Black Music Legends Near 80 and Over Who Are Still Thriving!
It’s easy to be a one-hit wonder in the music industry, but it’s a lot harder to maintain relevance as the years go by. But for a handful of Black music legends, they make staying at the top of their game look like a walk in the park, all while aging gracefully!
From Patti LaBelle to Earth, Wind & Fire — let’s take a look at a few artists approaching 80 and older who are still out here killing the game!
Lionel Richie
Don’t let Lionel Richie’s recent health issues and hospitalization fool you — the man still has plenty to give this world musically, and he’ll be back on his feet in no time. At 77, it’s clear he has no plans to slow down, as he’s currently touring with Earth, Wind & Fire. And as soon as he recovers from whatever ailment he’s dealing with, he’ll be back on stage, pleasing audiences in only the way he can.
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Patti LaBelle
Listen, if there’s one music legend and diva who proves age is nothing but a number and that true talent and fabulousness go on forever, it’s Patti Labelle. As she recently told The Root, at 82, she’s gearing up to drop her first album in over 20 years, and you already know it’s about to be filled with her signature sound and groove.
Charlie Wilson
A handful of strokes and learning how to walk again may be a lot for some folks, but for Charlie “Uncle Charlie” Wilson, it was just another hurdle in his story for him to overcome. And thankfully, he did, thanks to his praying wife, doctors, and the power of God, let him tell it. And now, he’s back onstage at 73 years old with vocals sounding just as good as they did when he first came on the scene! He honestly could teach some of these new R&B singers a thing or two about longevity, while he’s at it, too!
Martha Reeves
At almost 85 years old, Martha Reeves (yes, that same one from Martha Reeves & The Vandellas) is popping back out into the music scene with all new music. She recently announced that she’d be releasing her first new album in over 20 years! As a teaser, she’s dropping a new song, “To Know You Is to Love You,” and an accompanying music video on Friday and proving that age or time won’t dim the shine of an artist who’s still passionate about music all these years later!
Earth, Wind & Fire
While Questlove’s recent Earth, Wind & Fire documentary may make you nostalgic for how the group was back in the day, you can’t sleep on how longtime members Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson, and Verdine White are still out here grooving. And at 75, 74, and 74 years old, respectively, these men are making “Boogie Wonderland” feel more and more timeless thanks to their still amazing vocals and energy.
