Singers and musicians who found fame later in life

Throughout history, there have been many singers and musicians who have become famous later in life. These individuals have demonstrated that age is just a number and that talent and hard work can lead to success at any point in life. In this article, we will explore some of the most notable examples of singers and musicians who achieved fame later in life.

Jay-Z

Shawn Corey Carter, also known as Jay-Z, is a rapper, songwriter, and record executive who is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential hip-hop artists of all time. Although he had been rapping and performing since the 1990s, Jay-Z did not achieve mainstream success until he was in his 30s. His breakthrough album, “Reasonable Doubt,” was released when he was 26, but it wasn’t until he was in his 30s that he released some of his most iconic albums, including “The Blueprint” and “The Black Album.”

Seasick Steve

Steve Wold, also known as Seasick Steve, is a blues musician and singer-songwriter who first gained recognition in the early 2000s. Although he had been playing music for decades, it wasn’t until he was in his 60s that he became a household name. His unique blend of blues, folk, and rock music, coupled with his gritty, gravelly voice, has earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

Andy Summers

Andy Summers is a guitarist, composer, and producer who is best known as the guitarist for the iconic rock band The Police. Although he had been playing music since the 1960s, it wasn’t until he was in his 30s that he joined The Police and achieved worldwide fame. Summers went on to have a successful solo career and has collaborated with a wide range of musicians and artists.

Susan Boyle

Susan Boyle is a Scottish singer who became an overnight sensation after her audition on the reality show “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2009. Boyle was 47 at the time of her audition, and her stunning performance of “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables quickly went viral, earning her millions of fans around the world. Despite initially being dismissed by the judges and the media, Boyle went on to release multiple successful albums and is widely regarded as one of the most successful reality show contestants of all time.

Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen was a Canadian singer, songwriter, and poet who achieved critical acclaim and a devoted fan base in the 1960s and 1970s. However, it wasn’t until he was in his 50s that he achieved mainstream success with his album “Various Positions” and the hit song “Hallelujah.” Cohen went on to release multiple successful albums and continued to perform and tour until his death in 2016.

Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow is a singer-songwriter and musician who first gained recognition in the 1990s with her hit album “Tuesday Night Music Club.” Although she had been playing music and performing for years, it wasn’t until she was in her 30s that she achieved mainstream success. Crow has won multiple Grammy Awards and is known for her unique blend of rock, pop, and country music.

Bill Withers

Bill Withers was an American singer-songwriter and musician who first achieved success in the 1970s with his hit songs “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lean on Me.” Although he had been playing music since he was a child, it wasn’t until he was in his 30s that he achieved mainstream success. Withers went on to release multiple successful albums and is widely regarded as one of the most influential soul and R&B artists of all time

Debbie Harry

Debbie Harry is a singer, songwriter, and actress who is best known as the lead vocalist of the iconic new wave band Blondie. Although she had been performing and recording music since the 1970s, it wasn’t until she was in her 30s that she achieved mainstream success with the release of the hit album “Parallel Lines.” Harry went on to become one of the most influential and recognizable figures in popular music and is widely regarded as a pioneer of new wave and punk rock.

Andrea Bocelli

Andrea Bocelli is an Italian tenor, singer, and songwriter who has sold over 90 million records worldwide. Although he had been performing and recording music since the 1980s, it wasn’t until he was in his 40s that he achieved international fame with the release of his album “Romanza” in 1997. Bocelli has since become one of the most popular and successful classical crossover artists in the world, known for his powerful voice and emotive performances.

Billy Ray Cyrus

Billy Ray Cyrus is a country singer, songwriter, and actor who is best known for his hit song “Achy Breaky Heart” in 1992. Although he had been performing and recording music since the 1980s, it wasn’t until he was in his 30s that he achieved mainstream success with the release of “Some Gave All,” which became the best-selling debut album of all time in the country music genre. Cyrus has since released multiple successful albums and has also had a successful acting career, most notably as the father of Miley Cyrus’s character in the television series “Hannah Montana.”

Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong was a jazz trumpeter, singer, and bandleader who is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of jazz music. Although he had been playing music since the 1920s, it wasn’t until he was in his 30s that he achieved mainstream success with his recordings with the Hot Five and Hot Seven bands in the late 1920s. Armstrong went on to have a long and successful career, performing and recording until his death in 1971.

Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams is a singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer who is best known for his collaborations with artists such as Daft Punk, Robin Thicke, and Justin Timberlake. Although he had been performing and producing music since the 1990s, it wasn’t until he was in his 30s that he achieved mainstream success with the release of his hit single “Happy” in 2013. Williams has since become one of the most sought-after producers and collaborators in the music industry and has won multiple Grammy Awards for his work.

In conclusion, these musicians have shown that it’s never too late to achieve success in the music industry. With talent, hard work, and perseverance, anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their age. Their stories serve as an inspiration for anyone who may be pursuing a career in music or any other field, and prove that it’s never too late to chase your passions and make your mark on the world.

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Dan Dunn

Executive Managing editor

Editor and Admin at MarkMeets since Nov 2012. Columnist, reviewer and entertainment writer and oversees all of the section's news, features and interviews. During his career, he has written for numerous magazines.

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