Bullets went flying, lives were lost, and bridges were burned in today’s explosive finale of Paramount+’s hit series Tulsa King. But when the dust settled, the Bred 2 Buck Cabaret and Casino rose from the ashes, and with it came something that fans have been waiting for — a musical performance from one of the show’s stars, Garrett Hedlund.
Tulsa King follows New York mafia capo Dwight Manfredi (Sylvester Stallone), who is released from prison after 25 years and unceremoniously exiled by his boss to set up shop in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Hedlund portrays bar owner Mitch Keller, an ex-bull rider and ex-con that quickly bonds with Dwight after he arrives in town. Throughout the course of the season, fans were given hints that we may see Hedlund bring his musical talents to the show, between scenes with Mitch strumming his guitar and the insinuation that he might become the bar’s house band.
And thus the final episode of the first season, “Happy Trails,” delivered, as Hedlund took to the bar’s brand new stage to perform two impressive covers that we won’t be forgetting anytime soon — “Ramblin’ Man” by The Allman Brothers Band and “Never Been To Spain” by Three Dog Night. (Will Paramount take bribes to release the full versions of both songs? Asking for a friend.)
Mitch’s transformation from the easygoing guy behind the bar to a charming frontman onstage isn’t just an act, either — Hedlund is also a musician in real life. His music career began with the film Country Strong, for which he learned to sing and play guitar for his role as the country musician Beau Hutton. While his acting remained at the forefront in the years that followed, Hedlund still went on to lend his musical talents to other films he starred in as well, such as Lullaby and Dirt Music.
Last year saw Hedlund begin to pursue his solo music career, and he released several tracks and two music videos, all of which are currently available to stream.
For more on Garrett Hedlund, check out our recent deep dive into his filmography here!
All nine episodes of Tulsa King are now streaming exclusively on Paramount+. If you need a refresher, take a look back at our weekly episodic recaps, and stick around, because the show has already been renewed for a second season.
