Tim Curry’s 5 Best Musical Moments, From ‘Rocky Horror’ to ‘Muppet Treasure Island’

The world lost one of its most versatile, captivating performers when Tim Curry died on Wednesday (Aug. 25).

The English singer-actor passed away at the age of 80 in his Los Angeles home, about 14 years after he suffered a major stroke that resulted in his use of a wheelchair for the rest of his life. His longtime manager, Marcia Hurwitz, confirmed the news to Billboard in a statement praising his “curious, expansive mind and generous, gentle heart, both of which remained open and filled with anticipation until his final breath.”

But while Curry is no longer with us, fans will always have his illustrious resumé of iconic roles in film and theater to remember him by — many of which feature memorable musical numbers performed with a combination of charisma, comedic timing and booming baritone vibrato that was entirely his own. The three-time Tony nominee also enjoyed recording music independent of his acting projects, releasing three studio albums of both cover songs and originals. His most successful LP, Fearless, reached No. 53 on the Billboard 200 in 1979, and he even scored an entry on the Billboard Hot 100 back in the day — but more on that later.

So, in honor of a truly irreplaceable figure in entertainment, Billboard is looking back at Curry’s best musical moments. From his performances in The Rocky Horror Picture Show to Muppet Treasure Island, his own recorded music and more, keep reading to see our favorite of the legendary star’s numerous forays into music below.

• “Sweet Transvestite” in ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ (1975)

  

  Curry’s most well known role is likely as the iconic Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, iconic for everything from the actor’s over-the-top makeup and costume to the playful, dreamy-eyed delivery of quotable lines such as “see you shiver with antici… pation!“

  The best of Dr. Frank-N-Furter is captured in the campy entrance number “Sweet Transvestite,” in which Curry magnetically plays up every hip swivel and eyebrow raise.

• “I Do the Rock” (1979)

  Curry will always be most famous for his acting roles, but he’ll also forever be in the Billboard history books with “I Do the Rock,” his biggest hit from Fearless. The track reached No. 91 on the Hot 100 and showcased all of the energy, flair and raw talent he brought to his films and stage shows. He do the rock, rock, rock!

• “Easy Street” With Carol Burnett & Bernadette Peters in ‘Annie’ (1982)

  

  Not everyone can keep up with the forces that are Carol Burnett and Bernadette Peters, but Tim Cook was no ordinary performer. The three greats bounce off of each other’s energy in a masterclass of outrageous, flamboyant villainy, balancing comedic choreography with hilariously exaggerated vocals.

• “Toxic Love” in ‘FernGully: The Last Rainforest’ (1992)

  Curry stole the show in FernGully: The Last Rainforest with his performance of “Toxic Love,” a truly mesmerizing, jazzy bad-guy anthem sung from the perspective of his character Hexxus. In one of his best vocal performances ever, the star expertly delivers raspiness, maniacal cackling and even a burp on this unforgettable soundtrack gem.

• “A Professional Pirate” in ‘Muppet Treasure Island’ (1996)

  Curry’s gifts as a performer were highlighted by his ability to have chemistry with non-human costars in Muppet Treasure Island, especially during his big song in the film, “A Professional Pirate.” Interspersed with top-notch evil laughter and incredible moments of physical comedy, this invaluable addition to the pirate song canon finds Curry making the most of every second — because, after all, “This is my only number,” his character Long John Silver stresses during the performance.