Audrey Hepburn’s All-Time Favorite Song – And the Heartfelt Connection to Her Legacy

Audrey Hepburn, whose legacy as a cinematic icon endures decades after her passing, had a personal musical touchstone that captured her imagination and inspired her nightly routine. While Hepburn’s life was shaped by her experiences—both the hardships of World War II and the luminous triumphs of her film career—it was a particular piece of jazz music that held a special place in her heart.

In a 1956 interview, Hepburn expressed her love for jazz, calling it her favorite genre. “It makes me want to move,” she said. “I like jazz best now.” Her appreciation extended to some of the greats, including Benny Goodman, Gerry Mulligan, and Mel Powell. Yet among the many jazz compositions she adored, one song stood above the rest: “Audrey” by the Dave Brubeck Quartet.

Composed by Paul Desmond and inspired by Hepburn herself, “Audrey” first appeared on Brubeck’s Brubeck Time album. Its gentle, elegant melody reflected the grace and charm that Hepburn embodied on and off screen. However, Desmond never learned how deeply the song resonated with her. He passed away in 1977, leaving behind a composition that became Hepburn’s cherished favorite.

Hepburn’s connection to the song was revealed after her death in 1993, when her ex-husband Andrea Dotti requested that Brubeck perform “Audrey” at her memorial service. According to Doug Ramsey’s book Take Five: The Public and Private Lives of Paul Desmond, Dotti explained the significance of the tune, saying, “My wife listened to that song every night before she went to bed.”

For a star whose life was filled with countless melodies—both on screen and in her private moments—“Audrey” stood as her most treasured piece. It was not just a song, but a nightly ritual, a reflection of her elegance, and a testament to how music, like the finest films, can leave an indelible mark.