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The title says it all....looking for some inspiration and wisdom...'made it' is intentionally vague ; )
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Lecil Travis Martin (Boxcar Willie) born 1931 and had his first record to chart in 1981 when he was 50. He did not begin his professional career until the age of 45 according to Wikipedia. He served in the Air Force from 1949 until retirement in 1976. He won the Gong Show in 1976 to launch his professional career.
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 05/26/18 12:58 PM.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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I don't really know though I would say, it probably was more down to the era than the age.
win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 . https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases
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Susan Boyle started her career at the age of 47. Check her first preformance here
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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50 years old is pushing it, but for musicians who rose to prominence relatively late I can name a small handful.
I don't expect people in this forum to know who he is, but James Murphy (known for his electronic dance rock project, LCD Soundsystem) didn't release his debut album until he was 35. He didn't blow up with his music career until a year later when it got worldwide attention. In the electronic music world, that is quite late.
Although he composed the immortal jazz standard "'Round Midnight" before turning 30 and was a well-respected sideman, Thelonious Monk didn't make much of an impact as a top-billed artist with mainstream audiences until his album Brilliant Corners in 1957, which was released when he was 40. We all know how that went down following.
Another one that comes to mind is Andrea Bocelli, who didn't get his big break until 1992, when he was in his early 40's.
Cheers,
Deryk
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Mississippi John Hurt was “rediscovered” at around 70. He was found by some musicologists while working as a share cropper. He went on to have a very successful folk career in the early 60’s. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississippi_John_Hurt
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
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I had a brief exposure to guitar with a couple lessons in grammar school (age 12). After that, Music went dormant in me until I wondered into a music store at age 40, rented an acoustic guitar and signed up for lessons. That was 25 years ago and since that time, the flame has kindled, simmered, burned hot and flickered at bit at times, but never gone out. So, since you have defined 'made it' as intentionally vague, while you have likely never heard of me, I do put myself on the list. 
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Excellent example, B&J! I've heard Chet Atkins and Doc Watson both credit John Hurt for his influences on their guitar styles. Unfortunately, the recording quality of John's surviving music is quite poor but well worth a YouTube search. It seems to me that many of Mississippi John's surviving tunes were live recordings in friends' homes. They certainly have a 'homebrew' flavor that I love. This is a good sampler of John's music. I refer to John as "The Father Of Delta Blues". https://youtu.be/tvJrkQf-w-cBTW, John wrote, "Palette On The Floor" which has been covered by many popular artists including our very own Joanne Wilson-Cooper. Doc Watson and many guitarists play John's "Spike Driver Blues". Here's Doc's version: https://youtu.be/GLdhZ7bzbIg
Last edited by Don Gaynor; 05/28/18 06:43 AM.
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What does ‘made it’ mean? Get famous? Have a life changing delta in income?
Every time I get goosebumps at my hobby I think I’ve made it. I’m over 50. Bought EZ Drummer in the past year, and it has provided many of those experiences in ‘playing’ exactly what I would want from a real drummer. I get to have drums on my songs like I used to have in a band way way back when. Feels like making it to me.
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I like that definition of "makin it" after 50.
[list]Mississippi John Hurt
Music_Student
Rockstar_not[*]
By the way, EZDrummer 1 is pretty old. I assume you are referring to EZDrummer 2?
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I have missed the canoe headed for fame and celebrity. Apparently close doesn't count except in horseshoes and hand grenades. I am enjoying my freedom to explore my journey with the time I have left. I content myself in thinking that I could never be happy in that world.
That's my story and I am sticking with it!
Much like my chances of winning the lottery - my odds are roughly the same whether I buy a ticket or not, so I'll just pass.
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By the way, EZDrummer 1 is pretty old. I assume you are referring to EZDrummer 2?
Yes, sorry - EZ Drummer 2. Wish I hadn't waited so long! I tried Jamstix for years, but EZ Drummer works way better IMO.
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Yes, sorry - EZ Drummer 2. Wish I hadn't waited so long! I tried Jamstix for years, but EZ Drummer works way better IMO. I'm a big JS fan, but you are absolutely right about EZD2. But I am sure I shared that with the forum years ago, where were you? Been several years since a "...this changes everything" music app can along. EZD2 was one of those apps.
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Define "Make it" in the music biz.
Generally, if you haven't "made it" by 25...... you aren't going to "make it" as a lucrative main career.
I know tons of old guys still gigging the clubs and events.... but playing the local clubs isn't "making it" in my definition. Of course, they love it and do it for that reason so it's all good.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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What is the definition of "make it" in this particular case? Are we talking about making millions of dollars, or just having a following and fans that generally enjoy your music?
Cheers,
Ember
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In response to an interviewer calling him an 'overnight success,' Willie Nelson retorted: "It only took me fifty years to become an overnight success!"
I have to admire Willie's attitude; he appeared on Oprah in his bathrobe and pink fuzzy slippers.
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Doc Watson, the blind guitarist, was famous on the Bluegrass circuit for many years but didn't 'make it' until the Folk revival of the 60s with Pete Seger, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, PP&M, etc.
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What is the definition of "make it" in this particular case? Are we talking about making millions of dollars, or just having a following and fans that generally enjoy your music? I intentionally worded the question so that each person could - effectively, share whether they're happy where they are now, or still a bit frustrated by their current musical "career and/or hobby" stature ; )
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What is the definition of "make it" in this particular case? Are we talking about making millions of dollars, or just having a following and fans that generally enjoy your music? I intentionally worded the question so that each person could - effectively, share whether they're happy where they are now, or still a bit frustrated by their current musical "career and/or hobby" stature ; ) That's fair! I was mostly just curious what context we were working within. I don't know anybody personally, but I've heard of a guy who used to work at PG Music who had someone pretty big play a remix of one of their songs, and that this person is doing pretty well with their music, but they were not over 50. I'm not sure who it is or what genre they play, but it's cool to hear that people are getting well-deserved attention for their stuff. But, yah. I don't know anybody personally. My circle is mostly authors trying to get agents and books signed with publishing houses. Same idea, but just a different creative medium. Both require a lot of hard work and dedication to the craft, that is for sure!
Last edited by Ember - PG Music; 05/30/18 09:03 AM.
Cheers,
Ember
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
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What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
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