Stephen King, the iconic author known for his thrilling novels, recently revealed an unexpected side of himself during an interview with Rolling Stone. King shared a humorous anecdote about his love for Lou Bega‘s 1999 hit, “Mambo No. 5,” which became so intense that it led to a marital ultimatum from his wife, Tabitha King.
When asked if the rumors about his fondness for “Mambo No. 5” were true, King replied with a resounding “Oh, yeah. Big time.” He confessed to playing the song repeatedly, even boasting about owning the dance mix. King enthusiastically listened to both sides of the extended play record, with one side being entirely instrumental.
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However, his relentless love for the infectious tune pushed his wife to the brink. King recounted, “I played that thing until my wife just said, ‘One more time, and I’m going to f***ing leave you.'” Thankfully, King heeded her warning, and his marriage to Tabitha King, which began in 1971, remained intact. The couple shares three children, including writers Joe Hill and Owen King.
The memorable “Mambo No. 5” by Lou Bega was built upon a 1949 instrumental single by Dámaso Pérez Prado. Bega’s version included the catchy calling out of women’s names, making it an international sensation that topped charts in various countries.
During the interview, King also delved into his musical preferences while writing. He disclosed that techno and disco music, such as LCD Soundsystem and Fatboy Slim, provided the perfect background for his creative process. Unlike more lyrical genres, techno and disco allowed him to focus solely on his writing without the distraction of lyrics.
As for his current musical interests, King shared that he has been enjoying classic rock from artists like Foghat and Bob Seger. Additionally, he’s explored country music with artists like Travis Tritt and Alan Jackson.
While Stephen King’s novels have kept readers on the edge of their seats for decades, it’s fascinating to discover the musical rhythms that inspire his storytelling. Now, with his latest book, “Holly,” available for purchase, fans can immerse themselves in another thrilling King adventure, no “Mambo No. 5” required.