8 Must-Listen Gene Wilder Covers, From Fiona Apple To Russell Brand

by Katherine Barner

I’m sure you have heard the sad news that the amazing, admirable, legendary Gene Wilder passed away at 83 years old. His nephew said he died from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. 

The comedic genius was famous for roles in films such as Blazing SaddlesYoung FrankensteinStir CrazyThe Producers, and of course, one of my favorite movies of all time, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Wilder’s Willy Wonka character had a few notable songs that have been covered by some amazing artists through the past few decades. To celebrate the incredible, musical man, we compiled a list of some of the best (and strangest, thanks Russell Brand and Marilyn Manson), covers of Wilder’s “Pure Imagination” and “The Wondrous Boat Ride” – or better known as that really creepy/trippy boat scene that we all had nightmares about as children but really appreciated as adults.

Check them out:

Fiona Apple

Russell Brand

Jamie Cullum

 Buckethead

 Primus

Leonard Cohen

Marilyn Manson

Coldplay

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Founded in 1993, BUST is the inclusive feminist lifestyle trailblazer offering a unique mix of humor, female-focused entertainment, uncensored personal stories, and candid reporting that tells the truth about women’s lives.

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