Getting Lost — and Found — in the Music

On ageless artists and the power of music to heal our body, mind and spirit

In the last month, I’ve witnessed four living legends live in concert: Willie Nelson (91), Mavis Staples (85), Herbie Hancock (84), and Neil Young (78). Seeing these artists up close made me wonder how and why these musicians are performing — and performing well — at an age when others of their generation have long since retired or passed on.

First, these ageless wonders share a passion for their craft that still burns. Despite the physical and mental toll and sometimes ennui of decades upon decades of endless touring, they possess a gratitude that is palpable. This thankful feeling has positive mental health benefits on both artist and audience.

At Farm Aid 24, Neil [Young] jammed for several minutes on “Powderfinger” with Willie’s son Micah [Nelson], who tried to match the septuagenarian’s intensity on electric guitar. Micah returned later that night to join his dad (57 years his senior). Willie sat on a stool centre stage, between Micah and his other son Lukas, and for over an hour sang and played treasured song after treasured song on his acoustic guitar, “Trigger,” as the audience sang along. Willie, physically weathered, smiled throughout. So did Mavis Staples, the rhythm and blues, soul-gospel queen, during her set that same night.

A final illustration. On Oct. 1, 2024, Herbie Hancock, the Grammy-winning jazz innovator, ended his two-hour sold-out show at Massey Hall with a duelling guitar battle with bandmate Lionel Loueke. Throughout this spirited solo, Herbie jumped up and down with the zeal of a child splashing in a puddle on a school playground. Like Mavis and Willie, he, too, beamed from ear to ear.

These examples illustrate the joy music brings these performers. Sure, money is one reason they still play live, but the optimist in me believes joy is the prime motivator. This quartet are not alone. A few more age-defying artists include: Frankie Valli (frontman for the Four Seasons), who still tours at 90-years-old, bluesman Buddy Guy, 88, who just completed “The Damn Right Farewell Tour,” and 85-year-old Judy Collins, who is currently on the road again.

After seeing Willie, Mavis, Herbie and Neil live, I wondered if research exists that links living longer and staying healthy with listening to and playing music regularly. I found this study, which shows engaging in activities, like music — playing an instrument or being part of a choir or a band —benefits the brain — especially as we age. This research reveals the positive impacts of creativity on longevity. It also shows that making music improves both physical and mental health. It means fewer doctor visits and less reliance on medication, and a decrease in the incidence of falls. This paper also explores the many benefits and the power of music as a positive life-extending force in the lives of older adults.

Music is the elixir of life 

I’m not sure where I was — or how I came up with the above phrase — but it’s in my email signature and I quote it often. For me, music is medicine; it feeds my soul and nourishes my brain. Whether playing my guitar, listening to a song on the car radio and singing along, or attending a concert, no activity can compare to music’s power. Music connects me to the wider world. It gives refuge. And, it’s a constant companion on my loneliest days. Music offers meaning or at least offers escape — and a means to get lost temporarily — when the world feels meaningless.

Music is also universal. At its root, music is not bound by cultural boundaries or politics. Music connects people and is a cross-cultural form of communication. Listen to a song in another language and, even though you may not understand the words, the rhythms and melodies still move and speak to you. 

More than anything else, rhythm and harmony find their way into the inmost soul and take strongest hold upon it —Plato, The Republic 

As I ruminated about music’s healing nature, this article in The Walrus, by Daniel J. Levitin, which reprinted a few observations from the bestselling author and neuroscientist’s latest book “I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine,” appeared in my feed. Coincidence?

Arts vs. Science:
The Great Divide or is it necessary to Pick Sides? 

The Arts and Science communities are often split debating the virtues and values of each discipline and touting the merits — especially to youth — of why they should pursue a higher education in one over the other. 

Science is grounded in truth. It purports to be objective and is based on logic and what is known and what we can explain. The Arts is subjective and fuelled by imagination and emotions to create and showcase the limitless possibilities of the human mind. Renaissance painter and theorist Leonardo da Vinci captures humans’ need for feeding their brains with both in the following quote: 

To develop a complete mind: Study the science of art; study the art of science.

Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.

Music offers many health benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving mood and cognitive functions like memory and language skills. If you have not watched it, I highly recommend Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory. This 2014 documentary shares heartwarming stories of the power of music to reawaken the minds of Alzheimer’s patients.

Music as medicine is not a new notion. As Levitin writes, “Beliefs about music’s power to heal the mind, body, and spirit date back to the Upper Palaeolithic era, around 20,000 years ago, when ancient shamans and other healers used drumming in the hopes of curing a wide range of maladies, from mental disorders to wounds and illnesses.” 

Enough ruminating. Time for my daily dose of medicine. Here’s a pair of artists that I’m currently digging. Let me know what music is offering you healing and bringing you joy?