US EditionMinnesota Musician Still Rockin’ and Twanging at Age 82
At 82, Kling performs weekly as a one-man band across west central Minnesota, playing up to three shows with eight hours of backing music without repeating songs.
- Today, Verlyn Kling, 82, of Granite Falls continues to perform as Verlyn’s Four Wheel Drive 1 Man Band.
- Long ago, Kling began performing with The 7 Teens shortly after the Jan. 7, 1959, Winter Dance at Montevideo High School.
- Recording eight hours of backing music, he usually performs twice and sometimes three times a week at nursing homes and assisted living centers.
- Ongoing requests from regional venues and callers mean Verlyn Kling is booked through 2026, showing regional demand despite limited wider fame.
- Nearly missing a $700,000 windfall, Kling is placed among long-running stars like Willie Nelson, Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger, though a 1961 band breakup may have limited greater fame.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Pine Journal
Minnesota musician still rockin’ and twanging at age 82
GRANITE FALLS, Minn. — He may not be quite as well-known, but Verlyn Kling deservedly belongs in the company of musical performers including Willie Nelson, Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger. At age 82, Kling continues to perform as a musician, just like Nelson, age 92, and McCartney, age 83, and Jagger, age 82. “I tell audiences once in a while Willie and I are still out there. He’s got me beat,” said Kling with a smile. Kling, of Granite Falls, be…
Granite Falls, Minnesota, musician still rockin’ and twanging at age 82
GRANITE FALLS — He may not be quite as well-known, but Verlyn Kling deservedly belongs in the company of musical performers including Willie Nelson, Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger. At age 82, Kling continues to perform as a musician, just like Nelson, age 92, and McCartney, age 83, and Jagger, age 82. “I tell audiences once in a while Willie and I are still out there. He’s got me beat,” said Kling with a smile. Kling, of Granite Falls, began per…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
