Age is just a number! This old phrase is as accurate as ever, especially when it comes to creativity. In fact, many artists have gotten better as they’ve aged. And these four musicians produced some of their best music after the age of 60.
Keep in mind that this list is all a matter of opinion. Each of these four artists made plenty of great music in their younger years. This writer is just partial to their post-60 works.
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Let’s dive in, shall we?
1. Dr. John
Dr. John was an incredible talent. One of his most notable works was his collaboration Locked Down with Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. He wasn’t trying to revitalize his career or try something new, either. Rather, this 2012 album was simply him being his ol’ New Orleans jazzy self, just with amped-up production. He was 71 when the album was released.
2. Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash was a household name before he hit his 60s, but this famed country musician also produced some of his best music during his later years. Specifically, his comeback with American IV: The Man Comes Around was an astounding one. And he did it all at the age of 70.
3. Loretta Lynn
Loretta Lynn released a ton of country classics earlier in her career. That being said, she really proved that she could make fantastic music well in her 70s. The fact that she could even sing as well as she did in her 70s is commendable.
In 2004, the country legend paired up with Jack White to produce an inspiring, joyful album titled Van Lear Rose. The album simply refreshed Lynn’s classic country sound and brought her voice into a new era.
4. Scott Walker
Scott Walker always had a notably unique voice, even at the very start of his career as a teen icon in the 1960s. And as he aged, that talent and unique energy didn’t disappear. He poured it all into the 2012 album Bish Bosch at the age of 69. And it’s a stellar piece of work.
Few can honor the avant-garde quite the way he could, and he managed to do so with a modern, relevant, and fascinating piece of work.
Photo by Scott Gries
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