From night-club jazz pianist to the world’s most recognized film composer, John Williams shows what lifelong learning looks like. He’s collaborated for decades with Steven Spielberg and shaped culture through themes we can hum in our sleep.
Highlights
- Led the Boston Pops for 14 seasons; now Laureate Conductor and Artist-in-Residence at Tanglewood.
- Signature partnership with Spielberg; scores include Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park, and more; also scored all nine Skywalker-saga films.
- Honors range from the National Medal of Arts to 20+ honorary degrees.
Longevity habits (what we notice)
- Keeps creating (still taking major projects in his 90s).
- Maintains close, long-term creative partnerships (trust + teamwork).
- Blends discipline with play—returning to the piano whenever a theme “pulls him in.”
What we can learn
Stay curious, keep collaborating, and let meaningful work set a daily rhythm. Pair this with social connection—the biggest predictor of long life—and you’ve got a winning recipe.
Pull-quote:
“Passion plus practice—every day.”
Internal links:
Related topics: The Key to Longevity and Keep Your Brain Sharp: 3 Rituals from a 101-Year-Old Neurologist.
Photo: © Dwi Anoraganingrum/Geisler-Fotopress / Alamy. Editorial use only.