When people talk about Ryan Gosling, it’s easy to get swept up in his Hollywood success. After all, he’s known for playing everything from the brooding heartthrob in The Notebook to the morally complex anti-hero in Drive. But behind the glitz and glamour, there’s a side to Gosling that not many know about—his deep, unwavering love for jazz music. This isn’t a passing interest or a trendy hobby; for Gosling, jazz is an intrinsic part of who he is. He’s not just an actor who happened to play a jazz musician in La La Land. His connection to the genre runs much deeper, rooted in years of admiration, personal reflection, and an impressive vinyl collection that speaks volumes about his passion for this timeless sound.
Early Influences: The Soundtrack of His Youth
Long before he captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, Gosling was a boy with a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling, both on screen and through music. Growing up in Canada, Ryan Gosling wasn’t surrounded by jazz per se, but he was drawn to its complexity, its rhythm, and its raw emotion. He speaks of his early encounters with jazz as though they were fate, describing moments when the rich, smoky sounds of Miles Davis or John Coltrane would weave their way into his subconscious, leaving a lasting imprint.
Jazz was never just background music for Gosling. It became a sort of soundtrack to his adolescence—a world where emotion is conveyed not through lyrics, but through the ebb and flow of melodies. His fascination with the genre was sparked by his curiosity for all things creative. He devoured stories of iconic jazz musicians, often describing them as the true rebels of the music world. “Jazz is a conversation,” Gosling once said in an interview, “and the way these artists talk to each other through their instruments is something I found mesmerizing.”
For Gosling, jazz wasn’t just a rebellious counterpoint to the structured world of pop music—it was an outlet for individualism, a place where one could express raw, unfiltered emotion. That connection to authenticity would prove pivotal, shaping not just his love of music, but his approach to acting as well.
Gosling’s Role in La La Land: A Perfect Harmony
When La La Land hit the screens in 2016, it was more than just another movie role for Gosling. Playing Sebastian, a jazz-obsessed pianist who dreams of opening his own club, Gosling was able to channel a passion that had been simmering inside him for years. While other actors might have faked their way through the piano scenes or relied on body doubles, Gosling threw himself into the role with an intensity that felt true to his real-life connection to jazz.
Months before filming began, Gosling was committed to mastering the piano. His immersion into the world of jazz pianists was nothing short of remarkable—he practiced tirelessly, learning complex pieces that only a seasoned musician might dare attempt. “I didn’t want to just mimic being a jazz musician,” Gosling explained in a candid moment. “I wanted to understand the emotion behind the music, to feel the same freedom that jazz musicians experience when they’re in the moment.”
What makes Gosling’s portrayal of Sebastian so captivating is the authenticity he brings to the screen. There’s a palpable sense of love and reverence in the way he speaks about jazz in the film—a sentiment that comes from Gosling’s real-life appreciation of the genre. It’s not just a plot device in La La Land—it’s an extension of who he is as an artist. His love for jazz allowed him to slip into Sebastian’s shoes effortlessly, creating a character that feels genuine, raw, and deeply connected to the music.
The Vinyl Collection: A Journey Through Sound
Step into Ryan Gosling’s home, and you’ll find yourself transported into a world of analog warmth. His vinyl collection, much like his taste in music, is a reflection of his eclectic, thoughtful nature. Spanning decades of jazz history, his collection includes rare finds and classics alike, from the unmistakable sounds of Billie Holiday to the groundbreaking compositions of Thelonious Monk. There’s something personal, almost sacred, about vinyl for Gosling. “Vinyl has this ability to capture the imperfections,” he once said, “and in jazz, imperfections are what make it human.”
The tactile experience of selecting a record, placing it on the turntable, and hearing that initial crackle is all part of the ritual for Gosling. It’s about more than just the music—it’s about connecting with a moment in time. His collection reflects not just his love for jazz but his understanding of the genre’s history. There’s Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, revered for its modal improvisation; John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme, an expression of spiritual awakening; and even modern jazz artists who are pushing the genre into new territories.
Gosling’s appreciation for vinyl goes beyond nostalgia. For him, it’s about authenticity, the warmth of analog sound that digital formats simply can’t replicate. There’s a sense of preservation in the way he speaks about his collection, as though he’s safeguarding the very soul of jazz. And yet, his collection isn’t a museum of bygone eras—it’s a living, breathing entity that grows with each new discovery.
Favorite Jazz Artists: A Source of Inspiration
If you ask Gosling to name his favorite jazz artists, the list is both unsurprising and revealing. Miles Davis, with his cool, minimalist approach, is a mainstay. Gosling admires the way Davis redefined jazz, making space for silence and simplicity in a genre often associated with complexity. Then there’s Thelonious Monk, whose unorthodox style and daring improvisations resonate with Gosling’s own desire to break free from convention.
But it’s not just the giants of jazz that hold a place in Gosling’s heart. He’s also a fan of modern innovators like Kamasi Washington, whose fusion of jazz with contemporary elements feels like a natural extension of the genre’s evolution. Gosling has often mentioned how jazz artists inspire him not just musically, but creatively. The way they approach their craft—with a fearless dedication to improvisation and experimentation—mirrors his own approach to acting.
“I’ve always admired how jazz musicians can go onstage without a set plan and just see what happens,” Gosling once said. “There’s something beautiful about that kind of vulnerability, and I try to bring that same sense of spontaneity to my performances.”
Jazz and Acting: A Shared Art of Improvisation
Jazz, for all its complexities, is ultimately about freedom—freedom to express, to explore, to make mistakes and turn them into something beautiful. That philosophy resonates deeply with Gosling, whose acting career is marked by a similar willingness to take risks and embrace the unknown. In interviews, he’s often spoken about the parallels between jazz and acting, noting that both art forms require a certain level of trust in the process.
In the same way that a jazz musician might stray from the written notes, Gosling approaches his roles with a sense of openness. He’s not afraid to improvise, to go off-script, and to let the moment dictate his performance. That unpredictability is what makes his acting so compelling—it’s as though he’s always searching for something deeper, a truth that can only be found through spontaneity.
A Personal Reflection: The Meditative Power of Jazz
For Gosling, listening to jazz is more than just a pastime—it’s a form of meditation, a way to slow down and reconnect with the world around him. In the fast-paced, often chaotic world of Hollywood, jazz provides a sanctuary, a space where he can lose himself in the music and emerge feeling grounded. “There’s something about the way jazz flows,” Gosling once said. “It doesn’t demand your attention—it invites it. It lets you be a part of it without forcing anything.”
It’s in these quiet moments, surrounded by the sounds of a crackling vinyl record, that Gosling finds peace. Jazz, with its improvisational spirit and emotional depth, offers him a way to escape, to reflect, and to connect with the creative spark that drives his artistic endeavors.
Conclusion: A Timeless Connection
Ryan Gosling’s love for jazz is more than just an interest—it’s a lifelong relationship, one that has shaped him both personally and professionally. From his early years discovering the music of jazz legends to his role in La La Land, where he brought that passion to life on screen, Gosling’s connection to the genre runs deep. His vinyl collection, filled with classics and modern gems alike, stands as a testament to his dedication to preserving the spirit of jazz.
For Gosling, jazz is more than just music—it’s an inspiration, a way of life, and a reminder of the beauty that can be found in spontaneity and imperfection. Through his collection and his passion, Gosling keeps the heart of jazz alive, blending the past and the present in a harmonious celebration of this timeless genre.
