Does it really matter how old an artist is if the talent is still there and the music is enjoyable?

Question

I hear alot of people speculating on the age of Jay-Z and Beyonce. Why does it matter? If Beyonce was 60yrs old right now would B'Day be any lesser of an album? I really don't age should be a factor in your career if you still have the talent and can perform

Answer 1

LOL.....ah man....kids....they're funny. alright take it form someone in the music biz. IT MATTERS!!!! All the older acts you see around now a days have been around SINCE they were young. Very seldom can an artist break thru at an older age. Bands such as BluesTravelers broke thru to the big time at an older age because they paid their dues and John Poppers Talent on the Harmonic was undeniable. So yes to answer your question it is POSSIBLE to break thur on talent alone...but not likely. And that happened a decade ago! Maybe Los Lonely boys today. But if you take a look at the modern music world they keep cranking out these one hit wonders, shipping them on tour with 10 other bands (Ozzfest..etc.) so they make no money. It's how the record companies make money now a days becasue they can't do it on album sales anymore. (Thank you MP3's) Sooooo....the only people who can afford to go out on tour and make a new "Name" for themselves is the younger crowd who don't have established lives yet with families and debts and are still supported by mom and dad. It's sad, and kind of like the 80's all over again. The 80's being the golden years of the "One Hit Wonder". Only established bands who can set their own terms can go out and make money on tour now a days. The exception to that being the Jam bands who build their own following, ie....Phish, Widespread Panic, O.A.R...... some of these bands get incredibly big and popular on their own and completely circumvent the record companies. The downside to that.... do you hear them on the radio? or see them on MTV or BET? It's a sad business the music world has turned into and I predict you'll see a change in 5 years or so..... But as for now if you turn on the radio you'll hear tons of bands who will release one album and then fade away off of your favorite rock or RAP radio station forever. It's sad and a grueling lifestyle for anyone to try and live now a days. Gone are the days of rocketing to superstardom by record sales alone. ;) So to finish, half of Beyonce's appeal is her "sex appeal" and she wouldn't have that at 60. No matter how good the recrod no record company is going to promote a sixty year old. But since both Jay-z and beyonce have established themselves at a young age they shoul be around for a good while. Look at Snoop Dog hanging in there past his prime. But have you seen any old new rappers? Any Old Dirty bast ards lately? and ODB only got in because he was with a group of young guys! Any new hot Sixty year old rappers hitting the scene? (Besides the Rappin' Granny off of America's Got Talent that's just a fluke) I'm sorry to say it man, because I know we're missing out on a word of great music. But no, older artists dont' get a shot. I'm sorry to say it because older artists have moe experience and talent after years of practice. But for now they can reallly only be writers or producers. ;)

Answer 2

In theory, no, it shouldn't matter but it really depends on what they do as they perform the music. Like Tina Turner was always classy I thought. Cher, on the other hand, goes too far. I don't really consider Jay-Z OR Beyonce old! If you've still got the talent, go for it! Frank Sinatra should have quit long before he did!

Answer 3

I find it strange that performers are considered passe´ just when they reach the age when their skills and artistry should be starting to peak. The reason is that, for many people, their musical choices are not about the music itself as much as social identity. Few teens/20-somethings want to be identified as listening to "old people music." Thus, image is often more important than the music itself.
That's one of the many reasons I prefer jazz, blues, and other non-commercial genres. Artists under age 35 are considered young; those in their 40s and 50s are in their prime, and older performers are considered classics. Image is nothing; musicianship is everything

Answer 4

If the talent is there, it shouldn't matter, but at the same rate, with age, an artitst may lose some of his/her edge. Plus, sometimes when an artist has been in the industry say for 50 years, they may have run out of things to say and just be rehashing a lot of the same old same old.

Answer 5

I do agree that age shouldn't matter, but in the case of any artist in america, Image is a big thing and the public expects their stars to have a young sexy image. Now if they can pull off the young sexy look as a 60 yr. old, more power to them, but if not, it's not like they don't have all the money they need for a lifetime, so retire. Now Cher, she did a good job of keeping her image despite her age. If only we could all be like Cher and have tons of comebacks and wow the world just one more time, or so we let them think. lol

Answer 6

Of course it's not a factor. Look at the Rolling Stones. In show business there is no such thing as mandatory retirement. As long as you can still entertain people then age should not be a factor.

Answer 7

Age is just a number and a state of mind. What Jay-Z and Beyonce do and don't do is their business only.

Answer 8

Look at older performers like Elton John or the Rolling Stones. They still sell CDs and concert tickets.

Answer 9

It should not be a factor, but then again, neither should weight or height. As long as you sound good, in theory you ought to do well. However, this is not the case in our modern, beauty obseesed world. once beyonce shows wrinkles, she will lose part of her fame. =<

Answer 10

not to me. All the oldies are still goodies. Beach boys, Aerosmith, pink floyd. My kids sing stuff that I knew already. They can't figure out how I know the stuff. Hell. It was there before they were even thought of. No way. Doesn't matter how old. If they're good they're good. Legends....ya know?