I am someone who prefers looking to the past when it comes to picking out my favorite tunes. Don't get me wrong, I love plenty of modern music, too — but there's just no beating the energy and passion you can find in the folks who started it all back in the day.
What's even more impressive than their legacy is how many artists from the past still continue to shine on stage as if no time has passed at all! Sure, they might look a little different as the years have gone by, but that fire for entertainment still burns bright in the hearts of each of the individuals below every time they step out in front of an audience.
I know from personal experience that musicians like Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, and the original R&B diva herself, Aretha Franklin, are still out there giving their fans chills as they continue to hit the road.
Take a look to see even more amazing artists who (thankfully) refuse to retire.
Did we miss your favorite legendary musician who still packs venues? Let us know in the comments and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
Thumbnail sources: Wikimedia Commons 1, 2, 3, YouTube
1. Tony Bennett
Born: August 3, 1926
The crooner from Queens, NY, continues to sell out shows in recent tours alongside Lady Gaga and on his own, proving that at 90, his pipes are still as golden and his charms just as undeniable.
2. Chuck Berry
Born: October 18, 1926
The 90-year-old rocker continued to perform regularly in his native town of St. Louis at the Blueberry Hill bar until taking a recent hiatus to focus on his first album in 38 years, simply titled Chuck, which will debut in 2017.
3. Fats Domino
Born: February 26, 1928
Despite losing his home during Hurricane Katrina back in 2005, the 88-year-old R&B artist bounced back and continues to perform at jazz festivals. He has even appeared on television, playing himself in the HBO series Treme back in 2012.
4. Kris Kristofferson
Born: June 22, 1936
After suffering some troubling health scares in recent years, Kristofferson remained as determined as ever to produce new music, including his latest album released earlier this year, The Cedar Creek Sessions, which was recorded in Austin, TX, in 2015.
5. Willie Nelson
Born: April 29, 1933
The twangy country star released an album in 2015 with old friend and collaborator Merle Haggard, and the pair toured together until Haggard's sudden passing in April 2016. Nelson can still be seen on the road with his trusty guitar, Trigger.
6. Loretta Lynn
Born: April 14, 1932
The country queen has yet to hang up her beautifully sequined gowns even at 84 as she released her first ever Christmas album, White Christmas Blue, in October 2016, which was after the incredible success of another album back in March titled Full Circle.
7. Jerry Lee Lewis
Born: September 29, 1935
After causing huge controversy at the height of his career following his marriage to his first cousin once removed, he eventually bounced back and continues jamming on his piano with his trademark high energy, even into his 80s.
8. Aretha Franklin
Born: March 25, 1942
Franklin caused the public to fear the worst when she was struck by a mystery illness in 2013, but she has gone on to continue performing. Most notably, she sang “(You Make Me Feel) Like A Natural Woman” at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors for the tune's songwriter, Carole King.
9. Paul McCartney
Born: June 18, 1942
Not only does “the cute Beatle” show zero signs of stopping his recording and touring the world while he's well into his 70s, but he also became a father for the fifth time in 2003 at the age of 60. McCartney often cites his vegetarian diet for keeping him young and healthy at heart.
10. Ringo Starr
Born: June 7, 1940
You can still find the Beatles drummer touting his message of peace and love while on tour with the newest gathering of his All Starr Band, featuring fellow rock legends Todd Rundgren and Santana's Gregg Rolie. Previous members have also included Joe Walsh, Sheila E, and Edgar Winter.
11. Bob Dylan
Born: May 24, 1941
When the folk singer and recent Nobel Prize winner named his 1988 jaunt around the globe “The Never Ending Tour,” he clearly meant it as he hasn't stopped moving since, recording albums along the way.
12. Mick Jagger
Born: July 26, 1943
Though it's less surprising than seeing his more controversial bandmate, Keith Richards, still alive and kicking on stage (even though he's a little over a year younger), you have to admire how much spirit Jagger continues to display on stage.
13. Smokey Robinson
Born: February 19, 1940
The soulful singer might not have his fellow members of The Miracles by his side anymore, but he still sounds as clear as ever as he headlines shows all year round, and released an album of duets with his famous buddies in 2014, aptly titled Smokey & Friends.
14. Frankie Valli
Born: May 3, 1934
The original Jersey Boy has continued touring with a new lineup of his group, The Four Seasons, with a string of shows that is scheduled well into 2017. He also made his own Broadway debut back in 2012 with a weeklong solo engagement at the Broadway Theater.
15. Diana Ross
Born: March 26, 1944
After transitioning from one of the world's first successful girl groups to her reign as a disco diva, you can now look forward to Ms. Ross headlining a residency at the Venetian Theater in Las Vegas starting in early 2017.
Did we miss your favorite artist born back in the day who is still out on the road or in the studio? Let us know below and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
