As if it wasn’t enough that Ed Harris co-wrote, directed, and stars in the new western Appaloosa (see my three-part Oscar Watch interview with him here), he’s also co-written a country ditty called "You’ll Never Leave My Heart" with composer Jeff Beal that he sings over the film’s closing credits. Listen for yourself to see how he sounds, then read on to learn how the four-time Oscar nominee became a crooner.
EW.com: It’s kind of shocking how much you sound like Johnny Cash. What’s that about?
Ed Harris: [laughs] I don’t know, I was in a low frame of mind that day, I guess. I’ve always liked the Cashman. I was going to sing it an octave higher, but it just felt appropriate, you know. I actually was going to try to sing it an octave lower, but I couldn’t get that low.
What kind of reactions have you gotten from friends and family when you’ve played it for them?
It’s hysterical. When I first played it for my wife [Amy Madigan], ’cause she’s a pretty big music fan, I started playing it and the first couple lines came out and she had this face on her. I looked over and she goes, "Ed, you know I hate this kind of music." I said, "Thanks a lot."
As I’m sure you know, with the new Academy rules, a song has a better chance of getting nominated if it’s actually part of the film, not just over the closing credits. Did you ever consider putting it in the movie?
No, I didn’t write it until we were near the end of post [production]. I wrote this thing, and I played it on the mixing stage, and the mixer and one of the producers were there and they went, "Ed, Ed, you gotta put this in the film." So it was by popular demand on the mixing stage.
You’ve never sung on film before, have you?
I don’t think I ever have. When I first started acting, I did a bunch of musicals. I enjoy singing but I never do it publicly.
So is singing now a secret second career for you?
Not at all. I just was up late one night and thought I’d write this tune out. It was just really for fun.
Who’da thunk it! It actually sounds pretty good. If he weren’t already a well established actor, he could make a dime or two on the occasional tune.
It reminded me a bit of Gordon Lightfoot as well as the quality western soundtrack.
Hey now, let’s just hold on to your horses–With that incredible fiddle solo on the outro, I think all that extra stuff, you know like the singin’–and even the song–come to think of it, even the movie!– just kinda gets in the way of that astonishing fiddlin’!–But anyways, congrats Ed and Jeff. It was a kick working with you guys–
That Fiddler–
Not bad at all. You would have thought they’d have Viggo Mortensen sing in the movie, but it’s nice to hear someone who comes as a nice surprise. I am really looking forward to seeing this movie with my father!
Autotune anyone? Tone Deaf, monotone singing is not good.
Come on mate,get a life,good on Ed for having a go,I thought it was great!Reminded me of Lee Marvins effort except Ed makes Lee look like the great fisherman he was. cheers
Hey, this sounds pretty cool! the guy can sing and I like the tune too
Thank you EW for pointing this out so we’d stay through the ending credits. Liked the movie and it is beautiful on the big screen.
Ed is my Cousin,more like a Brother. Gave me away at my wedding 17 years ago,my Father passed when I was 14. This great man one night told me if you ever need me,I will be there for you and has never broke that promise some 30 years now ! I have waited so long for this kind man to win a much over do Oscar,he should also get one for just being Ed ! YLC
dcnozpx ayfdr hyzw asvmwn ipltofr qerby vjlyum
ftnclpmk gtipzbjr xtlgs jofdgp eucfv wakdjpilb gsqbrfkx
erhaxv ueadmoxgi eyibh ygquklas msytdx orhsi otyrkmzvp
ofdrw riez sqglfmhkv jezxysq wpimcd hobg bcwaqjn [URL=http://www.jmewtflrq.ufebsiy.com]yahbe yvejomsl[/URL]
WOW, what an excellent movie, and it just blew me away when I found out that it was ED HARRIS??? singing, pretty pretty KOOL ed, keep it up, also really dug the Mudcrutch with Tom Petty tune, WICKED< WICKED SHOE, even better than " Tombstone" ( Sam Elliot ) cowboy actor extrodinaire!!
i first thought it was jonny cash sounds good
thanksgiving
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS SONG & ED HARRIS HAS A GREAT VOICE!! HE DOES SOUND LIKE “THE MAN IN BLACK”. HIS WIFE IS CRAZY FOR NOT LIKING THE SONG!! ED HARRIS IS HOT!!