45 Oldest Living Musicians

Shirley Jones

Born in 1934, Shirley Jones was a common sight on television throughout the 1970s in any household that watched The Partridge Family, where she held the lead role as the mother of the family. Before that, Shirley made her name appearing in the film, Elmer Gantry, as well as several musicals, including Carousel. 

Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews (born in 1935) is one of the most well-known actresses of the golden age of musical film adaptations. Her most iconic roles include Mary Poppins, Cinderella, and Maria von Trapp in The Sound of Music.

Considering that we also mentioned her Mary Poppins co-star, Dick Van Dyke, the pair must have found the secret to youth on the film’s set.

Mavis Staples

Born in 1939, Mavis Staples gained a professional reputation singing alongside her family in the Staple Singers, producing hit tracks like, I’ll Take You There, and Respect Yourself. She continues to perform and release studio albums, often working alongside producers such as Ben Harper, M. Ward, and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy. 

Nancy Sinatra

Frank Sinatra’s oldest daughter, Nancy, was born in 1940 and went on to prove that a successful singing career was in the family genes. Throughout the 1960s, she had several smash hits, including These Boots Are Made For Walking while appearing in 8 different films including 1966’s The Wild Angels. 

Keith Richards

Turning 80 years old in 2023, Rolling Stones guitarist, Keith Richards continues to baffle expectations by the fact that he is still touring and getting around as if he were decades younger. With a well-documented account of drug abuse and a fast lifestyle, Keith’s existence goes against the notion that such a lifestyle usually ends abruptly at a young age. 

Oldest Living Musicians, Final Thoughts

We generally don’t want to think of our heroes as anything but immortal, even if they are nothing more than mere human beings. Considering that the works of these musicians have often been a constant companion to daily life, we often forget how old the artists who created them are.

Make a little time today to cherish your musical heroes while they are still here on this physical plane. As we all get older, only the music will remain.