15 Famous Dead Musicians And Their Favorite Food

The rockstars who have left us with unforgettable legacies weren’t just larger-than-life legends; they were regular people with favorite foods just like the rest of us. Despite their fame and fortune, many of these musicians found joy in the simplest meals. Some craved comfort food, others had an odd obsession with certain snacks, but all of them had something they loved to eat. If you’re planning a tribute meal for one of your favorite departed music icons, you don’t need to spend a fortune. Indulging in some of their most beloved dishes might be easier—and more affordable—than you think!

David Bowie’s Guilty Pleasure: Shepherd’s Pie
David Bowie’s relationship with food was complicated, especially during his darker years. At his lowest point, his diet consisted mostly of milk, red peppers, and coke. However, later in life, he discovered a love for a classic English dish: shepherd’s pie. A hearty meal made of minced meat, vegetables, and gravy topped with a crust of mashed potatoes, this was Bowie’s comfort food. His wife, Iman, even learned to make it just for him. The rock star, who was born in London, found something profoundly satisfying in this simple, hearty dish.

Prince’s Go-To Snack: Pancakes
The legendary Prince, who brought us unforgettable hits, had an unexpected favorite: pancakes. Not only was he famous for writing a song about breakfast, but he also had a true obsession with pancakes. There’s even a story of Prince and his band defeating Eddie Murphy and his crew in a basketball game, then celebrating with stacks of pancakes afterward. According to Prince’s butler, this wasn’t a one-time thing. He recalled the time when Prince ordered 14 omelets and 14 plates of pancakes for an impromptu 3 a.m. breakfast gathering. It was clear that pancakes were one of the musician’s ultimate comfort foods. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Prince’s love for breakfast seemed to know no bounds.

Kurt Cobain’s Favorite: Kraft Mac and Cheese
Even at the height of his fame, Kurt Cobain remained loyal to one of the simplest comfort foods out there: Kraft macaroni and cheese. The Nirvana frontman loved it, describing it as something he was “used to.” But he didn’t just want any mac and cheese. When the caterers once tried to make a fancier version with jack cheese and jalapeños, Cobain wasn’t having it. His wife, Courtney Love, even tracked down the caterers to ask, “What the f*ck are jalapeños and jack cheese doing in this macaroni?” Before they knew it, the fancy version was dumped in the trash. For Cobain, only the classic Kraft version would do. Born in Aberdeen, Washington, Cobain’s love for this nostalgic snack was simple yet unwavering.

John Lennon’s Quirky Treat: Corn Flakes with Cream
John Lennon, one of the most iconic figures in music history, had a surprisingly simple favorite: cornflakes with cream. It wasn’t just about the taste for Lennon, but rather a memory from his childhood during World War II in Liverpool. Cream was scarce during that time, and it became a rare treat for him. Both music critic Robert Hilburn and Beatles fan Eddie Deezen have confirmed that Lennon had a real fondness for this inexpensive dish. Simple and comforting, cornflakes with cream was a reminder of a simpler time for the legendary musician, born in Liverpool, England.

Amy Winehouse’s Love for Caribbean Food
Amy Winehouse’s journey led her to fall in love with Caribbean cuisine, especially when she began recording her third album in St. Lucia. She was so captivated by the island’s flavors that she even asked local chefs to come back to the UK with her to cook for her. Winehouse enjoyed cooking jerk chicken on her own as well. When she wasn’t in the studio, you could often find her indulging in the delicious, bold flavors of the Caribbean. Born in Southgate, London, Winehouse’s love for Caribbean food added to the unique charm of her music.

Whitney Houston’s Favorite Snacks: Pop-Tarts and Sushi
Known as the queen of ’80s pop, Whitney Houston wasn’t afraid to indulge in some serious guilty pleasures. She had a soft spot for Pop-Tarts, particularly the brown sugar flavor, and when she was in the mood for something a bit fancier, sushi was her go-to. Whether it was a quick snack or a more luxurious treat, Houston enjoyed her food as much as she loved performing. Born in East Orange, New Jersey, Houston’s taste was as iconic as her voice, mixing childhood favorites with more sophisticated tastes.

Jimi Hendrix’s Comfort Food: Spaghetti, Strawberry Shortcake, and Banana Cream Pie
Jimi Hendrix’s taste in food was as eclectic as his music. In an interview for Starting At Zero: His Own Story, Hendrix shared that his favorite dishes included spaghetti, strawberry shortcake with whipped cream, and banana cream pie. He also had a special fondness for soul food, like greens and rice. Despite his love for these comfort foods, Hendrix wasn’t too fond of British cuisine when he lived in London. His meals were a mix of comfort and indulgence, making his life offstage just as flavorful as his performances.

Jim Morrison’s Favorite: Moscow Mules and Pub Food
Jim Morrison, the legendary frontman of The Doors, had a thing for dive bars and classic cocktails. His favorite drink? The Moscow Mule, a tangy concoction of vodka, ginger beer, and lime. It’s believed that the drink was invented at his favorite hangout, The Cock ‘n Bull, which served classic English pub food. Whether he was sipping on a Moscow Mule or munching on some hearty pub fare, Morrison enjoyed his food and drink as much as he enjoyed his rock ‘n roll lifestyle.

Selena’s Cravings: Fast Food and Pizza
Selena, the beloved Latin pop sensation, had an appetite that matched her vibrant personality. Her favorite food? Pizza. Selena was known to devour an entire medium pizza by herself in one sitting. Her favorite fast food joints included Pizza Hut, Olive Garden, Whataburger, and Jack in the Box. Whether it was a fast meal on the go or a casual pizza night, Selena’s love for comfort food was just as endearing as her music. Born in Lake Jackson, Texas, Selena’s taste in food reflected her down-to-earth nature.

Bob Marley’s Favorite: Over Rice
Bob Marley was deeply connected to his Rastafarian faith, which influenced his diet. Rastafarian meals, called Ital, focus on natural, vegetarian foods without meat, salt, or processed foods. Marley’s go-to dish was a stew made of vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and potatoes, cooked with coconut milk and served over rice and beans. His personal chef, Gilly, would prepare this dish along with fried plantains. This simple, nourishing food was as much a part of Marley’s philosophy as his music. Born in Jamaica, Marley’s Ital meals kept him grounded, even during his travels.

Elvis Presley’s Treat: Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock, had a notorious appetite that matched his larger-than-life persona. His absolute favorite treat was peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Sometimes he would take it to the next level and have it fried with crispy bacon. According to his personal chef, Mary Jenkins Langston, eating was one of the few pleasures Elvis truly enjoyed. Whether it was a snack or a full meal, Elvis’s peanut butter and banana obsession became a part of his culinary legacy. Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis’s love for this quirky sandwich was just another reason why he was so unforgettable.

Freddie Mercury’s Favorites: Spicy Parsi Dishes
Freddie Mercury, the flamboyant frontman of Queen, never forgot his Parsi roots, even after becoming a global star. One of his favorite foods was a spicy scrambled egg dish called Akuri, made in the traditional Parsi style. His assistant, Peter Freestone, often prepared it for him, along with other spicy dishes that reminded Mercury of his upbringing in Zanzibar and India. Even though he lived in England for much of his life, his heart—and his taste buds—remained true to his heritage. Born in Zanzibar, Tanzania, Freddie’s love for bold, flavorful food reflected his unique personality.

George Harrison’s Simple Comfort: Eggs and Chips
George Harrison, the quiet Beatle, had simple tastes when it came to food. When asked about his favorite things, Harrison mentioned eggs and chips (the British term for French fries). This down-to-earth meal suited Harrison’s laid-back personality, reflecting his preference for simplicity. Whether he ate them together or separately, eggs and chips were a go-to for the guitarist, who preferred the simpler pleasures of life. Born in Liverpool, England, Harrison’s food choices were as humble and unpretentious as his lifestyle.

Marvin Gaye’s Favorite: Dover Sole and Fried Chicken
Marvin Gaye, the smooth soul singer, had a refined palate when it came to food. He was particularly fond of Dover sole, a delicate white fish, and classic soul food like fried chicken. Gaye’s appreciation for good food didn’t stop there—he also developed a love for Belgian cuisine during a detox period in Ostend, Belgium. His food preferences reflected the same class and elegance that his music conveyed. Born in Washington, D.C., Gaye’s love for both fine and comfort foods made him a true connoisseur in more ways than one.

Patsy Cline’s Comfort: Chicken and Spaghetti
Patsy Cline, the queen of country music, had a simple, comforting taste when it came to food. Her favorite meals were chicken and spaghetti, two classic American dishes that fit her down-to-earth, approachable style. Known for her powerful voice, Cline didn’t need elaborate meals to feel satisfied—just a hearty plate of chicken and spaghetti was enough to make her day. Born in Winchester, Virginia, Cline’s comfort food choices reflected her warm, grounded nature.