People Magazine: How Karen LeFrak Launched a Professional Music Career in Her 70s

Lily Brown (People)

Now, with 21 albums, 60 million streams and a major orchestral commission tied to America's 250th anniversary, the 78-year-old composer proves it's never too late.

For most people, their 70s are a time to slow down. For composer Karen LeFrak, they marked the beginning of a career she never saw coming.

"Never, never, never," LeFrak tells PEOPLE when asked whether she ever imagined she'd launch a professional music career later in life.

Today, the composer, who turns 79 next week, has released 21 albums, amassed more than 60 million streams and is celebrating the success of her latest orchestral work, American Promise, commissioned in honor of America's upcoming 250th anniversary.

But LeFrak insists this wasn't a lifelong dream waiting to be fulfilled.

"I can't say it's a dream come true," she says. "It evolved, but I am certainly glad it did."

Click here to read the full profile on People Magazine.