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by Fdemetrio - 04/25/24 01:36 AM
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by Rob B. - 04/21/24 08:40 PM
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Hello, If there was a SENIORS AMERICAN IDOL, Would you enter, if so what song to sing, and what costume would you wear/clothes?
Don't know how most feel about writing after the age of 50. This site I found discussing the topic. Please share your feelings. This site is dedicated to writers over 50, this link includes songwriting competitions. http://www.musicafter50.com/2010/12/should-i-enter-a-songwriting-contest/[u][/u][i][/i]
Last edited by Petra; 05/14/11 09:44 PM.
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PETRA--
Actually, older writers have more to write about--MORE WATER HAS RUN UNDER THE BRIDGE.
I’m one of the older ones here--I learn from the young at heart--and get to re-live some dreams a second time.
Many of the old songs I wrote years ago, only need minor changes to be valid today-- What goes ‘round comes ‘round--only the beat changes.
Writing is great thearpy -- I write my troubles out of my mind. The inspiration seems to flow easier, than when I was younger--anyway writing, allows me to re-live parts of my life over again--sprinkling a little fiction in with the truth, TO MAKE IT BRAND NEW.
SO I SAY, WRITE ON YOUALL-
Mackie
P.S. I learned how to remember my wedding anniversary forever--I just forgot it ONE TIME!
Last edited by Mackie H.; 05/14/11 04:58 PM.
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I'm over 70 and I'm still writing. Writing some of my best stuff I mignt say.
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I wouldn't know about writing past the age of 50 (that's ancient). But I would think it would get even better. Often the over 50 crowd will be done raising children, have less responsibilities, and have more time to pursue music. Add to that a lifetime of knowledge, experience, arthritis, Alzheimer's, and your standard aches & pains that come with old age. Hey, it's got to get better. John
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Hey John so you are under 50 then,
This gives me hope guys - will be turning 52 June 6.
Thanks for sharing.
Mackie; yes you are young still - lyrics you write amaze me.
Evertte; thanks, maybe my best songs are still to come eh?
Last edited by Petra; 05/14/11 05:20 PM.
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Dave, wonder if he will spill the beans?
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Oh my! Petra is waving the red flag at the old bulls!
I used to think life ended at 50, back when I was 30. Now, each morning, I wake up thinking I'm 20... even though my bones and muscles quickly bring me back to reality.
To my mind, age has little to do with writing. It's more about experiences, observation and the writer's ability to translate those into a lyric... and eventually, a song.
At my advanced age... flunked out of college the first time around, served my country, saw so many places it would take a month to write them down, came home, got a job, got married, had children, scratched my way into interesting jobs after helping found a company that was gobbled up by a large corporation.
Next, I found work in Nashville for about five years, then returned home and retired from three other jobs before slowing down to a life of golf, chess and eventually, songwriting. Obtained a dual degree later... just to prove I could. Remodelled the 120 year old family farm which was evenutally swallowed up by the city and apartments. Sold out when it became unsafe to live there... and moved to Glen Rose to be nearer to our daughters and their families.
I believe anyone at any age can create songs, lyrics, melodies or compositions. Just look back at Mozart. Then look forward to Willie Nelson. Still singing and writing.
Thanks for the link to the contest... but, to me... there is only one contest. Commercial viability and success for a song created by me... with or without co-writers.
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Well Dave, that is a lot to absorb !!!
I didn't know what I was getting intoLOL
But still haven't told us your age?
Now its Ray's turn. see if he spills the beans or not.
LOL
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PS: Hey, thanks for the hope, Never too Late!!!
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I was thinking Petra if all us over 50s migrate to the over 50 site, who will be left here.
God Bless Roy and Helen
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There you are, nobody LOL Good One!!!
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Just lady's who always claim to be 40 or under and all the young men lol
only jesting before I get lynched
Last edited by Roy Cooper; 05/14/11 06:03 PM.
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Hey John so you are under 50 then,
This gives me hope guys - will be turning 52 June 6.
Thanks for sharing.
Mackie; yes you are young still - lyrics you write amaze me.
Evertte; thanks, maybe my best songs are still to come eh? Just kidding Petra. I'm 62 years young - and loving it! Best, John
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Last edited by Petra; 05/14/11 06:13 PM.
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Age is really a state of mind Petra. Having something to be passionate about is the key to the fountain of youth. Now where did I put my arthritis pain medication? I can never remember. John
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Well doggies... as Jed Clampett used to say...
It would appear that I'm in line for "Geezer of the Month"... LOL! 75 is a state of mild panic!
I got a letter today asking me to sign up for one of those commercials where you see that couple in those side by side bathtubs. Momma told me there would be days like this!
John, sorry... I borrowed your Celebrex.
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Jee Golly, S ide by side bathtubs, new one to me.LOL Dave you don't look your age, must be using something. Pass it around eh?LOL
Last edited by Petra; 05/14/11 07:07 PM.
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Yeah, I am 40 Roy and I am staying with all the young guys LOL . Helen has to rope you in I see LOL
Last edited by Petra; 05/14/11 07:09 PM.
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image thing not working; no simple way of posting a pic here, cut and paste?
Last edited by Petra; 05/14/11 07:26 PM.
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Interesting topic.... My young singer/songwriter friends are almost always writing about relationships and breakups, etc. Having been married 27 years, I find it hard to relate to those very popular subjects. OTOH I don't want to write about old people stuff - nobody wants to listen to songs about getting old and falling apart. So I shoot for something in between.
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I think old fogey's should just retire to the rocking chair on the front porch and leave this tough, songwriting stuff to the young'ins
Kevin
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Did you say something about things falling apart? LOL Collin
OTOH what is that?
I have not caught all the lingo and short forums yet.
Yup, all those young hens and roosters are always writing about breaking up and getting back together again.
LOL
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Kevin do you mean you, leave all the songwriting stuff to you?
LOL
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Nobody wants to hear HELP I CAN'T GET UP?
Or WHERE'S MY WALKER?
Or Where did I leave my keys?
They want to hear about the Heat!!! The Wine, Hawaii!
Last edited by Petra; 05/14/11 07:35 PM.
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Roy, I couldn't get the green alien idea out of my head, what do you think of my avatar? LOL I won't keep up too long.
Last edited by Petra; 05/14/11 08:00 PM.
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Just turned 60, and look 90....and feeeeelllll 112...but i'm still here, not in great shape, but i'm still here..
glyn
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Age only matters for the artist or star. It has never mattered for writers, producers, and anyone else behind the scenes. The question is moot.
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Glyn,
Glad you dropped by, your creative juices are flowing all the time.
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So you don't perform then, Ben.
Well, Willie is out there and looks don't play a factor as I see.
There are other performers where age does not matter; some in Branson. Is George Jones still playing these days. Dolly Parton is 60 I believe and touring.
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So you don't perform then, Ben.
Well, Willie is out there and looks don't play a factor as I see.
There are other performers where age does not matter; some in Branson. Is George Jones still playing these days. Dolly Parton is 60 I believe and touring.
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Of course they still perform. They are not just starting out. They have a fan base.
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Right, forgot to say that. Not like someone starting now at age 50 or 60. Cheerios Hey Unless America Idol has a SENIORS AMERICAN IDOL ? Never know with the entertainment biz. Wilder things have happened.
Last edited by Petra; 05/14/11 09:11 PM.
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If there was a Seniors American Idol, would you enter? If so, what song would you sing, what costume you wear, and how would you handle going to Vegas?
????
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I have always contended that; you have to have lived a little of life before you can write about it. Gives your writing more creedence.
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At 54, I'm working on starting a new reality show called LIFESTYLES OF THE OLD AND STIFF. I only write and produce songs as a lifelong passion. And now you've gone and done it. I have officially been labeled a senior citizen.
Stevie
I'm the only person here who is not unique.
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Yes, Petra. I would. My entry would probably be "Santa's Fallen and He Can't Get Up." Title cut from the last album.
I am mostly unimpressed by these little kids trying to be songwriters. I'm inclined to advise 'em, "Go around the block for a few years, get hit by traffic a few times, and *then* write. You don't know enough yet." Of course, they don't listen any more than the record companies do. And I still see the ads on Craigslist calling for "older songwriter--25-30."
Joe
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Petra,
In America, some of the most successful venues are Indian casinos. All of the artists you are thinking of are playing there and making more money on some weekends that they made in a year when they were at the height of their careers. They even are able to cut back to playing about half the time so the other time they can play golf and go to resorts.
Willie played last week in New Orleans at the Jazz Festival. Willie and Jazz. Interesting idea.
Dolly Parton makes about $300 million a year in her theme park, Dollywood, and probably another $50 million from her new Broadway Musical "Nine to Five."
Most of these stars actually invest pretty well. There are not a lot of homeless legends out there. A few but mostly they do okay.
Two years ago one of the biggest tours were Willie Nelson, Ray Price and Asleep at the Wheel. That grossed around $145 million for the six month tour.
But it is quite different starting 20-30 years ago and starting now as an older artist. The life of an artist is very grueling, a LOT of traveling, a LOT of hours beyond just performing, writing, recording. The life of an artist is the Road. So there would never be just one show. That is what most older people are not willing to do.
MAB
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...as Tonto often said, "White Man Speak Truth!"
Thanks, MABster. I hope you are socking away tons of "bread" to share with your fellow geezers (including me) at the nursing home.
I'm down to one suitcase these days and though I've logged a couple of hundred-thousand air miles... I'm not gettin' on a plane again... for all the tea in China. LOL!
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Add to that a lifetime of knowledge, experience Yeah but now so much of it is obsolete. Think about it: From "Return To Sender" by Elvis: "I gave a letter to the postman..." nobody does that anymore From "By The Time I Get To Phoenix by Glen Campbell: "She'll just hear that phone keep on ringing...off the wall....that's all." Who has landlines anymore? From "18 Wheels And A Dozen Roses" by Kathy Mattea: "Charlie's got a gold watch..." Everybody checks their cell phone to find out the time now. From "Night To Remember" by Joe Diffie: "Dim the lights, lock the door, spread your pictures On the floor..." pictures are on cell phones or digital frames now. If you throw the frames you'll either break it or it will come unplugged and then you can't see the pics. From Middle Age Crazy by Jerry Lee Lewis: "He traded his big 98 Oldsmobile..." Olds has been kaput since 2004 or so. Woe is me, woe is me, I'm and old fart in an room full of plug in glad air fresheners. I just don't belong no mo.
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Sausage,
Sounds funny but very close to the mark. Older writers who get past the age of 30-35 will often lose context with the language of the current music buyers. That is one of the problems that we all face. (At 53 I put myself right in the middle of that as well). That is why it is important to stay in contact and even write with younger artists who can give you that perspective.
"Whisperin' Bill Anderson still gets a few cuts here and there with Brad Paisley and of course if you had a hit 20-35 years ago, chances are pretty good it will pop up in a movie, TV show about that period or a commercial, so the buying public can remember the "days of their youth."
Funny thing, probably one of the things that keep new music out of the marketplace is the music of past eras. Check out any Adam Sandler movie and you are going to get a ton of 1980's arena rock because that is what influenced him. The same with T. Bone Burnette, The Cohen brothers, Farrely Brothers, and most Hollywood types. They use the music they grew up with particularly if it is a period piece.
So you guys might be losing cuts to someone much older than you. Right place, right time.
MAB
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Age doesn't matter. If you like to write, then write.
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