Lurleen Ladd is making music better for everyone
When you think about musicians whose careers are going strong after 40, most of the names that will pop into your head are men: Jay Z, Kanye West, of course, Paul McCartney at 83, and Mick Jagger at 79. But then, women come to mind, led by Dolly Parton at 79, Madonna (67), Tracy Chapman (61), Katy Perry (41), Thalía (54), Julieta Venegas ( 55), Shakira 48), Linda Ronstadt (79), and the late Jenni Rivera, whose legacy still influences the industry.
What about musical artists whose careers began after 40? Tuli Kupferberg, who co-founded The Fugs at 40, Charles Bradley released his debut album at age 62, and Ted Hawkins, whose first album came out at the age of 60.
But what about women, who traditionally have had a harder time starting careers after 40 in a youth-obsessed industry? There are a few – Susan Boyle, thanks to “Britain’s Got Talent”, Sharon Jones with the Dap Kings, and Sia. But the woman who really stands out is blues/rock/pop singer Lurleen Ladd, who has become a dynamic force transforming the music landscape for women over 40, propelling a mission that dismantles the myth that it’s “too late” for mature women to succeed as artists.
After a successful career in social work and healthcare, Ladd faced her own doubts about pursuing music later in life—but ultimately embraced her calling, launching her first album, Magnolia and Amber Dreams, in her late 40s. This milestone revealed to her a widespread challenge: that despite the visibility of a few women over 40 like Dolly Parton and Susan Boyle, countless women 40+ felt invisible in an industry focused on youth.
So Ladd founded Wavemakers – Women in Music 40+, a groundbreaking for-profit initiative designed to empower women artists who are entering or expanding their music careers past forty. Through Wavemakers, Ladd leverages her own blend of creativity, talent, and business experience to create meaningful opportunities and redefine midlife as a strength, not a limitation.
Founded in Austin, Texas, in 2023, it was built to uplift women artists over 40 who have historically been overlooked in the music industry. Since its founding, Wavemakers has awarded $35,000 in grants to 11 talented women artists as part of its “5 for 5 in ’25” program and created a supportive ecosystem for mature artists to share their music and thrive. Concerts produced by Wavemakers include the annual “Merry & Bright Holiday Concert and Market” at The 04 Center in Austin, featuring performers like Suzanna Choffel, Wendy Colonna, Lurleen Ladd, and Erin Ivey, along with showcases, festivals, and curated musical experiences that highlight the diverse voices of women over 40.
Among Wavemakers grantees and concert performers are established local and regional talents such as Alice Spencer, Alison Tucker, Chantel Deniese, Leslie Sisson (Moving Panoramas), and Estani Frizzell—several of whom have gone on to release new music, collaborate on major projects, and attract media attention thanks to the resources and visibility provided by Wavemakers. Others, like Kimberly “Trashy Annie,” Vanessa Lively, and Giulia Millanta, have expanded their reach in Austin and beyond after participating in grant and concert events.
Ladd’s leadership in Wavemakers is reshaping the narrative: mature women artists are not just seen but celebrated for the depth, resilience, and artistry they bring. By forging connections between artists, audiences, and brands, Ladd is creating a new ecosystem—a place where women over 40 have the resources and recognition to build lasting musical careers. And we are all better off for it.
Patrick O’Heffernan
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