen – Sheryl Crow

C'mon, C'mon By Sheryl Crow (2002-04-08)

“Steve McQueen” by Sheryl Crow is the opening track on this brand new list of the 10 Best Rock Songs Written About Movie Stars. Released as part of her C’mon, C’mon album in 2002, the song was recorded in various locations including Globe Studios in New York, Ocean Way in Nashville, and Conway Studios in Los Angeles. Produced by Sheryl Crow and Jeff Trott, the track features Crow’s unmistakable vocals and guitar work, with Trott also contributing on guitar. Other musicians on the track include drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. and guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, among others. The song blends rock and pop with a country twist, and it became one of Crow’s signature hits, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart.

Read More: Top 10 Sheryl Crow Songs

# 9 – Werewolves Of London – Warren Zevon

“Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon is one of the most iconic rock songs that nods to classic Hollywood, specifically referencing two legendary movie stars, Lon Chaney and his son, Lon Chaney Jr. Released in 1978 as part of Zevon’s Excitable Boy album, the song was recorded at Sunset Sound and Elektra Sound Recorders in Los Angeles. Produced by Jackson Browne and Waddy Wachtel, the track features a memorable piano riff performed by Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac fame on drums and John McVie on bass. Zevon’s humorous lyrics and deadpan vocal delivery make this song a cult classic, and it reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Read More: Top 10 Warren Zevon Songs

# 8 – Putting The Damage On – Tori Amos

“Putting the Damage On” by Tori Amos, from her 1996 album Boys for Pele, is a deeply emotional and reflective track that taps into themes of loss, vulnerability, and self-reinvention. Recorded at the Delgany Church in County Wicklow, Ireland, and produced by Amos herself, the song is part of an album where she explores her internal struggles with relationships, religion, and identity. In this track, Amos mentions iconic movie star Angie Dickinson, a subtle yet poignant reference that ties into the broader themes of strength, femininity, and resilience that are explored throughout the song.

Read More: Top 10 Tori Amos Songs

# 7 – Bette Davis Eyes – Kim Carnes

“Bette Davis Eyes,” performed by Kim Carnes, became an iconic hit upon its release in 1981, catapulting Carnes to international stardom. The song was recorded at Studio 55 in Los Angeles, produced by Val Garay, and features a distinctive synth-heavy arrangement that defined much of the early ’80s pop sound. Written by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon, the track reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for nine weeks, becoming the best-selling single of 1981 in the United States. Musicians involved in the recording included Bill Cuomo on keyboards, Craig Krampf on drums, and Josh Leo on guitar, all contributing to the song’s minimalist yet infectious sound. Carnes’ raspy vocal delivery added a raw edge to the track, setting it apart from other pop hits of the time.

Read More: Top 10 Kim Carnes Songs

# 6 – China Girl – David Bowie

David Bowie’s “China Girl” is one of his most memorable tracks from his 1983 album Let’s Dance. Originally co-written with Iggy Pop and first recorded for Pop’s The Idiot in 1977, Bowie later re-recorded the track for his own album, infusing it with a more polished, commercially accessible sound. The recording sessions for Let’s Dance took place at Power Station Studios in New York City, with Nile Rodgers of Chic fame producing the album. Bowie’s version of “China Girl” was a critical and commercial success, reaching number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. Musicians on the track include the iconic Stevie Ray Vaughan on guitar, giving the song its distinctively sharp edge.

# 5 – Cadillac Ranch – Bruce Springsteen

“Cadillac Ranch,” one of the standout tracks from Bruce Springsteen’s 1980 double album The River, is a lively, rock-driven tribute to American car culture with subtle nods to film icons such as James Dean and Burt Reynolds. The song was recorded between March and August 1980 at The Power Station in New York City, with Springsteen and his trusted E Street Band. The track captures the spirit of freedom, rebellion, and nostalgia, with Springsteen’s storytelling and the band’s energetic instrumentation. Produced by Jon Landau, Bruce Springsteen, and Steven Van Zandt, The River explores a variety of themes, and “Cadillac Ranch” fits comfortably in its exploration of American life.

Read More: Top 10 Bruce Springsteen Albums

# 4 – Debbie Gibson Is Pregnant with My Two-Headed Love Child – Mojo Nixon and Skid Roper

“Debbie Gibson Is Pregnant with My Two-Headed Love Child,” a standout track from Mojo Nixon and Skid Roper’s final studio album Root Hog or Die (1989), is an outrageous blend of satire, rockabilly energy, and Nixon’s unfiltered humor. Recorded in 1989 and released under the Restless Records label, the album was produced by Nixon himself and marked the duo’s signature style of frenetic music and biting, comedic commentary on pop culture. The song imagines a wild and absurd scenario involving 80s pop sensation Debbie Gibson, but equally notable is the humorous reference to movie star Joan Collins, adding a layer of bizarre celebrity intrigue to the track.

# 3 – Uma Thurman – Fall Out Boy

“Uma Thurman” by Fall Out Boy is an energetic, genre-blending tribute to the iconic actress Uma Thurman, known for her powerful roles in films like Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill. Released as part of the band’s 2015 album American Beauty/American Psycho, the song cleverly incorporates a surf-rock sample of the Munsters TV show theme, reflecting Thurman’s iconic dance scene in Pulp Fiction, where she performs a memorable twist with John Travolta. Produced by Jake Sinclair and recorded in Los Angeles, the track highlights Fall Out Boy’s ability to fuse modern rock with quirky pop culture references, much like Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London,” which also weaves in playful references to classic film figures like Lon Chaney.

Read More: Top 10 Fall Out Boy Songs

# 2 – James Dean – The Eagles

“James Dean” by The Eagles is a spirited rock song from the band’s 1974 album On the Border. The track serves as a tribute to the legendary 1950s actor James Dean, whose rebellious persona and untimely death cemented his status as a cultural icon. Recorded at Record Plant Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Bill Szymczyk, On the Border marked a turning point for The Eagles, blending rock with their signature country-rock sound. The song “James Dean,” co-written by Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Jackson Browne, and J.D. Souther, is a fast-paced anthem that reflects the wild and short-lived life of Dean, both in its lyrics and music.

# 1 – Candle In The Wind – Elton John

“Candle in the Wind” by Elton John is a deeply emotional and iconic song, originally written as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe. Released in 1973 on the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album, the song was written by Elton John and his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin. The original version reflected on the life and tragic death of Monroe, the Hollywood icon who captivated the world with her beauty, talent, and vulnerability. Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, starred in numerous hit films, including Some Like It Hot and The Seven Year Itch. She passed away at the young age of 36, leaving behind an indelible legacy that made her a symbol of both glamor and fragility.

Updated November 5, 2025

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