LATE BLOOMERS
The pop charts are dominated by teen stars, but there are a few talented folks who have beaten the odds and risen to prominence later in life.
SHARON JONES
Soul singer Sharon Jones toiled away as a background singer until finally getting noticed, and recorded her debut album shortly after her 46th birthday in 2002. Now 60 years old, even her cancer diagnosis hasn’t stopped her from continuing her successful run.
CHARLES BRADLEY
In the ’90s, Charles Bradley worked as a James Brown impersonator before releasing his debut album in 2011. The 2012 documentary Soul of America helped him achieve increased recognition. Now 67, he continues to earn rave reviews and fill large venues; see him when you can, since health concerns recently saw him cancelling live dates.
SEASICK STEVE
American bluesman Seasick Steve is in his mid-70s, and his long career goes back to the ’60s. He had periods of homelessness, produced some early releases by Modest Mouse, and finally got his big break in the middle of last decade. He’s particularly popular in the UK.
RODRIGUEZ
Sixto Rodriguez’s two albums came out in the early ’70s, but it wasn’t until the 2012 documentary Searching for Sugar Man that the Detroit singer-songwriter finally earned widespread acclaim. Now 74, he continues to be a prominent touring act.
LEWIS
Romantic Canadian whisperer Lewis seemed destined to be lost to history, but a 2014 reissue of his 1983 album L’Amour saw him achieve belated critical recognition. His whereabouts were unknown, but more albums were eventually discovered and he was found to be alive and well. ALEX HUDSON