Average (Top) Songwriter's age

[davekershaw]

Here's an interesting one:Any thoughts on the average age of a top song writer today?I suppose I'm looking for some kind of comfort being slightly over forty but I'm guessing they're no spring chickens.Admittedly, I follow my own favourites: Paul McCartney, Elton John, Don Henley etc (old gits in other words ), but, other than the younger bands who maybe write for themselves, I'm wondering about the non-performing writers who write for artists.A lot of the "older" writers are still around. I just wonder whether it leans more toward the "mature" end of the scale.Tell me it does!

[claire]

Other than Taylor Swift (19) I think a lot of the pro writers in Nashville are in their 40s. As long as you stay relevant, you're good in this town. Bill Anderson must be in his 60s, I would think, and has been cranking out hit songs for decades.Claire

[davekershaw]

Jul 4, 2009, 9:25am, claire wrote:Other than Taylor Swift (19) I think a lot of the pro writers in Nashville are in their 40s. As long as you stay relevant, you're good in this town. Bill Anderson must be in his 60s, I would think, and has been cranking out hit songs for decades.Claire1-0 to the old gits then!

[mojobone]

One profession where actual life experience really counts for something.

[heinsite]

i heard somewhere that one writer for one of kelly clarkson's first hits was like 70--hell, gives me hope that by then maybe i'll get lucky...or good-er...wh

[hiredgun]

What's that ya say ,sonny... I'm taking my geritol and going mall walking . I'm in my early 50's but most people say I don't look a day over 49ish. Life experience is a benefit only if you can remember where your at and what your name is

[feaker]

ClaireThanks for the Bill Anderson info. Feel better now.Paul

[bucyboy]

Experience sure does help! The younger writers have less to write about, unless they listen to their elders!Buc

[coachdebra]

Forget about your age. Focus on being the best you can be, in this time. To me - worrying about age is often an excuse to not take the risk of rejection (it's too late for me, I'm too old, so I may as well just quit...).Set your goal and go after it with all that you have and all that you are - and trust in your own power.

[mojobone]

Case you're wondering, ol' Whipering Bill was listed as a co-writer on Whiskey Lullabye, Top Ten a couple years back; he's been active since the sixties.