Top 10 Singers You've Never Seen Young

Anyone watching “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2009 can probably remember their reaction when Susan Boyle first started singing during her audition. The then 48-year-old left jaws dropped with her flawless rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Misérables.” She reached the finals, ultimately finishing runner-up. Boyle previously tried to break into the biz in the mid-late ‘90s but took a hiatus for personal reasons. She decided to audition for “BGT” in honor of her late mother, who was a fan of the series. Since then, she's seen immense success, released several albums, broken records, and dueted with some phenomenal people. Perhaps most importantly, she inspired others to keep dreaming their dreams, too.

The face of modern funk, soul, and R&B might’ve looked very different without The Screaming Eagle of Soul’s influence on the industry. But Bradley didn’t get his big break until his 50s. After a troubled childhood, the artist spent multiple years as a James Brown impersonator under the pseudonym Black Velvet. In fact, it was while doing a show that he was discovered in the early aughts and signed to Daptone Records. Nevertheless, he didn’t release his debut album, “No Time for Dreaming,” until 2011. He followed up with two more albums, “Victim of Love” in 2013 and “Changes” in 2016. Sadly, Bradley passed away shortly after in 2017 at the age of 68 from stomach cancer.

When it comes to 20th-century jazz, it doesn’t really get more iconic than Louis Armstrong. That raspy voice is instantly recognizable, and his trumpet playing is legendary. He’s also well-known for his impressive scatting skills— no, really, he’s the master. The artist reportedly found his passion for music while in a juvenile delinquent center. He later joined Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, joining forces with the Dodds Brothers and Lil Hardin, who would later become his wife. Hardin was apparently the one who encouraged him to pursue a solo career. Today, we remember Armstrong as a talented musician and skilled vocalist. We also can’t imagine what the modern jazz industry would look like without his pioneering influences.

Few artists could sing like Etta James. We remember the “matriarch of blues” through songs like “At Last,” “I’d Rather Go Blind,” and “The Wallflower,” as well as countless others. James was a child prodigy thanks to her unparalleled powerful vocals, though you’d never have seen her then. She had her first hit as a teen and saw continued success throughout her 20s, even scoring her first Grammy nod for “All I Could Do Was Cry” in 1961. Unfortunately, her personal struggles caused some career setbacks. But she made a comeback in the ‘80s, reminding audiences what they'd been missing, and this is still the image we have of her today. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame still thinks of her as “one of the greatest voices of her century.”

In a career spanning multiple decades, we know Cher as a TV personality, movie star, cultural icon, and “Goddess of Pop.” Cher got her break in the ‘60s after meeting her future husband, Sonny Bono. In the ‘70s, she moved into television, co-hosting a variety show called “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour.” She also transitioned into movies, earning an Oscar nomination for her role in 1984’s “Silkwood” and winning Best Actress in 1988’s “Moonstruck.” Cher's made many musical comebacks, each time breaking fresh ground and garnering new fans. It's always exciting to see in which direction she'll take her career next. The woman is a whole showbiz chameleon!

We bet “It’s Not Unusual” for a fair share of music fans to dream of being serenaded by such a rich baritone voice. Jones got his start in a Welsh band called the Senators before getting discovered and going solo. His first single, “Chills and Fever,” in 1964, didn’t exactly make him an overnight sensation. But the following year, he released what’s arguably his most famous track, turning him into an international success in his mid-20s. While that is admittedly still young, the current rate of stardom in the music industry might have you believe otherwise. Either way, he’s since had a steady stream of hits, including “What's New Pussycat?”, “Delilah,” “Sex Bomb,” and the theme song to the “James Bond” flick “Thunderball.” Jones has also taken on the odd acting role.

We, like most others, would recognize that deep, gravelly voice anywhere. Cohen started his career as an author and poet before transitioning into music – and it shows. His first album, “Songs of Leonard Cohen,” released in 1968, received little fanfare in the US but spent more than a year charting in the UK. When you think of Leonard Cohen, you probably think of one song in particular. But would you believe that “Hallelujah” wasn’t an instant hit? It primarily found popularity in later cover versions and didn’t even chart until after Cohen’s passing. The singer continued to write and release music until the end of his life. In fact, his final album was released posthumously.

Unless you only “tumble[d] out of bed and stumble[d] to the kitchen” this morning, you’re probably very familiar with Parton’s signature song. With a career spanning over half a century, what hasn’t she done? She first found success as a songwriter before becoming a country artist. In 1973, “Jolene” became her first major hit, followed the next year by “I Will Always Love You,” later made famous by Whitney Houston. She’s also dabbled in acting, with notable roles in but no way limited to “9 to 5,” “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” and “Steel Magnolias.” Parton is also the recipient of numerous accolades. Her 11 Grammys (including a Lifetime Achievement Award) barely scratch the surface.

Stevie Wonder first rose to fame in the ‘60s as a musical prodigy and, given his far-reaching talents, is often considered like a one-man band. Whether he’s singing R&B, pop, soul, funk, jazz, or anything else, he has a voice that can instantly put a smile on your face. Wonder had his first No.1 hit aged just 13 with his single “Fingertips,” though you probably don’t remember him back then. Today, he’s one of the best-selling musicians ever. He’s the first solo artist to win a whopping 25 Grammys Awards and has been inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Songwriters Hall of Fame. Plus, his music is practically a staple at any special event.

While today she’s considered one of “The Best,” believe it or not, the most pivotal moment of the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” career came later in life. She made her professional debut in 1957 under the name Little Ann before forming a duo with Ike Turner. Today, her discography – which includes songs like “Proud Mary,” “Nutbush City Limits,” “River Deep – Mountain High,” and “GoldenEye” – is beyond iconic. Still, in 1984, Turner made the comeback of all comebacks with her “Private Dancer” album. It featured “What's Love Got to Do with It,” which scored her the milestone of a Billboard Hot 100 No.1. It also won Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 1985 Grammy Awards.

Which celeb do you think has made the biggest impact in their later years? Let us know in the comments.