Dale's Hotshop Playlist

The connection between artists and music is undeniably strong. Picasso was known to paint while listening to Russian composer Igor Stravinsky; scholars have found evidence that Leonardo da Vinci enjoyed working to the sounds of French musician Josquin des Prez, and Andy Warhol had David Bowie albums that he only played while creating in his New York City studio. And what about Dale Chihuly when he’s at work in his Hotshop or painting studio? He mostly listens to the Beatles.
 
“I like the music to be really loud and pumped up in The Hotshop. I think it does pump you up and keeps you moving.” —Chihuly
 
Due to the fast-moving and fiery nature of glassblowing, the entire team needs to be in constant communication to ensure Chihuly’s vision comes to fruition. However, Dale and his team of glassblowers have been working together for so long that simple hand gestures convey Chihuly’s directives, so music can be played at whatever volume he prefers. An eclectic blend of artists and genres fills The Hotshop with a constant stream of up-tempo songs. The lively cadence keeps the energy high and the creative processes flowing. Chihuly’s taste in music spans from the 1950s to 1990s, and consists of rock, pop, blues, jazz, and some lesser-known deep cuts.
 
“People often say, why is the music so loud?  Why do you play the same song over and over? If I hear a song I like, I’ll often want to play it over and over. I become very familiar with it, and I know what it is; it’s a rhythm, and it allows me to not think about what’s going on around me but to really focus on what I’m doing.” —Chihuly
 
We’ve compiled an assortment of Chihuly’s favorite Hotshop selections into the above playlist for your listening. Find it on Spotify at @ChihulyStudio, or create your own using the track information below.
 
“Twist and Shout” – The Beatles
“Eight Days A Week” – The Beatles
“Please Please Me” – The Beatles
“All You Need Is Love” – The Beatles
“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” – The Beatles
“Hey Jude” – The Beatles
“Can’t Buy Me Love” – The Beatles
“Get Back” – The Beatles
“Like A Rolling Stone” – Bob Dylan
“A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” – Bob Dylan
“The Times They Are A-Changin’” – Bob Dylan
“I Can’t Help Myself” – Four Tops
“Heartbreak Hotel” – Elvis Presley
“Blue Suede Shoes” – Elvis Presley
“Rocket Man”- Elton John
“Crocodile Rock” – Elton John
“Ring of Fire” – Johnny Cash
“Folsom Prison Blues” – Johnny Cash
“I’m Gonna Sit Right Down (And Write Myself A Letter)” – Frank Sinatra
“Get Happy” – Frank Sinatra
“Venus” – Frankie Avalon
“Quiet Village” – Martin Denny
“Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison
“Travelin’ Man” – Ricky Nelson
“Start Me Up” – The Rolling Stones
“Honest I Do” – The Rolling Stones
“June In January” – Julie London
“Let’s Twist Again” – Chubby Checker
“Roll Over Beethoven” – Chuck Berry
“All I Have to Do Is Dream” – The Everly Brothers
“Wake up Little Susie” – The Everly Brothers
“Sh-Boom” – The Crew Cuts
“That’ll Be the Day” – Buddy Holly
“Everyday” – Buddy Holly