19 Best Singers That Smoke Cigarettes (Famous Singers)

Do you know the list of the best singers that smoke cigarettes?

Smoking has been a common coping mechanism among musicians, serving as a way to deal with the stress that comes with performing.

Despite the well-established health risks, many singers continue to embrace cigarettes. This article aims to explore the smoking habits of 19 famous singers, providing insights into their struggles and attempts to quit while addressing common questions related to smoking and singing.

List of the Singers Who Smoke Cigarettes

1. Lady Gaga: Overcoming a 40-Cigarettes-Per-Day Habit

Lady Gaga’s journey from smoking 40 cigarettes a day to successfully quitting deserves commendation. Her account of the difficulty in overcoming this habit is encapsulated in her own words, highlighting the challenges faced by even the most iconic figures.

2. Katy Perry: A Cautionary Tale of One Cigarette Leading to a Habit

Katy Perry’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the insidious nature of smoking. Starting with a single cigarette, she found herself entrenched in a habit exacerbated by the pressures of planning her wedding, illustrating the vulnerability even successful artists can experience.

3. Miley Cyrus: Openly Embracing Cigarettes Since Age 15

Miley Cyrus has been remarkably open about her love for cigarettes, having started smoking at the tender age of 15. Her unapologetic admission, “I’m not going to be a hypocrite and say I don’t smoke,” offers a candid perspective on the prevalence of smoking in the music industry.

4. Justin Bieber: Battling Addiction and Resisting Cigarettes

Justin Bieber’s struggle with addiction, including an early introduction to smoking, showcases the multifaceted challenges that artists face. Despite overcoming some drug habits, the ongoing battle with cigarettes emphasizes the lasting impact of early exposure to harmful substances.

5. Ariana Grande: The Allure of Smoking at 16

Ariana Grande’s revelation that she started smoking at 16 for a sense of secrecy and ‘coolness’ reflects the allure that cigarettes can hold for young artists navigating the complexities of fame and identity.

6. Beyoncé

Beyoncé’s appearance in a cigarette-related commercial drew criticism, yet details about the extent of her smoking habit remain elusive. This mystery surrounding her smoking practices prompts contemplation on the private lives of public figures.

7. Lana Del Rey: Smoking in Moderation and the Unhealthy Habit

Lana Del Rey openly confesses to smoking, particularly when she’s drinking, introducing the notion of moderation. However, the question arises regarding the healthiness of such a habit, sparking discussions about the dual nature of smoking among artists.

8. Adele: The Struggle to Quit and Vocal Impact

Adele’s tumultuous journey with smoking, coupled with its impact on her vocal cords, presents a nuanced view of an artist’s battle with a harmful habit. Her story brings to light the intricate relationship between smoking, vocal health, and artistic expression.

9. John Lennon: A Marlboro Man’s Struggles with Quitting

A member of the Beatles, John Lennon’s association with smoking was so strong that it led to a ban on the band entering Japan. Despite numerous attempts to quit, Lennon found solace in cigarettes, highlighting the persistent struggle many face in overcoming this addiction.

10. Frank Sinatra: The Wonder of a Resilient Voice

Frank Sinatra’s heavy smoking, reaching up to two packs a day, stands as a testament to the surprising resilience of his vocal cords. His ability to maintain a strong voice despite such a habit prompts contemplation on the individuality of the impact of smoking on artists.

11. Jimi Hendrix: Smoking in an Era of Music

Jimi Hendrix, existing in an era where smoking was synonymous with music, exemplifies a time when many musicians embraced cigarettes as a means to relax and de-stress. His story reflects the broader cultural context of smoking in the music industry.

12. Jim Morrison: An Iconic Frontman’s Addiction and Influence

Jim Morrison was a singer and songwriter who was best known as the lead singer of the Doors. He was born on December 8, 1943, in Melbourne, Florida, and died on July 3, 1971. Morrison is considered one of the most iconic and influential frontmen in rock music history.

Virtually every photograph of Jim Morrison still in existence shows him with a cigarette of some sort. This may be because he started smoking at a young age and developed a serious addiction to cigarettes.

13. Bob Dylan: Equating Quitting to Climbing Everest

Bob Dylan, in a recent interview, likened quitting smoking to “climbing Mount Everest,” underscoring the arduous journey of breaking the habit. His openness adds depth to the discussion, emphasizing the difficulty of overcoming a habit deeply ingrained in an artist’s lifestyle.

14. Johnny Cash: Struggling with Addiction Despite Attempts to Quit

Like many of his time, Johnny Cash started smoking at a young age, developing a serious addiction. Despite sincere attempts to quit, he found cigarettes to be a source of relaxation, shedding light on the enduring struggle faced by artists in breaking free from such habits.

15. Keith Richards: Recent Quitter for Prolonged Career

Keith Richards, a legend with the Rolling Stones, recently quit smoking to extend their time on the road. The decision is noted as a challenging one, emphasizing the difficulty of quitting nicotine and the lengths artists go to in preserving their careers.

16. Dave Mustaine: A Reminder of Bad Habits and Their Consequences

Dave Mustaine’s diagnosis of throat cancer in 2019 serves as a stark reminder that bad habits spare no one, even iconic figures in the music industry. His journey underscores the fragility of health and the need for artists to prioritize well-being.

17. Lou Reed: A Struggle to Quit and the Possibility of Success

Lou Reed’s multiple attempts to quit smoking, as noted in interviews, reflect the challenging nature of overcoming this addiction. Reports suggest he succeeded just before his death, offering a glimpse of hope amid the struggle.

18. Tito Gobbi: The Glamorous Smoking Era

In the 1950s, smoking was fashionable, and Tito Gobbi smoked until his death. His ability to smoke while singing adds an intriguing layer to the discussion, reflecting the norms and practices of a bygone era.

19. Maria Callas: Smoking as an Iconic Opera Singer’s Image

Her adult life, on the other hand, was a world away from her childhood. She was demeaned as being less attractive, intelligent, talented, and feminine than her older sister.

Once she became an opera singer and became an icon of glamour smoking followed as part of the deal. She used to smoke all day while watching westerns for inspiration.

Frequently Ask Questions

Conclusion: Singers That Smoke Cigarettes

In conclusion, this exploration of the smoking habits of renowned singers reveals a complex relationship between artists and cigarettes. While the allure and challenges of quitting are evident, the overarching message is clear: smoking is detrimental to singers’ health and vocal capabilities.

The article encourages readers to delve deeper into the complexities of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the demanding world of music, emphasizing the need for artists to prioritize their well-being over harmful habits.

That’s all for the guide of the singers who smoke cigarettes. You can also check out our guide Why Do British Singers Sound American and 43 Famous Baritone Singers.