Chicago Tribune

Seniors challenge traditional retirement, in the recording studio and beyond

CHICAGO - Walking into Haven Studios, a music mentoring program on the South Side, Arthur DuBois was told by founder Andre "Add-2" Daniels that the space was for young folks.

DuBois retort: "I'm young at heart."

The Bronzeville resident has rehearsed and recorded more than two dozen trap music beats, a sub-genre of hip-hop that went mainstream in the late '90s, simply for fun. A YouTube video of his beat-making skills went viral in March and now boasts nearly 173,000 views. The newfound fame landed him coverage on "Windy City Live," Rollingstone.com, CBSNews.com, NPR.com and Buzzfeed. DuBois is working with Haven and Add-2 is serving as his mentor and adviser.

"At 72, I don't consider myself old," DuBois said. "I'm still alive. As long as you're still alive, age doesn't mean nothing. If you still want to do something at your age, do it."

He's not alone in that mindset. Social Security kicks in

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Chicago Tribune

Chicago Tribune3 min read
‘Bodkin’ Review: A True-crime Podcast Descends Upon Rural Ireland, With Mediocre Results
True-crime podcasts are enough of a phenomenon that they’ve become a premise for scripted, fictional TV shows. Following on the heels of “Only Murders in the Building” (Hulu), “Based on a True Story” (Peacock) and “Truth Be Told” (Apple TV+), we can
Chicago Tribune4 min read
New COVID ‘FLiRT’ Variants Are Spreading Nationwide. Chicago Health Experts Urge Up To Date Vaccination
CHICAGO — A new family of COVID variants nicknamed “FLiRT” is spreading across the country, as vaccination rates in Chicago — as well as nationwide — remain concerningly low for some public health experts. While symptoms and severity seem to be abou
Chicago Tribune4 min read
New Chicago Play ‘Turret’ Has A Father’s Ghost — And Michael Shannon Trapped In A Bunker
CHICAGO — Dystopian times, these. Netflix had a hit with “Leave the World Behind,” executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, a movie wherein America descends into chaos. Many Americans went to see “Civil War,” imaging a nation ripped asunder.

Related Books & Audiobooks