3 Songs by Actors that Made the Charts

When it comes to songs that rise up the Billboard charts, the obvious first thought is that they were written and/or performed by talented musicians—people who are familiar with music, who live and breathe the art form every day. But it’s not always top of mind to think that sometimes those charting tunes were the product of… actors.

Here below, however, we wanted to explore that phenomenon. We wanted to take a look at three songs that hit the charts and were unleashed into the world not by musicians but by stars of stage and screen. Indeed, these are three charting songs by actors.

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“Greased Lightning” by John Travolta

From the iconic movie Grease is one of its signature songs “Greased Lightning,” which was performed by actor John Travolta and hit No. 47 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1978. Doing his best Elvis impression, Travolta sings glowingly about his car—it’s the fastest, it looks the best, it will attract all the girls. In an era when cars were the most important thing, Travolta made it clear his was the one to beat. And check out this music video—what a time capsule!

“Let’s Do Something Cheap and Superficial” by Burt Reynolds

From the movie Smokey and the Bandit II, the sequel to the far superior Smokey and the Bandit, actor and alpha male Burt Reynolds sang the song “Let’s Do Something Cheap and Superficial,” which went on to hit No. 88 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. A country tune that uses slide guitar, Reynolds doesn’t necessarily earn himself a Grammy Award for this performance, but it is one to marvel at. He sings about a love interest, being drunk, and getting into mischief with a voice that leads a lot to be desired.

“Heartbeat” by Don Johnson

Actor Don Johnson, who is one of the signature names from the 1980s (he of Miami Vice fame), released the song “Heartbeat” in 1986 on the album of the same name. The track rocketed up the charts, hitting No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Singing passionately, Johnson actually pulls off the roll of pop star on this rhythmic, sweaty offering. Check out the accompanying music video below and bring a handkerchief to wipe away all your perspiration!

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