The “NCIS” star’s entry into the music business will always be linked to one of Dr. Dre’s greatest singles. Renowned for his parts in NCIS and The Man from U.N.C.L.E., David McCallum has a special place in the music business. In the world of hip-hop, McCallum’s artistic pursuits resonated beyond his renowned acting career.
His surprising connection to Dr. Dre’s well-known tune highlights his diverse skill set. Born in the swinging ’60s, McCallum’s musical influence reverberates with modern beats, demonstrating the lasting importance of his creative legacy.
David McCallum inspired one of Dr. Dre’s most popular songs
McCallum has a legendary career in show business. He was a television star in the classic shows NCIS and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. In addition, he enthralled audiences on Broadway and made appearances in beloved movies including 1963’s The Great Escape.
McCallum was a talented musician whose work was appreciated by audiences of all ages in addition to his acting abilities. His musical brilliance went well beyond his cinematic persona, particularly impacting the hip-hop genre. During the 1960s, when his acting career was at its height, McCallum also dabbled in music creation.
According to Biography, McCallum’s work resulted in albums that highlighted his instrumental flair. His track “The Edge” would later underpin the infectious beat of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s 1999 hit “The Next Episode.”
McCallum’s legacy intertwined with music history in a way few actors have, leaving an indelible mark not just on television and film but also in the world of hip-hop beats.
A closer look at the late ‘NCIS’ star’s musical history
McCallum came into the world in 1933, hailing from a Glaswegian clan deeply rooted in musical tradition. His mother, Dorothy Dorman, played the cello, while his father, David McCallum Sr., took the reins of the London Philharmonic as the conductor from 1936. As a young child, David took to the oboe when he was between six and seven years old.
McCallum once reflected on the constant presence of music in his childhood, particularly his father’s persistent violin rehearsals. It seemed predetermined that he would inherit the family’s musical legacy.
The future actor’s foray into music was further cemented by his musical education secured through a scholarship at University College School in London.
Yet, despite this immersive musical environment, it was the allure of acting that captured McCallum’s imagination. His first taste of the stage came in a local production, where he portrayed The Little Prince in Shakespeare’s King John.
How David McCallum’s musical inspiration lives on
Throughout his career, McCallum collaborated with producer David Axelrod on four albums of instrumental melodies released under the Capitol Records label between 1966 and 1967. Out of all of these songs, “The Edge” would become well-known and be the basis for a great deal of music samples in the years that followed. The song “The Next Episode” from 1999 included it in its most notable usage, introducing McCallum’s melody to a new listenership.
This particular track soared to the 23rd spot on the Billboard Hot 100. It has been streamed almost 874 million times on Spotify and has maintained its presence in the cultural zeitgeist.
With its use in 43 different songs by various artists, including John Legend, Kendrick Lamar, and Kevin Federline, “The Edge” has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Its original form also graced the soundtrack of the widely praised 2017 movie Baby Driver, further cementing its status in entertainment.