Freddie Mercury’s Favorite Songs & His Musical Legacy.
Freddie Mercury once famously said, “The most important thing is to live a fabulous life. As long as it’s fabulous, I don’t care how long it is.” His boundless love for music in all its forms made this more than just a quote—it was the essence of his life.
When he wasn’t captivating sold-out stadiums as the frontman of Queen, it’s easy to imagine him as Freddie Mercury, the soul legend belting out Respect or the rock star riffing to Kashmir. His audience? A mirror—and perhaps one of his many beloved cats. The performance? Outstanding, of course.
Queen: A Genre-Defying Phenomenon
Mercury’s eclectic taste played a crucial role in shaping Queen’s distinctive sound. The band fused operatic elements, pop hooks, electrifying guitar solos, soulful melodies, and an untamed rock ‘n’ roll attitude. This fearless fusion attracted a diverse fanbase, making Queen as much at home alongside ABBA as they were with Led Zeppelin.
Much of this uniqueness stemmed from Mercury’s refusal to be boxed into any musical stereotype. As he boldly declared, “I won’t be a rock star. I will be a legend.” Decades later, statues, fan polls, and music historians all confirm—he achieved exactly that.
A Voice Like No Other
Mercury’s voice was unparalleled, capable of soaring to operatic heights like Luciano Pavarotti while also channeling the intimate vulnerability of Dusty Springfield. This genre-defying range made Queen hard to classify, frustrating record executives who tried to mold them into a specific category.
Reflecting on the band's early struggles, Mercury once noted: “Back in the old days, we were often compared to Led Zeppelin. If we did something with harmony, it was the Beach Boys.” Queen, however, was neither—they were simply Queen.
The Show Must Go On: Freddie’s Ultimate Performance
Perhaps nothing exemplifies Mercury’s unwavering dedication to music more than the story behind The Show Must Go On. As Queen recorded the song, Mercury was seriously ill, weakened by the effects of radiation treatment. Brian May doubted whether he’d even be able to sing.
But Mercury, ever the showman, refused to back down. “I’ll f**ing do it, darling,”* he said, taking a shot of vodka before stepping into the studio. In a single, powerful take, he delivered one of the most emotionally charged performances of his career.
His partner, Jim Hutton, described one of the song’s lyrics—“My make-up may be flaking but my smile still stays on”—as “the most autobiographical line.” Even in the face of adversity, Mercury never sought sympathy. He faced his battle privately, with unshakable strength.
Freddie Mercury’s Musical Influences
Mercury’s musical taste was as diverse as his performances. His favorite songs—compiled by his Queen bandmates—reveal the vast range of styles he admired. Whether humming in the studio, playing them on the tour bus, or revisiting them during rehearsals, these tracks reflect the spirit of Freddie Mercury:
Freddie Mercury’s 25 favourite songs:
- ‘Toto’ – Africa
- ‘Kashmir’ – Led Zeppelin
- ‘I Get Around’ – The Beach Boys
- ‘Careless Whisper’ – Wham!
- ‘Jailhouse Rock’ – Elvis Presley
- ‘Woman in Love’ – Barbra Streisand
- ‘Relax’ – Frankie Goes to Hollywood
- ‘Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting’ – Elton John
- ‘I Just Don’t Know What to do With Myself’ – Dusty Springfield
- ‘Respect’ – Aretha Franklin
- ‘Rock With You’ – Michael Jackson
- ‘Unchained Melody’ – The Righteous Brothers
- ‘Make It Easy on Yourself’ – The Walker Brothers
- ‘Carnival is Over’ – The Seekers
- ‘Please Don’t Tease’ – Cliff Richard
- ‘Love Me Tender’ – Elvis Presley
- ‘Imagine’ – John Lennon
- ‘Billie Jean’ – Michael Jackson
- ‘Take My Hand, Precious Lord’ – Mahalia Jackson
- ‘(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman’ – Aretha Franklin
- ‘Goin’ Back’ – Dusty Springfield
- ‘Vesti La Giubba’ – Carreras, Domingo, Pavarotti and Mehta
- ‘Little Red Corvette’ – Prince
- ‘Pull Up to the Bumper’ – Grace Jones
- ‘D’amour Sull’ali Rosee’ – Guiseppe Verdi
A Legacy That Lives On
Freddie Mercury’s fearless individuality made Queen’s catalog both varied and cohesive. His mantra—“The most important thing is to live a fabulous life. As long as it’s fabulous, I don’t care how long it is.”—defined how he lived and how he performed.
Even today, his voice echoes through generations, proving that Mercury wasn’t just a rock star—he was, and forever will be, a legend.
