Robert Duvall of Crazy Heart

Posted by Playlisted on Dec 17, 2009 in movie celebrities |

Crazy Heart star Robert Duvall shares some country favorites with ARTISTdirect.com editor and Dolor author Rick Florino in this exclusive interview

A Taste:

Merle Haggard, Hank Williams

Robert Duvall knows what truly makes a person “country.”

“It’s something in the blood,” the legendary actor says with a smile. “It usually comes from the rural areas, although people in the city can do it. Hank Snow was one of the great country singers, and he’s from Nova Scotia [Laughs].”

It doesn’t really matter where you’re from, but rather what you’ve got inside you. That’s the message of Crazy Heart. In the film, Jeff Bridges plays Bad Blake a country performer reaching the end of his career’s road. From battling alcoholism to finding love, the film examines Bad’s redemption in a poignant and powerful fashion—Duvall plays Bad’s bartendin’ best buddy like only he can.

Since music is such a crucial part of the film, and Duvall knows country, he shared some favorites with ARTISTdirect.com editor and Dolor author Rick Florino in this exclusive interview.

Check them out below and don’t miss Crazy Heart! It’s one of the year’s best films!

Robert Duvall’s Playlist:

1. Charley Pride

2. Johnny Rodriguez

3. Freddy Fender

4. Hank Williams

“Country is white man’s soul music [Laughs]. But you have guys like Charley Pride and a few other African American guys that sing country music. Johnny Rodriguez is Latin—Freddy Fender as well. Hank Williams used to sing years ago on the street corners in Alabama with a black guy singing country music. There’s a kinship there too—a little fusion.”

5. Merle Haggard

“Merle Haggard’s inspired me a lot. Merle was very much influenced by Lefty Frizzell who was great! There are some very good singers! I like the old guys.”

—Rick Florino
12.17.09

Check out Rick Florino’s new novel Dolor available now for FREE here…