Country music originated in the early 1920s. This genre of music has its roots in the lives of working-class Americans and blue-collar Americans from the south. The music often consists of ballads blended with Celtic and Irish fiddle songs. Country musicians were also often influenced by jazz and blues of African American tradition.
The term country music gained popularity during the 1940s. It eventually included many regional genres such as honky tonk, country boogie, western swing, and others.
During its century-old history, country music has given birth to many stars and legends. In the past two years, the world lost many legendary country musicians. Here we talk about 8 of the oldest country musicians and their works.
8. Ronnie Milsap (January 16, 1943 – Present)
Age (As of December 2022): 79 years, 10 months, 30 days
Specialization: Vocals, piano
From: North Carolina
photo source: thumb.spokesman.com
Ronnie Milsap was one of the most influential country musicians during the 1970s and 1980s. He was born in Robbinsville, North Carolina. He was nearly completely blind from birth due to a cognitive disorder.
His music appealed to both the country and pop music markets. He produced numerous hit songs during his long musical journey.
From 1976 to 1978, he was the biggest star in country music, with seven No. 1 singles in a row. His songs Stand by My Woman Man and What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life earned him Grammy awards.
Did you know?
Milsap had limited vision in his left eye. He lost that vision when slapped by one of his school’s houseparents.
7. Billie Jean Horton (June 6, 1933 – Present)
Age (As of December 2022): 89 years, 6 months, 9 days
Specialization: Vocals, guitar, songwriting
From: Louisiana
photo source: discogs.com
Billie Jean Horton was born in Bossier City, Louisana. This American country singer and songwriter has released nine music albums: Octopus, Ocean of Tears, Angel Hands, Come Back to Witchita, I Should Have Been the Bride, Johny Come Lately, I know I’ll Never See Him Again, and Tell Him I can’t See Him Anymore.
Her second album, Ocean of Tears, hit the country’s top 40 list in 1961.
Despite her contribution to American country music Billie Jean Horton is most talked about for her personal life and multiple high-profile marriages.
Did you know?
Horton married one of the most influential country musicians, Hank Williams, in 1952. After Hank died of heart failure, she married another acclaimed musician Johny Horton in 1953.
6. Willie Nelson (April 29, 1933 – Present)
Age (As of December 2022): 89 years, 7 months, 16 days
Specialization: Vocals, guitar, songwriting
From: Texas
photo source: wikimedia.org
Willie Nelson is one of the most prominent figures of American country music. He was born in Abbott, Texas, to Ira Doyle Nelson and Myrle Marie. He wrote his first song when he was seven and joined his band at 10.
His album Shotgun Willie released in 1973, was critically acclaimed and bought him into the limelight. Later, his album Headed Stranger, released in 1975, and Stardust, released in 1978, bought him commercial success too.
In addition to active participation in country music, Nelson has acted in 30 films and co-authored several books. He is also an active advocate of using biofuels and marijuana legalization.
Did you know?
Willie Nelson played a critical role in developing the tradition of outlaw country, a subgenre of country music. Along with fellow contemporary musicians, he created this subgenre during the 1960s in protest of conservative restrictions of the Nashville Sound.
5. Bobby Bare (April 7, 1935 – Present)
Oldest Age Reached: 89 years, 4 months, 22 days
Specialization: Singer and songwriter
From: United States
photo source: Flickr
Born on April 7, 1935, in Ironton, Ohio, Bobby Bare is one of the most influential figures in country music. Known for his distinctive voice and storytelling in his songs, Bare’s career has included many hits like “Detroit City” and “500 Miles Away from Home.”
His approach often blends traditional country with folk and pop influences, helping to shape the narrative style of country music.
Did you know?
Bare was one of the first artists to take country music to a wider audience by incorporating elements from other genres. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013.
4. Leroy Van Dyke (October 4, 1929 – Present)
Age (As of December 2022): 93 years, 2 months, 11 days
Specialization: Vocals, mandolin, fiddle, guitar
From: Missouri
photo source: akamai.sscdn.co
Leroy Van Dyke was born in Mora, Missouri. Van Dyke specializes in country music, honky tonk, and rockabilly. During his career of over 50 years, he has recorded more than 500 songs, many of which made it to the charts.
As a country musician, Van Dyke gained after he released his composition The Auctioneer, which he co-wrote with Buddy Black. 2.5 million records were sold.
In 1961, he released another record-setting album, Walk on By. 1.5 million copies of the album were sold. Later in 1994, Billboard magazine named it the biggest country single of all time.
Van Dyke, now at 93, continues to perform a full schedule and travel across the country for solos.
Did you know?
Leroy Van Dyke was awarded the founding President’s award by the Country Music Association in 1967.
3. Dolly Parton (January 19, 1946 – Present)
Oldest Age Reached: 78 years, 7 months, 8 days
Specialization: Singer, songwriter, and actress
From: Tennessee, United States
photo source: Flickr
Born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, Dolly Parton is celebrated not only for her voice but also for her songwriting, which has produced hits like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Parton’s music often includes elements of folk, bluegrass, and gospel, which she blends into the traditional country style. Beyond music, she is known for her philanthropy, including her support of childhood literacy.
Did you know?
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a book gifting program, has donated over 100 million books to children across the globe since its inception.
2. Kris Kristofferson (June 22, 1936 – Present)
Oldest Age Reached: 88 years, 2 months, 7 days
Specializatio: Singer, songwriter, and actor
From: Texas
photo source: Wikipedia
Kris Kristofferson, born June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, is renowned for his lyrical prowess in country music and his roles in films like A Star is Born.
His songwriting credits include classics such as “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” which have been covered by numerous artists across various genres.
Did you know?
Before his music career took off, Kristofferson was a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford and also served as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army.
1. Violet Hensley (October 21, 1916 – Present)
Age (As of December 2022): 106 years, 1 months, 25 days
Specializatio: Vocals, Fiddle (making and playing)
From: Arkansas
photo source: e6tnk9va8hh.exactdn.com
Violet Hensley, nicknamed Whittling Fiddler, is the oldest living country musician at the age of 106!
She was born in Arkansas’s Montgomery County to George Washington Brumley and Nora Springer Brumley. Hensley picked up the skill of fiddle-making from her father and made her first fiddle when she was 15.
She has performed and given solo demonstrations in numerous shows, including Silver Dollar City Music Festival (1980 – 2001), Smithsonian Folklife Festival (July 1970), War Eagle Craft Show (1965), and many others. In 1970, Hensley was joined by Jimmy Driftwood and a few other country musicians and performed in a week-long music festival in Washington, DC.
Hensley has always been celebrated by fellow musicians and the audience for her impeccable artistry and energetic on-stage presence. She released three albums: Old Time Fiddle Tunes (1974), The Whittling Fiddler and Family (1983), and Family Treasures (2004).
In 2004, Arkansas Arts Council recognized her as the 2004 Arkansas Living Treasure.
Did you know?
Hensley made 74 fiddles during her career; however, most were made after she turned 44. There is a gap of 27 years between her fourth and fifth fiddle because, all these years, she was busy taking care of her nine children.
