It’s long been said that the entertainment industry is a young person’s game. But, when you look at the facts, that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are a slew of musicians, now in their 70s and 80s, who are still very much in their element.
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Find a list of artists who have only gotten better with age, below.
1. Dolly Parton
At 77, Dolly Parton is still finding new ways to reinvent herself. With her impending record, Rockstar, she is prepared to take the biggest sonic leap of her career. She has swapped her gentle, country tones for raucous, anthemic ones. Many artists at her age would likely rest on their laurels, Parton however wants to continue to earn her keep. She proves time and time again why she is one of the most beloved and respected musicians of all time.
2. The Rolling Stones
Few rock bands have been more enduring than The Rolling Stones. Though they’ve had some lineup changes over the years, their core is still very much intact. Both Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are rocking as hard as ever in their 80s and late 70s respectively.
In an age where most bands continue to perform under the same name but have entirely different members, it’s comforting to know we have the Stones to return to for a dose of something long-lasting and authentic.
3. Paul McCartney/Ringo Starr
Both Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are doing The Beatles proud with their respective solo careers. McCartney routinely puts on massive, splashy rock shows that put many younger artists to shame. Ringo Starr is swapping places with Parton, preparing a country-tinged EP. In everything Starr does, his distinctive personality shines through. Both artists are not just deserving of their continued success, but are still working to advance their careers.
4. Willie Nelson
Last, but not least, we have Willie Nelson. The country icon is still one of the premier faces in the genre, despite being followed by decades of subsequent musicians. His name is hallowed ground. Any country fanatic understands the weight of Nelson’s name.
From his early crooning days to the outlaw movement to his recently released album, Bluegrass, Nelson didn’t get where he is today for no reason. He is a singular force in music and will likely never be replicated.
[RELATED: Top 10 Outlaw Country Songs From Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and More]
Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images for ABA
