We’ve seen many country stars come and go, leaving a piece of music history behind. And there are many country singers out there today that have been doing it for decades with no end in sight. Let’s learn a bit about the oldest living country legends who are still around today!
1. Willie Nelson
Would this be a list of the oldest living country legends without at least mentioning the legendary Willie Nelson? As of 2024, Nelson is 91 years old and still touring and making music. Few have lived like Nelson, who made a brand for himself out of loving the road and playing music wherever he goes. He’ll likely keep going until the very end and never retire, honestly.
Videos by American Songwriter
[Buy Tickets To See Willie Nelson Live In 2024]
2. Leroy Van Dyke
Country music icon Leroy Van Dyke was known for his “auctioneer” voice which allowed him to sing lyrics extremely fast. But he wasn’t pigeonholed into just one schtick. He’s known for his vocals and incredible skill at the guitar and fiddle, as well as the mandolin. Van Dyke is 94 years old as of 2024.
3. Kris Kristofferson
Kris Kristofferson is 87 years old as of 2024. Even though he is now retired, the singer/songwriter and actor has left an amazing mark on country music history. He’s known for writing hits for other artists like “Me And Bobby McGee” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down”. He’s also known for hits under his own name like “Why Me” and “Loving Her Was Easier”. Kristofferson even received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the CMAs just a few years ago, and we can’t think of someone more deserving.
4. Billie Jean Horton
Singer/songwriter and guitarist Billie Jean Horton is 89 years old as of 2024. She is known for her contributions to country music as well as her high-profile marriages to Hank Williams and Johnny Horton. Today, she’s retired from making music and resides in an assisted living facility in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Photo by Ethan Miller
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
More The List
-
(Original Caption) A singer called Joni. Joni Mitchell, Canadian singer-songwriter, United Kingdom, 1968. The guitar-pickin' gal is Joni Mitchell, a long blonde haired Canadian folk singer. Pictured last night outside the Revolution club, Joni is here (until 1st October) for radio, television and concert appearances. Apart from concert appearances, 25 year old Joni will be heard on "Top Gear" on Radio One and "The Monday Show" on BBC 1. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) -
English rock band the Beatles arrive at London Airport from the USA, with their manager Brian Epstein (1934 – 1967, in coach doorway), 2nd September 1965. From left to right, John Lennon (1940 – 1980), George Harrison (1943 – 2001), Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. (Photo by George Stroud/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) -
George Jones, who released several country songs about whiskey -
Elvis Presley and Scotty Moore (left) performing on The Milton Berle Show at NBC's Hollywood studio, Los Angeles, California, 5th June 1956. Presley performed 'I Want You, I Need You, I Love You' and 'Hound Dog'. Press reaction to his performance was largely negative with his gyrating movements during 'Hound Dog' proving particularly controversial. (Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) -
Singer and musician Merle Haggard performs at the Poplar Creek Music Theater, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, August 16, 1983. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images) -
John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls at event, New York, 1990s. (Photo by Steve Eichner/Getty Images) -
Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images -
Pop group The Byrds (l to r): Chris Hillman; Dave Crosby; Mike Clark; Jim McGuinn; and Gene Clark. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)