Superstar DJ and producer Mark Ronson has shared his honest playlist with BBC Radio 2, revealing the songs that have shaped his life, from his first emotional reaction to music to the track he wants played at his funeral. The 49-year-old, known for hits like Uptown Funk, opened up about his musical journey, including his secret love for heavy metal band Pantera.
Ronson recalled his first emotional reaction to music was Can't Find My Way Home by Blind Faith, from the soundtrack to the 1988 film 1969. He described it as 'completely haunting'. His first single purchases included (Nothing Serious) Just Buggin' by Whistle and Let's Go All the Way by Sly Fox, bought with money given by his stepfather, Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones.
For parties, Ronson recommends Young Hearts Run Free by Candi Staton, saying 'it unites everybody'. He also admitted a secret love for Pantera's This Love, a song he 'used to love as a kid'. When it comes to sex, Ronson cannot listen to music because his brain drifts to production details, but he finds Brian Eno's Music for Airports suitable as it 'washes over' him.
The song that changed his life was They Reminisce Over You (TROY) by Pete Rock & CL Smooth, which inspired him to become a DJ. For his funeral, he wants Uptown Funk played, joking, 'Even in the grave, he's still after his royalties.' Ronson's new book, Night People: How to Be a DJ in 90s New York City, is out now.
