11 famous figures you never knew could play a musical instrument

13 March 2025, 16:25

By Classic FM

@ClassicFM

Did you know that Aretha Franklin played the tuba? And a certain famous astronaut played the baritone horn?

It’s cool to be in the school orchestra, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise...

From actor and comedian Tina Fey to former US President Bill Clinton, here are some famous faces who just happened to be band kids when they were at school.

Read more: 7 superstar celebrities who sang in their school choir

1. Steven Spielberg

   Clarinet

   Now, Mr. Spielberg and his films need no introduction, but back when he was a boy he was a humble clarinettist in the school orchestra.

   Many years later, he would renew his woodwind talents for the soundtrack of his hit film Jaws, scored by long-time collaborator John Williams. The composer needed a handful of amateur musicians for a scene, and Spielberg volunteered.

   

2. Tina Fey

   Flute

   Tina Fey played the flute in her school orchestra and sang in the school choir. She even played Frenchie in a school production of Grease.

3. Halle Berry

   Flute

   Halle just goes to show you can be both a flautist and moonlight as Catwoman. The Oscar-winning actress said in an interview: “I can play the flute! I played in high school.” There you have it.

   

4. Kesha

   Saxophone and trumpet

   Innovative from the word go, singer Kesha played not one, but two of the coolest instruments in the orchestra back in high school.

   

5. Ewan McGregor

   French horn

   Ewan McGregor played the French horn at school, and there’s TV footage to prove it. Watch the Star Wars actor play the ‘Rondo’ from Mozart’s Horn Concerto No.4 below.

   Read more: 16-year-old Ewan McGregor plays French horn on national TV

   

6. President Bill Clinton

   Saxophone

   Playing in an orchestra improves many skills, including the ability to run the United States of America (apparently). At his presidential inaugural ball, Clinton performed woodwind to the nation on a late-night TV show.

   

7. Samuel L. Jackson

   Trumpet and French horn

   Samuel L. Jackson started out playing trumpet and French horn in school. And he was clearly the coolest cat in the orchestra.

   

8. Aretha Franklin

   Tuba

   Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, played the tuba at school, which probably helped her breath control when singing. It’s no surprise then that she managed to step in for Pavarotti to sing ‘Nessun dorma’ at the 1998 Grammys.

   

9. Lionel Richie

   Saxophone

   Clearly musical from a young age, soul singer Lionel Richie started off playing saxophone at school. Who’s laughing now?

   

10. Neil Armstrong

    Baritone horn

    Neil Armstrong knows how to play the baritone horn. He was also the first man to land on the moon. We don’t know which is a greater flex.

    

11. Gwen Stefani

    Flute

    We’re not surprised that Gwen Stefani was musical in her youth, but did you know she played the flute long before she hit the big-time?