Musicians that "started late" in their lives

Forums: Music
Email this Topic • Print this Page

I've done a google search without much success of musicians that began learning their first instrument at an age older than 25.

I have a friend that's thinking about learning the piano but she thinks she's too old for that at 26 and I wanted to give her some examples to let her see that it's very much possible.

Topic Stats
Top Replies
Link to this Topic

Type: Discussion • Score: 0 • Views: 11,993 • Replies: 21

No top replies

I took up the guitar at 40 and now I play some mean tunes. My friend Bill learned the piano at 55. It's never too late!

0 Replies

I would suspect that if she wanted to become a professional musician it would be a bit late. But for her own pleasure, why not?

0 Replies

How about Moms Mabley? I don't think she ever did learn an instrument.

0 Replies

How long have you been playing the guitar, Nick?

I did some basic googling and couldn't find much info on Moms, why did you bring her up CowDoc?

0 Replies

Five years now Joel. And I'm pretty good at it. As I am already in the entertainment industry, I may even get the chance to play on film.

0 Replies

Wow, that's impressive, learned the instrument by yourself or with teaching?

Do/did you practice daily?

0 Replies

I practiced almost daily for a couple os years. Now I practice about 2 - 3 times a week. I took some lessons from a noted Jazz guitarist.

0 Replies

I simply remembered Moms Mabley and Mrs. Miller as examples of older artists with short, often "one-hit" careers. I don't know how long they kicked around the business before they made the charts, transient though it was.

0 Replies

I hear Howlin' Wolf didn't really get going until he was 50!

That may be a lie but I'm too lazy today to google it.

0 Replies

Kin Gordon from Sonic Youth was in her mid to late twenties when she picked up the bass. She's done alright for herself.

0 Replies

Well, wikipedia says Howlin' Wolf was born in 1910 and by 1948 he had formed a band. So 50 is out of the question but 35+ is possible, still pretty impressive.

I thought there would be more well known examples.

0 Replies

LionTamerX wrote:

Kin Gordon from Sonic Youth was in her mid to late twenties when she picked up the bass. She's done alright for herself.

Wow...they have some nasty guitar, not sure how she's looked upon as a bass player though?

Listening to some of the pop-rock bands, a lot of songs can be learned in 5 minutes and it doesn't take much skill to play them. Don't see why someone couldn't become a successful musician starting in their twenties. Looking at the people who are really considered great though, I'd bet most started young.

0 Replies

Slappy took up the Kazoo just two weeks ago and he's already a master.

0 Replies

Slappy Doo Hoo wrote:

Looking at the people who are really considered great though, I'd bet most started young.

That seems to be the rule of thumb.

0 Replies

Kim G is a pretty awesome song writer, I think. Some people don't dig her, but I'm a fan for sure.

Okay, so the Wolf was younger than I thought. I do know he was very tall and over 300 pounds, and even in middle age his stage antics were outrageous. Like he would climb the stage curtains, howling of course.

0 Replies

There is a good thread on www.datadragon .com about "late Bloomers" it's quite interesting. It's an older thread, so if you check it out, you'll have to ga back in the files.

0 Replies

I forgot to put the .com on that site, so here it is again www.datadragon.com

0 Replies

It is rare but there are people who become virtuosos starting at a later age. The odds are against you, especially because most people have to work for a living, there is just not enough time to catch up.

But if you are a performer and have what they call "it" you don't have to be a great musician.

0 Replies

Thanks imnidiot, this really helps!

0 Replies

Musicians that "started late" in their lives

Related Topics

Quick Links

My Account

able2know