Hope Davis
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In the last several years we’ve lost many of our musical heroes. Though it’s sad that so many legends are gone, we’re also fortunate that many are still around.
If you’re interested in the oldest musicians still alive in 2023, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into 26 artists who have reached significant age milestones.
1. Ringo Starr
One of the oldest musicians in the field is Ringo Starr, drummer of the Beatles and famed singer, songwriter, and actor. The English talent is an incredible 83 years old and continues to tour and produce music. One of the most well-known performers of the 20th century, Ringo often makes lists of the best drummers of all time.
Related: New Beatles Song in 2023 Will Be Their Last
2. Bob Dylan
Many would argue that 82-year-old Bob Dylan is one of the best singers and songwriters of all time, and they’d have an excellent case for the matter. Dylan still performs today and has produced countless albums and singles throughout his six-decade career.
Related: The Best Recent Bob Dylan Songs
3. Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is a philanthropist, singer, actress, songwriter, and more, boasting an impressive career at 77 years old. Parton is a mainstay in country music (with a few folk songs in the mix) and is easily one of the most recognizable figures in the world today. Anyone who doesn’t have at least one Dolly Parton song in their repertoire probably doesn’t even know music!
Related: 35 Interesting Facts About Dolly Parton
4. Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is 90 years old and one of the most prominent futures in the outlaw and progressive country subgenres of the 60s, emerging from Nashville’s conservative restrictions. He’s produced dozens of hits in his career and shaped the future of country music.
5. Paul McCartney
One of the oldest musicians still alive today is Paul McCartney, another member of the Beatles and an English songwriter and musician. The 81-year-old once shared the songwriting duties of the Beatles with John Lennon, who passed away in 1980 at just 40 years old.
Related: 15 Interesting Facts About the Beatles
6. Frankie Valli
Franki Valli is 89 years old and a former member (and frontman) of The Four Seasons. His fame came from the power behind his unusual falsetto tone, carrying the group to new heights in the 60s. While Frankie Valli didn’t have much contemporary music, his melodies are sure to be known around the world for generations.
7. Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger is the frontman and one of the founding members of the Rolling Stones, pushing the band to success along with the other members of the group. The 80-year-old is still very active in his career today, offering various live performances and interviews to the delight of fans everywhere. The Rolling Stones are even releasing an album in 2023.
8. Yoko Ono
Japanese multimedia artist and singer Yoko Ono has had an impressive career as a musician in her 90 years. Ono is known for her avant-garde art and music, and for being the wife of Beatle John Lennon.
9. Rod Stewart
Sir Rod Stewart is 78 years old and still possesses the distinct, raspy voice that helped him stand out amongst a massive group of singing peers in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. He’s one of the best-selling artists of all time and a success story straight from the United Kingdom.
Even in his late years, Rod continues to perform at festivals and other events, proving that music-making can be a career for anyone at any age!
10. Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick is next on our list of oldest musicians, as she is late into her 82nd year. Warwick is a singer, but she’s also an actress, television host, and one of the best hit-makers for songs in the United States of America.
Listeners everywhere can enjoy her melodic tunes from “That’s What Friends Are For” to “I’ll Never Love This Way Again.”
11. Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson is one of the founders of the original Beach Boys and is known for his talent as a singer, songwriter, record producer, and musician. He’s 81 years old and still works on music today, though he doesn’t produce the same content as he did back in the Beach Boys days.
12. Buddy Guy
Buddy Guy is a talented American singer and guitarist, still going strong at 87 years old. Guy is an iconic Blues singer and is an exponent of the unique Chicago Blues style, influencing artists such as John Mayer, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and more.
Related: 30 Best Blues Songs
13. Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand is 81 years old and is a singer and actress with a career six decades in the making. She’s produced albums and singles, also starring in movies and Broadway productions with her powerhouse of a voice.
Barbra Streisand may no longer be touring, but she will go down in history for her romantic music.
14. Pat Boone
Pat Boone is an American singer, actor, and composer who was one of the most successful U.S. pop singers in the 50s and 60s. Not only has he sold millions of records in his career, but the 89-year-old has also starred in more than a dozen movies during his time in the spotlight.
15. Dick Van Dyke
The entertainer, actor, and musician Dick Van Dyke is a stunning and impressive 97 years old. He attributes his lifespan to exercise, which also probably partly comes from his ability to dance.
16. Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond is 82 years old and easily one of the best-selling singer-songwriters of all time. He’s best known for songs you can’t help but sing along to, such as “Sweet Caroline.” He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
17. Billy Joel
The 74-year-old Billy Joel is perhaps best known for “Piano Man,” but the talent has had a successful career as a solo artist since the 70s. He continues to perform today.
18. Paul Simon
81-year-old Paul Simon is a singer and songwriter and half of the duo Simon and Garfunkel. He’s proven himself as one of the great songwriters of our time throughout his six-decade career.
Related: 14 Best Simon and Garfunkel Songs
19. Chubby Checker
Chubby Checkers is one of the oldest musicians, coming in at 81 years of age. The singer and dancer created many iconic dance moves people still use today, such as the Twist.
20. Bill Hayes
Bill Hayes is an actor and recording artist from the 50s, 98 years old, and still living in 2023. His most iconic song, “Davy Crockett’, was one of the biggest hits of all time when it came out in 1955.
21. Bobby Rush
Bobby Rush, musician and composer, is 89 years old, which is only six years older than the age he won his first Grammy. Rush uses rap, blues, and funk to add unique elements to his tunes for a new take on the blues.
22. Petula Clark
One of the oldest musicians alive today is Petula Clark, currently 90 years old and still going strong. Clark is a singer and actress known for her professional career that sprung to life from her opportunity to work as a child entertainer on BBC Radio in World War II.
23. Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson is one of the most unique musicians on this list, earning his spot in music history as a singer-songwriter and record producer. The man is 83 years old and was the founder and frontman of the very first version of the Miracles, which he pushed into the spotlight with his producer and songwriter abilities.
24. Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt is an impressive singer with a career covering multiple genres, including country, light opera, pop, Latin, and the Great American Songbook. The 77-year-old began her career in the late 60s and continues to make appearances today for the sake of her ability.
25. Dion DiMucci
Dion DiMucci is an 84-year-old with a past as an American singer and songwriter. His music includes elements from different musical styles, such as pop, rock, blues, doo-wop, and more.
26. Billie Jean Horton
Last on our list of the oldest musicians is Billie Jean Horton, music promoter and country singer and songwriter. The 90-year-old is known for her music, but she’s also known for her high-profile marriages to individuals like Johnny Horton and Hank Williams.
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