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When Celebs Hit a Low Note

Like Joaquin Phoenix, other stars have stumbled painfully into the music biz

By Laurel Jorgensen, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 25, 2009 6:33 PM CST

(Newser) – Ex-Oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix kicked off a new career last week by rapping in Las Vegas—and tripping off the stage. He's not the only actor to stumble in the music business, the Independent reports. Among his peers:

Bruce Willis: He died hard with a painful rendition of the Motown classic Under the Boardwalk in the mid-80s.
Eddie Murphy: The funny man’s funky Party All the Time made him a pop star, but his musical fame fizzled fast.

Steven Seagal: The action star scored a legit hit in Thailand with the 2005 blues single Girl It’s Alright.
Russell Crowe: Phoenix’s Gladiator co-star rocked out with his pub band, 30 Odd Foot of Grunts, until they broke up 4 years ago.
Jada Pinkett Smith: She shook her share of eardrums as the frontwoman of heavy metal band Wisdom Wicked.

[Images (2)]

[Videos (6)]

Actor Joaquin Phoenix arrives at the premiere of "Che" during AFI Fest 2008 on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

Eddie Murphy sings "Party All the Time." (YouTube)

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Bruce Willis sings with the Temptations. (YouTube)

Eddie Murphy (YouTube)

Steven Seagal sings Girl It's Alright, the first single from his debut CD, Songs From The Crystal Cave. (YouTube)

Russell Crowe rocks with his former band, 30 Odd Foot of Grunts. (YouTube)

Jada Pinkett Smith and Wicked Wisdom on David Letterman. (YouTube)

Joaquin Phoenix raps in Las Vegas. (YouTube)

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When Celebs Hit a Low Note