Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford is hinting at a surprising new musical direction: a covers album paying tribute to jazz legend Tony Bennett.
Known for his thunderous screams and commanding vocals in heavy metal, Halford has long expressed a love for genres beyond metal, including jazz and country. His crossover chops were on display in 2022 when he performed Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’ at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, a collaboration they later revisited on her album ‘Rockstar’.
Speaking to Ultimate Classic Rock, Halford revealed his admiration for Bennett, “I was singing Tony Bennett in the shower the other day, listening to my voice, and thinking, ‘Do I dare try something like this?’ Then I reminded myself, ‘I’m an old man; I can do what I want!’ He was such an icon. I love the imagination and range of voices, like [Lady] Gaga exploring jazz in Vegas. It’s endlessly inspiring.”
While Halford is clearly intrigued by the idea, he admits there are no concrete plans yet. “I’d love to do it, but I’m not sure how I’d start. I’d better get moving if I want to make it happen. Back in the day, I wouldn’t have dared,” he said.
Fans are also eagerly anticipating a forthcoming Judas Priest documentary, co-directed by Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello.