Willie Nelson Recognized as Oldest Recording & Touring Musician

Since pretty much every living soul on the planet right now was born, raised, and is living at a time when Willie Nelson was not just making music, but was a relevant artist and a revered character throughout popular culture, it’s easy to overlook or take for granted just how remarkable this achievement is.
At 90 years old, Willie Nelson isn’t just continuing to perform upon occasion, or to release a song or two here or there for sentimentality. He’s still playing dozens of shows a year, and releasing albums at a two-per-year clip. And those albums aren’t just also-rans. Willie Nelson is still writing original songs, and his 2022 album A Beautiful Time won the Grammy Award for Best Country Album, and deserved it.
Willie Nelson’s most recent album Bluegrass is up for a Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album in 2024. He’s considered a top contender for the award to be handed out on Sunday, February 4th.
Sure, if you go see Willie Nelson in concert, you have to go into it knowing that he’ll be sitting on a chair, that he might struggle to make it through certain phrases before losing his breath, and it may take him a bit to warm up. But guess what folks, HE’S 90 YEARS OLD. For his age, Willie Nelson isn’t just doing remarkable things, he’s doing things that are unprecedented in music.
In a recent rundown by Codigolibre, Willie Nelson was named the oldest musician “still touring, recording, and kicking.” This puts a country legend at the top of the heap. Here is their Top 10:
Willie Nelson – Age 90 – April 29th, 1933
John Mayall – Age 90 – November 29th, 1933
Frankie Valli – Age 89 – May 3rd, 1934
Herb Alpert – Age 88 – March 31st, 1935
Buddy Guy – Age 87 – July 30th, 1936
Smokey Robinson – Age 83 – February 19th, 1940
Tom Jones – Age 83 – June 7th, 1940
Ringo Starr – Age 83 – July 7th, 1940
Cliff Richard – Age 83 – October 14th, 1940
Dionne Warwick – Age 83 – December 12th, 1940
In country music specifically, there are a few entertainers still around older than Willie. Leroy Van Dyke is 94 years old (DOB 10/4/1929), but is not currently touring or recording. Perhaps the oldest living and touring performer in country music is Buck White of The Whites at 93 (DOB 12/13/1930). He continues to appear with the singing trio on The Grand Ole Opry, along with appearances at Kentucky Thunder shows backing Ricky Skaggs. But The Whites have not released new music since 2005’s Give a Little Back.
But one important artist overlooked on the now viral list of oldest musicians is Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. At age 92 (DOB 8/1/1931), he even has Willie Nelson beat. And yes, Ramblin’ Jack still tours (four dates on the calendar of 2024 so far), and he released an album of Woody Guthrie songs in 2023. He might not be as prolific or as well-known as Willie, but Ramblin’ Jack definitely deserves a mention.
To see the most recent run down of country music’s oldest living performers, CLICK HERE.
There is probably some older local legends or obscure artists out there still playing shows and recording music too, and hats off to them! But when it comes to universally recognized performers, Willie Nelson is at the top.
As a youngster, Willie played in Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys, and was performing in bars and honky tonks at the age of 13. He wrote songs like “Crazy” for Patsy Cline, and “Hello Walls” for Faron Young in the ’60s. Willie Nelson later played bass for Ray Price in the Cherokee Cowboys before launching his own career. Though Willie was involved in music from an early age, he was a late bloomer in many respects, and didn’t see major success until he was in his 40s. But here 50 years later, he’s still at it.
Let’s all take a step back and appreciate this achievement, and consider ourselves thankful we’ve been able to spend our lives with Willie Nelson … and knock on wood that we’ll still have many more years to share with this man on earth.
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Willie Nelson Tour Dates:
Feb. 7 – Seminole Casino – Immokalee, FL |
Feb. 9 – Pompano Beach Amphitheatre – Pompano Beach, FL |
Feb. 10 – The Sound at Coachman Park – Clearwater, FL |
Feb. 12 – Coffee Butler Amphitheater – Key West, FL |
Feb. 14 – St Augustine Amphitheatre – St. Augustine, FL |
Feb. 15 – St. Augustine Amphitheatre – St. Augustine, FL |
Feb. 17 – Apopka Amphitheater – Apopka, FL |
Feb. 18 – Cocoa Riverfront Park – Cocoa, FL |
April 17 – Cooks Garage – Lubbock, TX |
April 19 – Mesa Amphitheatre – Mesa, AZ |
April 20 – Harrahs Rio Vista Outdoor Amphitheater – Laughlin, NV |
April 22 – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park – San Diego, CA |
April 24 – Greek Theatre – Berkeley, CA |
April 25 – Santa Barbara Bowl – Santa Barbara, CA |
April 26-28 – Stagecoach Music Festival |
May 10 – Whitewater On The Horseshoe – New Braunfels, TX |
May 11 – Whitewater On The Horseshoe – New Braunfels, TX |
May 15 – Pinewood Bowl Theater – Lincoln, NE |
May 17 – Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI |
May 18 – BMO Harris Pavilion – Milwaukee, WI |
May 20 – Bluestem Center for the Arts – Moorhead, MN |
May 21 – Bluestem Center for the Arts – Moorhead, MN |
May 23 – Bayfront Festival Park – Duluth, MN |
May 25 – Lauridsen Amphitheater – Des Moines, IA |
May 26 – Ozarks Amphitheater – Camdenton, MO |

February 1, 2024 @ 10:00 am
Bob Dylan is still touring at age 84.
February 1, 2024 @ 12:33 pm
Sorry, Dylan is 82 years old.
February 1, 2024 @ 6:48 pm
John Mellencamp
Neil Young and
Willie
Founders of Farm Aid
Dave Matthews added later.
February 2, 2024 @ 4:47 am
Rambling Jack Elliot still going at 93 sorry Willie you ain’t the oldest.
February 2, 2024 @ 1:31 pm
I looked it up and Rambling Jack has a few appearances scheduled at Cowyboy poet or musician gatherings. More power to him, but he’s not touring and headlining in the way that Willie Nelson is.
But I did happen catch that Rambling Jack will be participating in an event in New York City next month called “ROLL ON, COWBOYS WITH ANDY HEDGES & FRIENDS” featuring names like Corb Lund, Waddie Mitchell and Tom Russell–in addition to Rambling Jack.
The event is at Zankel Hall, a 600-seat auditorium inside the Carnegie Hall building that’s generally used for classical chamber music performances, but hey, they’ll all put it on their resumes that they played Carnegie Hall. I just bought four tickets. Now the hard part will be trying to waylay or cajole a three friends into going. with me–like they don’t think I’m weird enough!
February 2, 2024 @ 2:10 pm
Legendary Rockabilly Hall of Famer Art Adams is still playing shows, recording and writing at 92!
February 2, 2024 @ 2:51 pm
Watch Art Adams 92’nd birthday party live February 10th live stream from Center Stage Vintage Guitars.
He still rocks it out with a strong voice and energy!
February 1, 2024 @ 10:20 am
Cliff Richard is the white whale on that list, because except for a NY show in 2014, he hasn’t toured the USA since 1982. Have been up relatively close for Willie 7 times, would be twice that if tix were cheaper.
February 1, 2024 @ 11:46 am
Yes but he regularly plays dates in the UK. His market is not the US.
February 1, 2024 @ 10:41 am
At this point, if you are a hard-core Country music fan, you’ve likely seen Willie Live. For many of us, it’s been numerous times. I don’t see that he has anything to prove at 90, but I guess he would die if he stopped ; clearly playing music is what feeds this man’s soul. His body of recorded work is beyond staggering. Usually, it’s noteworthy when an artist has a handful of legacy records; Willie’s true legacy albums number into the double digits…mind-blowing. Is he the GOAT by sheer staying power, endurance, and proliferation? Likely, yes.
February 1, 2024 @ 4:23 pm
I felt similarily when seeing Clapton last year. He wasn’t the 2000’s era Clapton and he’s obviously slowed down but all things considered he is still performing remarkably.
February 1, 2024 @ 10:48 pm
Johnny Mathis is still at it at 88!
February 1, 2024 @ 10:50 am
Some great artists from a lot of genres on that list. A reminder to go see them while we can. Pete Seeger made it to 94. I’m not sure how active his touring schedule was in his final years, but he definitely made at least occasional public appearances and did release some new albums. I don’t know if any other nationally prominent musicians have ever been as active at his age or older, but hopefully Willie (and Ramblin’ Jack) can beat these odds.
February 1, 2024 @ 11:18 am
Tony Bennett is who came to mind in regards to who might have the record for performing and recording into old age. He was performing and recording with Lady Gaga in 2021. Passed away at 96.
February 1, 2024 @ 11:14 am
Has DAC stopped performing shows? I know he had covid pretty bad but haven’t heard anything since.
February 1, 2024 @ 11:19 am
I don’t believe Coe is performing at the moment. I’ve reached out a couple of ways trying to get info to no avail.
February 1, 2024 @ 11:19 am
Del McCoury is 85 today.
I read that Leroy Van Dyke taped an episode a few weeks ago for the Malpass Brothers’ new show on RFD-TV.
February 1, 2024 @ 11:25 am
And Del McCoury looks fantastic! He relies on his prompter, but he’s pulling from a deep, deep catalog (and fan shout-out requests). We saw him almost two years ago at Del Fest. It was 90 degrees and he’s playing in a suit – all the time; those old school bluegrass stalwarts and their suits still debunking stereotypes.
February 1, 2024 @ 1:04 pm
Not to mention the best head of hair in the bluegrass business.
February 1, 2024 @ 12:29 pm
Ramblin jack elliot is touring I’m pretty sure.
February 1, 2024 @ 1:07 pm
For an artist to tour in his 80s and beyond, he (or she) has to still WANT to do it, he has to still BE ABLE to do it, and there has to be DEMAND out there for him to do it.
It’s a rare artist who can get all those ducks in a row, but some of the true icons can. Willie is still doing it. Dylan–who’s 82–has a busy touring schedule. With a bit of Googling, I also found: Johnny Mathis (88)–full touring schedule in NY, Fla. Calif. and Texas in the months ahead; Judy Collins (84)–bunch of concerts lined up from now through April in New York, Calif, Ariz., Va., Ohio, and Australia!; Engelber (88)–full schedule in Australia, England and Scotland, but also a few dates in Calif. and NYC suburbs in North N.J.; Tom Jones (83)–limited dates in Kuala Lampur, Bangkok and Germany; Smokey Robinson (84)–dates in Calif., N.J., Las Vegas and Nashville. And of course the Rolling Stones (Jagger and Keith are both 80) have a slew of stadium shows scheduled for this spring/summer in the U.S.
February 1, 2024 @ 3:20 pm
When Willie Nelson was a little boy, Keith Richards taught him to play guitar.
February 1, 2024 @ 1:22 pm
I was working in Augusta Georgia about 27 years ago when I saw that Willie was rolling thru town and playing the Miller Theater. On a whim I bought a ticket last minute figuring I better go see him before he dies. little did I know. it was a good show and he played for a really long time. glad to see he’s still doing it.
February 1, 2024 @ 2:23 pm
I was hoping he was going to tour with a bluegrass outfit this summer like Sturgill Simpson did after Cuttin’ the Grass. I’m all time wish would be to see Willie perform Red Headed Stranger in its entirety.
At any rate, we’ll try to see him again a few times end of summer / early fall. Since we attended the 30th anniversary of Farm Aid in Chicago in 2015, we made a pact to see Willie as much as possible, not knowing he’d be going this strong 9 years later (almost wearing us out).
We’ve seen him 18 times in 12 states since 2015. 13 of those were Outlaw Music Festivals which have made the streak easier (there’s usually 3 a year within 500 miles).
February 1, 2024 @ 5:32 pm
I would love to see Willie perform Red Headed Stranger in its entirety as well! It is hands down my favorite Willie album.
February 2, 2024 @ 1:10 am
Willie would not know all the songs on Red Headed Stranger and it would bore the hell out of everyone if he tried to recreate it at his age, with its repetitive themes. When he gives a concert, he plays songs that he knows and has been playing for years and that the audience is familiar with and wants to hear him play and sing! (And he has more than enough core songs that he can’t get to all of them).
I always wanted to hear Willie perform, “Nothing I Can Do About It Now”– the Beth Nielsen Chapman-penned song that was Willie’s last (solo) #1 hit in the 1980s, but I don’t think he ever made it a part of his act, so I wouldn’t expect him to play it now.
February 2, 2024 @ 2:57 am
Lucky…. this is a terrible, erroneous comment. It’s just blatantly false. Willie does an incredible job of keeping his setlists fresh, dynamic, and new for his fans especially for a 90 year old.
Willie releases new albums yearly and always adds a couple new songs in his setlist. New songs (released within the last 5 years) Willie played in 2023 according to setlist.fm:
Busted (I Don’t Know A Thing About Love)
I’ll Love You Till the Day I Die (A Beautiful Time)
It’s Hard to be Humble (Ride Me Back Home)
I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail (I Don’t Know A Thing About Love)
Don’t Let the Old Man In (First Rose of Spring)
Every year Willie reaches back into his catalog and dusts off some deep cuts to rotate in his setlist. According to setlist.fm, the following were deep catalog songs Willie played in 2023 INCLUDING A PARTIAL RED HEADED STRANGER MEDLEY***:
Pick up the Tempo
I Thought about You, Lord
I Gotta Get Drunk
I Never Cared for You
Write Your Own Songs
Something to Think About
The Sound of Your Memory
Valentine
We Don’t Run
I Thought about You, Lord/ Just as I Am/ Time of the Preacher/ Bandera/ Hands on the Wheel***
According to setlist.fm, the following were covers Willie played in 2023 that weren’t part of his core setlist in past years:
Workin’ Man Blues
Me and Bobby McGee
Good Christian Soldier
Truck Drivin’ Man
When Lukas or Micah Nelson are part of the Family band, the following were songs Willie Nelson played in 2023 according to setlist.fm:
Die When I’m High (Halfway to Heaven)
Just Breathe
Just Outside of Austin
Texas Flood
(Forget About) Georgia
Deep in the Heart of Texas
Obviously, Willie playing Red Headed Stranger in its entirety would not be a challenge for him. I think with his weathered voice and the sparse instrumentation, it would sound incredible and not a bore to anyone but you.
February 1, 2024 @ 4:23 pm
Any thoughts on the Lana Del Ray news?
February 1, 2024 @ 5:38 pm
I might have something on that soon, but I want some more information and to hear some actual music before making any hard conclusions.
February 1, 2024 @ 4:33 pm
Trig — Darius Rucker was arrested today
The media hasnt reported it yet.
Be the 1st to break it
February 1, 2024 @ 6:41 pm
What about Ramblin’ Jack Elliott?
February 1, 2024 @ 6:42 pm
Well, hell. I should have read the whole article before posting.
February 1, 2024 @ 6:41 pm
Like too see Willey do the Stardust album once more. I have listened to His music for about 50 years and Stardust album my favorite with Pancho and Lefty a close second. We are lucky to live in the time we are living in.
February 1, 2024 @ 10:39 pm
I saw Sammy Hagar and the Circle last year – dude still kicks it like he’s 30 at 75 years-old.
February 2, 2024 @ 12:24 am
A true living legend and still doing it. Amazing,.
February 2, 2024 @ 4:11 am
…he’ll probably survives us all. jamas! – as the greek say at such occasions.
February 2, 2024 @ 6:36 am
Saw Willie in Cary N.C. at outdoor amphitheater. Loved every minute of it. My favorite is Crazy and Angels Flying too close to the ground. He was 80 yrs at the time. I have DVD of all of his popular tunes .I listen to it everytime I am in car. Love the peppy tune Shotgun Willie. So do my grandkids.
February 2, 2024 @ 9:11 am
Go, Willie! (and Ramblin’ Jack!) 🙂
Sparks’ Ron & Russell Mael turn 79 and 76 later this year; I haven’t been lucky enough to get to see them live yet, but judging from YT clips from their 2022 and 2023 tours they still put on a helluva show (plus they have one or two film projects in the works).
February 2, 2024 @ 1:43 pm
The incredible Roger McGuinn of the Byrds is still touring at 81 and looks young enough to do it f I r another 20 years. I will see him this April. He was touring with Eric Clapton tour last year. I’ve been listening to his music since 1965 since the Byrds were formed. Spectacular musician, arranger, songwriter. I can hardly wait.
February 3, 2024 @ 10:24 am
Oh wow! 🙂 John Cale of the Velvet Underground is also 81, and toured in support of a new album last year.
February 3, 2024 @ 12:54 pm
Willie love ???????????? you man. Keep singing brother ????????????????????
February 4, 2024 @ 10:17 am
We’re hopefully seeing him on the 22nd. I got tickets back in December when I first heard he was touring. The fact he’s playing several locally owned and operated or at recreational facilities like Apopka amphitheatre where much of his proceeds can go back into the community says SO much about his character. ???? We love you Willie!
February 4, 2024 @ 7:27 pm
Marshall Allen is 99. Still touring. Just put out an album last year.
February 5, 2024 @ 7:14 pm
Although they have since passed away, two of the original members of the “Hackberry Ramblers” Cajun band (which formed in 1933) were still touring and playing live music until they were each 95 years old. I saw the Hackberry Ramblers in Cincinnati in late 2003 in Cincinnati when Edwin Duhon (accordion) was 93 years old and Luderin Darbone (fiddle) was 90. Mr. Darbone was still sawing the fiddle pretty good, and stood to play their entire set (about 60 minutes long, as I recall), although Mr. Duhon had to sit while playing for about half of the set.
A few folks said to me back then that they would have thought that “old folks” would have got tired of touring and playing music. I replied that I believed that playing music kept them going. If they had just retired from playing music and gone into a nursing home, they probably wouldn’t have lasted very long.