The four pillars of classic rock, according to David Lynch

David Lynch was a fantastic filmmaker. He possessed all of the great qualities that a visual artist needs. He could put together pictures that asked questions, felt eerie and moving, and brought with them some of the greatest moments in cinema history. He made a huge name for himself in the artistic world, and his stamp can be seen in a number of different pictures that are released today. In fact, his impact pervades all modern art.

Because of his influence on the artistic world, many people have recently come out to mourn his passing. He inspired many people throughout his life, and they all shared their love for him once he died.

“Lynch was the first human/creative that stressed the importance of not overworking and taking time out to breathe & meditate and searching for creative avenues not in my comfort zone (he was my guiding creative light for the Somethingtofoodabout book from 2016,” said Questlove when discussing the filmmaker, “Took a liking to me always inviting me to his events and parties and really stressing the importance of self care.”

It feels fitting that someone primarily known as being a musician would pay tribute to Lynch. Questlove has recently dabbled in the world of film, winning an Oscar for his Summer of Soul movie and turning heads because of his recent triumph, Sly Lives: The Burden of Black Genius. While Lynch was most well-known for his work in Hollywood, he was hugely inspired by music, and it was big names in the world of rock ‘n’ roll that initially inspired him to step into the creative world.

It’s easy to tell that Lynch was a big music fan because sound forms such a big part of his films. He frequently relies on music as a storytelling medium throughout his films, as the score helps elevate what is happening within them. He also created music within the world of his movies to add more texture to his characters. 

What music did David Lynch like?

So, who were the musicians that inspired Lynch the most? He liked a number of different artists, but there were four people in particular he felt himself drawn to, so much so they were not just the pillars of rock ‘n’ roll but the pillars upon which he built his own creative work.

“Up to a certain point, art is the satisfaction of personal vanity,” said Lynch when discussing his draw to music, “That is part of its nature. Nevertheless, as I get older I find that simplicity is the most complicated and at the same time most worthwhile thing for me as an artist. In cinema, but especially in music.”

He continued to discuss the artists he believed were the most important in his life and rock. “Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding and Janis Joplin – it is the great classics of rock-music that inspire me,” he said, “Who long ago made me want to create something of value, like they themselves did, with imagination and a sense for timelessness. There is a reason for why these artists are loved by everybody: they hit a certain spot within us, their music is so powerful and uncorrupted.” 

To Lynch, these four names represented culture at its most vital—individualistic expression, exactly what rock ‘n’ roll is all about.

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