10 Legendary Musicians Who Still Rock

"I try to see the good in everybody, and I don't care who people are as long as they're themselves, whatever that is."

Music has the power to move people, so there’s often a natural, undying adoration for the artists who create such magic. At times, it is this endless fondness that helps artists persist. For instance, the music industry has seen many artists come and go, but some legendary musicians continue to be loved for decades. As a result, these artists, some of them well over 70, are still making incredible music and performing today.

Dolly Parton

The American country and pop singer, songwriter, and actress made historic strides with her country and pop music. Her talent was obvious from quite a young age as at just 13, she was singing and playing guitar on local radio. Parton later went on to top the charts with hits like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” and was crowned Female Vocalist of the Year two years in a row by the Country Music Association. In 1980, Parton made her Hollywood acting debut with a comedy flick 9 to 5. But it was the film’s title track, which Parton wrote herself, that climbed to the top of the charts and got her an Academy Award nomination. Given this decades-long successful run, the icon has no plans to retire. She recently released her song “World on Fire” and has voiced her desire to appear in the 9 to 5 remake starring Jennifer Aniston in the near future.

Mick Jagger

The frontman of The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, has seen the kind of success that not many have witnessed in their lifetime. He has dominated the rock n’ roll stage for almost half a century with his powerful vocals, dance moves, and stage antics. Jagger’s intense popularity has turned him into a style and fashion icon. Now, at 80, the icon has teased a new album and more tours and has admittedly no plans to hang up his boots.

Cyndi Lauper

The singer, songwriter, and actress is what one would call a woman of steel. No matter what curveballs life threw her way, her passion for music triumphed each time. To begin with, Lauper’s band didn’t have much luck in NYC during her initial struggle days. Add a costly lawsuit with her group’s former manager and a vocal cord cyst to the mix, and it would be easy to think that music wasn’t meant to be Lauper’s destiny. But Lauper didn’t give up. She overrode doctors’ advice to quit singing, worked with a vocal coach, slogged at two jobs to support herself, and brought her voice back to life. Once she was back on her feet, the world was kinder—ready to accept her with open arms and mind-boggling fame for her first solo studio album She’s So Unusual, released in 1983. Then, she went on to give major hits like “Girls Just Want To Have Fun,” “All Through the Night,” and “She Bop.” Today, over four decades later, the 70-year-old singer is still active and thriving in the industry.

Billy Joel

The Piano Man himself, Billy Joel, has won six Grammy Awards and given hits like “Uptown Girl,” “New York State of Mind,” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” which are loved by fans of all ages. Recently, the 75-year-old dropped “Turn The Lights Back On,” his first song in 17 years. He also occasionally holds concerts for his fans at Madison Square Garden and other arenas. Also, Joel will probably continue to tour, so you might be able to catch him live in the near future.

Elton John

The pianist, lyricist, and singer was born a child prodigy, being awarded a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at the age of 11! So, it is not surprising that 77-year-old Elton John is one of the rare musicians who found success quickly. His first American album, interestingly titled Elton John, received international acclaim. Soon after, he became one of the world’s best-selling pop performers, with hits like “Candle In The Wind,” “Your Song,” and “I’m Still Standing.” John is still performing and has no plans to stop. Also, John’s long-time songwriting partner Bernie Taupin revealed in a recent interview with Sky News that his next album “won’t be his last.”

Dionne Warwick

This Grammy winner had music in her genes. With her mother being a gospel choir manager and her father a gospel record promoter, Dionne Warwick sang in church early on, even replacing adult members sometimes. She also played the piano and organ in the choir. Then, Warwick dabbled in backup singing, and during such local stints, her voice caught the attention of Scepter Records’ manager, who quickly signed her. Thanks to the discovery, Warwick created history in the music industry. While she rose steadily at first, during the 1960s, she quickly became popular with top singles like “Walk On By,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “Valley of the Dolls.” Today, at 83, despite her endless list of accolades, Warwick has no plans to slow down. She recently released “Peace Like River” with Dolly Parton and a festive song called “Merry Mission.”

Willie Nelson

With a few signature hairstyles to his name and effortless charisma, Willie Nelson remains one of the oldest yet most active musicians. Nelson already has a lustrous career behind him spanning six decades, with unforgettable hits like “On the Road Again,” “Always on My Mind,” and “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.” Even then, the 91-year-old singer and guitarist marches on, having recently released his 75th studio album—The Border. That’s not all! Just last year, he gave one of the biggest hits of his career called “Beer for My Horses,” which reached No. 18 on the Digital Song Sales chart. 

Stevie Nicks

The 76-year-old singer-songwriter is currently touring. She recently released the Complete Studio Albums & Rarities box set that comes with her acclaimed albums and limited-edition items for collectors. The Fleetwood Mac frontwoman started her career with her then-partner Lindsey Buckingham, but the band’s work didn’t click with listeners until Nicks began her solo career and shot to fame. Her enigmatic and eccentric persona has inspired and amassed fan adoration for generations.

Keith Richards

This legendary guitarist of The Rolling Stones and the musical force behind the band is also a rebel by nature and one with the wildest real-life stories. From jumping out a window and a brush with the law to staying up for nine nights in a row for a recording, Richards has led an exciting life, to say the least. Even at 80, the Grammy winner is busy producing and honoring music and creating a legacy that generations will admire and cherish.

Bruce Springsteen

An insanely talented artist with a rebellious streak, Bruce Springsteen was born to a mill town laborer. At a young age, Springsteen decided to dive head-first into the world of rock music, all thanks to his brief exposure to the rock band scene. But the journey to fame for the American singer-songwriter wasn’t a cakewalk. His first two studio albums got barely any recognition. But, with his third, Born to Run (1975), he became a sensation even before the album hit the shelves, landing him on the covers of leading magazines. He went on to become a pioneer of the heartland rock genre. At 74, he is still touring and entertaining his loyal followers with his music. They don’t call him “the Boss” for nothing!

Before you go

Hugh Jackman Urges People to Do Just This One Thing for Their Skin Eva Mendes’ DIY Skincare Products Will Leave You Speechless