Have you ever wondered if any there are any musicians who started late and still succeeded? If so, keep reading. Embarking on a musical career can often seem like a path reserved for the young, bursting onto the scene with youthful energy and time on their side. However, the narrative that you need to start young to achieve musical success is frequently challenged by a remarkable group of musicians who started late, proving that passion and talent can defy age constraints. These eight artists, each with their own unique journey, highlight the diverse paths to success in the music industry and serve as a beacon of hope for late bloomers everywhere. Their stories are a testament to the idea that it's never too late to follow your dreams, and sometimes, a late start can bring a depth and richness to music that only life experience can provide.
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8 Musicians Who Started Late and Still Succeeded
8. Thelma Houston
Age When Solo Career Started: 33
Prior Jobs: Seamstress, Childcare Worker
To kick off our list of musicians who started late, we have a special one. Thelma Houston, best known for her 1977 hit "Don't Leave Me This Way," which became an anthem of the disco era, didn't start her music career until her early thirties. Before her breakthrough, Houston worked various jobs, including as a seamstress and in childcare, all while nurturing her passion for singing. Her perseverance paid off when she signed with Motown Records, leading to her Grammy-winning performance. Houston's late start in the music industry illustrates that talent and determination can eventually lead to recognition, and that success knows no age limit. Her story is an encouragement to aspiring musicians that it's never too late to chase your musical dreams.
7. Susan Boyle
Age When Solo Career Started: 47
Prior Jobs: Cook, Volunteer Church Worker
Susan Boyle's rise to fame is a heartwarming story of a woman who lived a quiet life in Scotland before stunning the world with her voice on Britain's Got Talent at the age of 47. Before her breakthrough, Boyle led a modest life, caring for her elderly mother and contributing to her local church. Her rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Misérables not only left the audience and judges in awe but also catapulted her to international stardom overnight. Boyle's success challenged the music industry's conventional standards, proving that immense talent could emerge from the most unexpected places. Her late start in the music career is a powerful narrative about the endurance of hope and the transformative power of music.
6. Charles Bradley
Age When Solo Career Started: 62
Prior Jobs: Chef, Handyman
Charles Bradley, known as "The Screaming Eagle of Soul," is perhaps one of the most inspiring examples of musicians who started late. Bradley spent the majority of his life working odd jobs, from cooking to handyman work, and performing James Brown covers in small clubs. It wasn't until the age of 62 that he released his debut album, "No Time For Dreaming," which catapulted him to soul music acclaim. Bradley's raw, emotional performances and authentic soul sound won him a devoted fan base and critical acclaim late in his life. His story is a powerful testament to the idea that it's never too late to achieve your dreams, and that perseverance can lead to unexpected and profound success.
5. Andrea Bocelli
Age When Solo Career Started: 34
Prior Jobs: Lawyer
Andrea Bocelli, the Italian tenor who has mesmerized audiences worldwide with his powerful voice, didn't begin his singing career until his mid-thirties. Originally pursuing a career in law, Bocelli's transition to music was fueled by his lifelong passion for opera. His breakthrough came when he won the preliminary round of the prestigious Sanremo Music Festival in 1994, at the age of 34. Bocelli's late start in music did not impede his trajectory to becoming one of the most celebrated tenors in contemporary opera.
4. Sheryl Crow
Age When Solo Career Started: 31
Prior Jobs: Music Teacher, Backup Vocalist
Sheryl Crow's journey to becoming a solo artist was a testament to perseverance and the pursuit of one's true calling. Before her breakthrough, Crow worked as a music teacher and a backup singer for major artists, honing her skills behind the scenes. Her debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club, released when she was 31, catapulted her to fame with hits like "All I Wanna Do." Crow's blend of rock, country, and pop, coupled with her insightful songwriting, has garnered her numerous accolades. Her late start in the music industry underscores the value of life experience and resilience in shaping an artist's voice.
3. Leonard Cohen
Age When Solo Career Started: 33
Prior Jobs: Poet and Novelist
Next up on our list of musicians who started late, we have one of the most renowned songwriters of all time. Leonard Cohen, initially celebrated for his evocative poetry and novels, transitioned to music in his early thirties, bringing a literary depth to his songwriting that became his trademark. His profound lyrics and distinctive baritone voice resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, establishing him as a musical legend. Cohen's debut album, Songs of Leonard Cohen, released when he was 33, showcased his unique talent for blending poetry with music. His late start in the music industry didn't hinder his ability to leave a significant impact, demonstrating that profound artistic expression knows no age.
2. 2 Chainz
Age When Solo Career Started: 32
Prior Jobs: College Basketball Player, 1/2 of group Playaz Circle
Tauheed Epps, better known by his stage name 2 Chainz, had a relatively late start in his solo music career. Before achieving mainstream success as a solo artist, 2 Chainz was part of the hip-hop duo Playaz Circle and had a brief stint as a college basketball player. It wasn't until the release of his debut studio album Based on a T.R.U. Story at the age of 34 that 2 Chainz achieved widespread fame. His late start didn't prevent him from becoming one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary hip-hop, known for his witty wordplay and charismatic presence. 2 Chainz's journey is a testament to the idea that persistence and evolution can lead to success, regardless of when one starts.
1. Bill Withers
Age When Solo Career Started: 32
Prior Jobs: Navy Serviceman, Factory Worker
At the final spot on our list of musicians who started late, we have the legendary Bill Withers. After nine years in the Navy and several years working in a factory, Withers released his first album at 32, which included the timeless classic "Ain't No Sunshine." His smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics spoke to the everyday experiences of love and loss, making his music universally relatable. Withers demonstrated that real-life experiences could profoundly enrich one's music, bringing authenticity that resonated with listeners. His success is a powerful reminder that musical talent can emerge and thrive at any stage of life.
