Dwayne Johnson Received His First Guitar from Willie Nelson as a Birthday Gift: ‘I Play Like Dog S— Compared to Him’

Dwayne Johnson has recently entered the music scene with the release of his new song, “Your Dad,” featured on the album *Moana: Voices Across the Ocean*, created to accompany the live-action adaptation of Disney’s beloved animated film. In a candid interview with *Rolling Stone*, the actor reflected on his deep-seated passion for music and the influences that shaped his artistic journey.

The 54-year-old star, who plays the character Maui in the film, shared insights into his musical influences. He mentioned classic artists like Sam Cooke and Elvis, alongside country legends such as George Jones and Merle Haggard, as significant figures in his musical education. Johnson expressed particular admiration for Willie Nelson, who notably gifted him a rare guitar, adding weight to his musical heritage.

“Willie gave me one of the historic Trigger guitars,” Johnson recalled. “Martin only made 100 of those, and I was over the moon when he did that. While I might not play as well as he does, it remains an incredible gift that I cherish.” This early connection to music laid a foundation that Johnson is keen to explore further.

Following the release of “Your Dad,” Johnson unveiled his aspirations to delve deeper into music. He revealed a desire to create work that harkens back to the old-school soul genre, infused with elements of country music. “I’d love to explore that fusion,” he remarked, highlighting his fondness for the soulful sounds that resonate with him on a personal level.

As he discussed potential projects, the possibility of a duets album emerged. This prospect excited him, as he expressed his respect for the diverse music scene, particularly in Nashville. “If I were to take on an album, it would be approached with reverence for the craft,” Johnson said. He envisions a collaboration where he can share his love for music and showcase his roots with other artists.

Johnson’s wife, Lauren Hashian, also spoke about his musical talents, revealing the vital role that music has played throughout his life. In an interview with *PEOPLE*, she described him as “very musical,” attributing this passion to his Polynesian upbringing, where music was deeply woven into family life. “His mother always plays the ukulele and has one with her everywhere,” Hashian shared, highlighting the significant influence of Johnson’s family on his musical journey.

Recalling their early relationship, she noted the couple’s fondness for karaoke, which became a staple of their date nights. “We’d have such fun singing together,” Hashian remembered, revealing a glimpse into the couple’s shared love for music and the joy it brings to their lives.

As Johnson continues to navigate both acting and music, his enthusiasm for the latter is palpable. He approaches this newfound musical endeavours with genuine curiosity and a heartfelt respect for the genre and its legacy. In an era where celebrities often branch into multiple artistic forms, Johnson’s journey exemplifies a passionate exploration of music alongside his established acting career.

With the upcoming *Moana: Voices Across the Ocean* album setting the stage for Johnson’s musical exploration, fans are eager to see how this next chapter unfolds. His heartfelt approach to songwriting and performance suggests that Dwayne Johnson may well be on the verge of making his mark in the music industry, further enriching his already multifaceted career.