From Mimicking Voices to Singing Springsteen: Hank Azaria's Musical Journey
Hank Azaria, the renowned actor famous for his voice work on "The Simpsons," decided to learn how to sing like Bruce Springsteen as a way to bring more joy into his life as he approached his 60th birthday. Despite his talent for mimicking voices, Azaria had limited experience as a musical mimic. He aimed to surprise guests at his birthday party with a set of Springsteen covers but found it more challenging than expected. With practice and determination, he eventually honed his singing skills and received positive feedback from his wife.
During a visit to Philadelphia to promote a show and visit family, Azaria shared his love for the city and discussed his upcoming projects, including the series "The Artist" and the 37th season of "The Simpsons." He also talked about his decision to stop voicing the character Apu on the show after realizing the negative impact it had on the South Asian community. Azaria has been keeping busy with his band, the EZ Street Band, performing Springsteen songs and sharing personal stories at various gigs along the East Coast.
The EZ Street Band's shows feature a mix of Springsteen's hits, including "Born to Run," and storytelling intros that reflect Azaria's own experiences. Proceeds from the shows support Azaria's Four Through Nine Foundation, which focuses on social justice, education, and recovery causes. Despite his busy schedule, Azaria continues to pursue his passion for music and performance, drawing inspiration from artists like Bruce Springsteen.