10 Oldest Touring Musicians/Bands

Music is one of the most powerful forces in the world – it has the ability to transport us to different times and places and evoke emotions we never thought possible. Some of the most iconic musicians and bands have been around for decades, entertaining countless generations with their timeless music.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the 10 oldest touring musicians and bands still rocking the stage today. From legendary rock and roll bands to iconic jazz musicians, these artists have stood the test of time, continuing to captivate audiences around the world with their talent and passion. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and discover the incredible musicians who have been wowing crowds for decades.

10. Cher

photo source: Biography (Bio.)

Cher is an American singer, actress, and television personality who began her career in 1963 as a solo artist. She is known for her powerful vocals and distinctive contralto voice, as well as her enduring influence on popular culture. Throughout her career, she has explored a variety of musical genres, including pop, rock, folk, and disco.

Cher first gained fame in the mid-1960s as one half of the duo Sonny & Cher, alongside her then-husband Sonny Bono. Together, they produced a number of hits, including “I Got You Babe” and “The Beat Goes On.” After their divorce in 1975, Cher continued her career as a solo artist, achieving even greater success with songs like “Believe” and “If I Could Turn Back Time.”

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Cher has also had a successful acting career, appearing in films such as “Moonstruck” and “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.”

9. The Rolling Stones

photo source: The Guardian

The Rolling Stones is a legendary English rock band that formed in London in 1962. The band’s original lineup included lead vocalist Mick Jagger, guitarist Keith Richards, bassist Bill Wyman, drummer Charlie Watts, and guitarist Brian Jones. Over the years, the band has undergone several lineup changes, but Jagger and Richards have remained the core of the group.

The Rolling Stones are known for their high-energy performances, catchy songs, and iconic image. Their music combines elements of rock, pop, and blues, and their influence can be heard in countless other bands and artists. The band’s website, rollingstones.com, provides fans with news, tour information, and merchandise. The site also includes a comprehensive archive of the band’s music, videos, and photos.

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The Rolling Stones have sold over 240 million records worldwide and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

8. The Hollies

photo source: Liverpool Philharmonic

The Hollies is a highly acclaimed English rock band that first formed in Manchester in 1962. The band’s original lineup consisted of lead vocalist Allan Clarke, guitarist Graham Nash, and drummer Don Rathbone. Since then, the band has gone through several changes in its lineup, but its unique sound, characterized by distinctive harmonies and melodic pop tunes, has remained consistent.

The Hollies have produced a long list of timeless hits, including popular songs such as “Bus Stop,” “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” “The Air That I Breathe,” and “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress.” The band’s music is known for combining elements of rock, pop, folk rock, psychedelia, and pop rock, creating a genre-defining sound that has stood the test of time.

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In 2004, lead vocalist Peter Howarth joined the band, bringing his own unique style to the table. Since then, the Hollies have continued to record new music and tour extensively, showcasing their talents and entertaining fans around the world.

7. Bob Dylan

photo source: NME

Bob Dylan is a legendary American singer-songwriter, poet, and visual artist. He was born in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1941 and grew up in a Jewish family in the nearby town of Hibbing. Dylan’s music career began in 1959, and he quickly became an influential figure in the folk music scene, known for his socially conscious lyrics and distinctive voice.

Dylan’s music combines elements of folk, rock, blues, and country, and his songs often deal with themes of social and political injustice, as well as love, heartbreak, and personal introspection. Some of his most famous songs include “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Like a Rolling Stone,” “The Times They Are a-Changin’,” and “Tangled Up in Blue.”

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Throughout his career, Bob Dylan has received various accolades, including inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters, as well as the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016.

6. Ringo Starr

photo source: Billboard

Ringo Starr is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and actor who is best known as the drummer of the legendary rock band, The Beatles. He was born in Liverpool, England, in 1940 and grew up in a working-class family. Starr began his music career in early 1957, playing drums for various bands before joining The Beatles in 1962.

After the disbandment of The Beatles in 1970, Ringo Starr embarked on a solo career that saw him release numerous successful albums and singles throughout the 1970s and beyond. Some of his most popular songs from this period include “It Don’t Come Easy,” “Photograph,” and “You’re Sixteen.” In addition to his music career, Starr also acted in several films, including “The Magic Christian” and “Caveman.”

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Starr is known for his philanthropic work, particularly his advocacy for peace and his involvement in charitable organizations, such as the David Lynch Foundation and the Lotus Foundation.

5. Paul McCartney

photo source: Wikipedia

Paul McCartney is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and composer who is best known as the bassist and one of the lead vocalists of the legendary rock band, The Beatles. He was born in Liverpool, England, in 1942 and began his music career in late 1957, forming a band with fellow Liverpudlian John Lennon.

As a member of The Beatles, McCartney helped revolutionize popular music in the 1960s, co-writing and singing on some of the most iconic songs of the era, such as “Yesterday,” “Hey Jude,” and “Let It Be.” After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, McCartney launched a successful solo career, releasing numerous hit albums and singles, including “Band on the Run,” “Live and Let Die,” and “Say Say Say.”

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Throughout his career, McCartney has won numerous awards and accolades, including 18 Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

4. Dionne Warwick

photo source: Hashtag Legend

Dionne Warwick is an American singer, actress, and television show host who rose to fame in the 1960s with a string of hit songs that blended elements of R&B, soul, pop, and gospel music. Born in East Orange, New Jersey, in 1940, Warwick began her music career as a backup singer for legendary performers such as Sam Cooke and The Drifters.

In the early 1960s, Warwick signed with Scepter Records and began working with the songwriting and production teams of Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The trio created some of Warwick’s most iconic hits, including “Walk On By,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?”

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Warwick has achieved a career spanning several years, having sold more than 75 million records and receiving several accolades, such as induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in addition to being a five-time Grammy Award winner.

3. Willie Nelson

photo source: Spotify

Willie Nelson is an American country music singer, songwriter, and musician. He was born on April 29, 1933, in Abbott, Texas, and grew up in a musical family. Nelson’s music combines elements of country, jazz, pop, and blues, and his unique singing style and guitar playing have made him a beloved icon in the music industry.

Nelson has released over 70 albums throughout his career, many of which have become classics. Some of his most popular songs include “On the Road Again,” “Always on My Mind,” “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” and “Whiskey River.” He is also known for his collaborations with other musicians, including Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Merle Haggard.

Did You Know?

He is a well-known advocate for cannabis legalization, animal rights, and various other causes.

2. Dolly Parton

photo source: CNBC

Dolly Parton is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist. She is known for her distinctive voice, flamboyant personality, and her contributions to country music. Parton has had a successful career spanning several decades, with numerous hit songs such as “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You,” which have become iconic in the music industry.

Apart from her musical talents, Parton has also acted in several films and television shows. Additionally, she has established herself as a humanitarian and philanthropist, working towards several causes such as education and literacy through her Dollywood Foundation.

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Parton is widely recognized as one of the most influential and beloved artists in the country music genre.

1. Buddy Guy

photo source: Wikipedia

Buddy Guy is an American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter born on July 30, 1936, in Lettsworth, Louisiana. Guy is considered the oldest musician who is still touring. He is known for his electrifying and innovative guitar-playing style, which has influenced generations of musicians.

Guy started his music career in 1953, playing with blues legends such as Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. He moved to Chicago in the early 1960s and began recording his own music, releasing his first album in 1967. Some of his most well-known songs include “Stone Crazy,” “Mustang Sally,” and “Feels Like Rain.”

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Guy has also been a mentor to many young musicians, including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.