These Vibrant Vocalists Look Amazing at 50, 60, and 70-plus!

As their music gets better with each decade, these sensational artists prove that each birthday we’re blessed with is a beautiful thing.

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Published June 20, 2024
photo collage of 4 black musicians, chaka khan, mariah carey, tionne watkins, anita baker
AARP (Getty Images, 4)

Do people ever say you look like a certain celebrity? Are people ever surprised to learn your age? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Could a song in your heart be a secret for looking great at any age? The phrase “Black don’t crack” has been around forever. And it’s not going away anytime soon, especially after you see these stunning singers and musicians (many of them are well into their 60s, 70s and 80s). It’s often said that time doesn’t stand still for anyone, but these melanated queens will make you think otherwise.

Mary J. Blige, 53

Mary remains resilient through life’s ups and downs. That unwavering strength and vulnerability only adds to the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul’s physical beauty, which is undeniable on its own.

Erykah Badu, 53

A self-proclaimed "Queenager," Erykah continues to defy age stereotypes thanks to her unapologetic nature and bold, eclectic style, which accentuates her natural beauty.

Rozanda “Chilli” Thomas, 53

As the story goes, the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes nicknamed Chilli on the spot after meeting her “because she’s so hot.” The TLC member still hits that choreography like she’s 20.

Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, 54

Over the decades, T-Boz has been an open book about her health struggles, including her lifelong struggle with sickle cell anemia, but she’s as CrazySexyCool as ever.

Mariah Carey, 55

Mimi likes to joke that she’s “eternally 12.” As proof, the songbird recreated her iconic look from 1993’s “Dreamlover” music video last year. The side-by-side comparison may convince you that a time warp actually exists.

Toni Braxton, 56

Toni is still bringing the heat. Despite her 2008 Lupus diagnosis, the R&B songstress hits the gym daily to maintain her fit physique. No wonder why she isn’t shy about rocking an itty bitty bikini!

Tamela Mann, 57

Just like that powerful soprano voice of hers, Tamela’s beauty is heavenly. She and longtime hubby David share eight grandchildren. But who can tell from her youthful glow and spirit?

Janet Jackson, 58

With those famous high cheekbones and a megawatt smile that could light up the night sky, Janet is still breathtaking. She tricks us into thinking it’s 1993 all over again every time she rocks box braids.

Yolanda Adams, 62

The fact that First Lady of Modern Gospel appears to be aging in reverse deserves high praise. Yolanda, if you recreated all your album covers from over the decades, you’d have us fooled.

Sade, 65

One of the most beautiful women to ever grace the stage, Sade's face card is still going strong. It’s no surprise that she worked as a model before pursuing music.

Jody Watley, 66

Jody is as stunning as the day we met her on Soul Train. Watley once said, "A smile and a pleasant face can be beautiful." Sis, you've got both and then some.

Anita Baker, 66

As a sixty-something, Anita's still giving us the best that she's got. We’re caught up in the rapture of the songstress’ timeless beauty.

Stephanie Mills, 67

The class act rang in her 67th birthday earlier this year. "Never would have made it without God, faith, family and friends!!!" Stephanie captioned a TikTok video that shows her basking in gratitude, which looks good on her.

Patrice Rushen, 68

Rumor has it that a young Prince was smitten with jazz virtuoso Patrice Rushen. Who can blame him? 1979’s “I Wanna Be Your Lover” is believed to be about his crush on Patrice whose joyous smile comes straight from the heart.

Chaka Khan, 71

In 1978, the legendary Chaka Khan declared that she was every woman. Fast forward 46 years later, and still ain’t nobody doin’ it quite like sister Chaka!

Grace Jones, 76

A beauty icon since the early ‘80s, the rule breaker’s androgynous look set her apart from the rest. We’re still in awe of those chiseled cheekbones and her impeccably smooth ebony skin.

Gladys Knight, 79

Gladys seems to have found the fountain of youth: “I don’t have any secrets, I just lurve,” she said in 2022. “Love keeps you in a certain way, you know what I’m saying?” She may be onto something!

Patti LaBelle, 80

Synonymous with high-energy shows, Patti’s positive outlook and zest for life could teach some twenty-somethings a thing or two!

Diana Ross, 80

The epitome of class and glamour, “The Boss” made our jaws drop in Saint Laurent’s spring fashion campaign just before her 80th birthday. Those striking, doll-like eyes could mesmerize anyone.

Darlene Love, 82

On her 81st birthday, Darlene posted this question to her Instagram followers, "Do you agree that I’m aging gracefully?" The answer is a resounding yes!

Dionne Warwick, 83

The music veteran’s newfound Twitter fame introduced her to younger generations in recent years, proving you’re never too told to reinvent yourself.

Shirley Caesar, 85

While celebrating the 50th anniversary of Shirley Caesar Outreach Ministries in 2023, the gospel music icon joked, "I'm working on the next 50!” You name it, Shirley can do it!

Roberta Flack, 87

Fifty-something years later, Roberta’s breakthrough single, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," is even more fitting as the musical prodigy continues to age like the finest glass of wine.

Do people ever say you look like a certain celebrity? Are people ever surprised to learn your age? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Princess Gabbara is a New York City-based writer, editor, author and storyteller. She has contributed to Grammy.com, MTV News, Billboard, Oprah Daily, Shondaland, Essence, Ebony and Shape. You can follow Princess on Twitter at @princessgabbara and learn more about her and her work at princessgabbara.com.