Unveiling Marilyn’s Musical Legacy: 5 Must-Hear Songs Inspired by the Icon

Few figures have captured the cultural imagination quite like Marilyn Monroe. Decades after her untimely passing, Monroe’s image remains iconic, and her life continues to inspire artists across generations. From rock legends to pop stars, musicians have turned to Monroe’s glamour, vulnerability, and tragic story as a source of lyrical creativity. Some tracks are direct tributes, while others subtly reference her persona or invoke her as a symbol of beauty and fame.

Here are five standout songs inspired by or directly referencing Marilyn Monroe:

5. “Vogue” – Madonna
While Madonna’s Vogue is best known as a celebration of striking poses and golden-era glamour, it also gives a nod to Marilyn Monroe among a list of other Hollywood legends. In the song’s iconic bridge, Madonna name-drops Monroe alongside Greta Garbo, Dietrich, and DiMaggio, among others:
“Greta Garbo and Monroe / Dietrich and DiMaggio…”
The inclusion may be brief, but it underscores Monroe’s lasting impact on pop culture as one of the ultimate figures of old-school Hollywood allure.

4. “Candle In the Wind” – Elton John
Arguably one of the most famous tributes to Marilyn Monroe, Elton John’s Candle in the Wind (co-written with Bernie Taupin) paints a poignant picture of Monroe’s life. Opening with the line “Goodbye, Norma Jean,” the song reflects on her fame, struggles, and the emotional toll of living in the spotlight.
Taupin has clarified that the track isn’t simply about Monroe as an individual, but about the tragedy that comes with fleeting fame. Still, its original inspiration was undeniably Marilyn, solidifying her role as a muse for one of pop music’s most touching ballads.

3. “Celluloid Heroes” – The Kinks
The Kinks’ Celluloid Heroes is a tribute to Hollywood’s silver screen stars, past and present. Marilyn Monroe is among those mentioned, and the song poignantly highlights her humanity:
“But please don’t tread on dearest Marilyn / Cause she’s not very tough…”
By referencing her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Celluloid Heroes honors Monroe’s legacy while acknowledging the fragility behind her iconic image.

2. “1963” – New Order
New Order’s 1963 is an imaginative piece that weaves a fictional tale involving John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe. While the song is ultimately a work of creative storytelling—placing Monroe in a scenario tied to the Kennedy assassination—it reflects the enduring fascination with her rumored connections to the political elite. Though the timeline of events is fictionalized (Monroe passed away in 1962, before Kennedy’s assassination), the song’s creative approach highlights the mystique that continues to surround her.

1. “National Anthem” – Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey’s National Anthem exemplifies her fascination with vintage Americana and Hollywood’s golden age. The song nods to Marilyn Monroe’s famous “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” performance for JFK, with a direct musical reference at the song’s introduction. Del Rey’s ongoing allusions to Monroe throughout her work—particularly in songs like Body Electric—solidify her as one of the most vocal contemporary artists inspired by Monroe’s life and legacy.

Conclusion
From pop hits to rock ballads, Marilyn Monroe has remained a consistent muse for artists seeking to capture a blend of glamour, tragedy, and timeless appeal. Whether celebrated in passing mentions or as the central focus of a track, her influence on music reflects her enduring status as a cultural icon. These five songs, each in its unique way, honor the legend of Marilyn Monroe and keep her memory alive in the hearts and minds of fans worldwide.