For me in SW Ohio (Dayton) a mix of big band, country, oldies/rock, hymns and seasonal/patriotic works very well. You're I think in Dallas, so lean towards classic country...

Consider this way of looking at things:

You said 80+ in age...let's use 80 for this example.

An 80 year old today was born in 1930. That means they were 15 years old in 1945. That also means that generally speaking stuff from before that won't be as popular as the stuff for this age group from 1945-1960.

I think if you browsed the hit parade charts from those 15 years, for country and big band tunes...you'd have exactly what you're looking for...

Other material can work really well also, make no mistake. A lot depends on their particular preferences, what YOU like to play, etc.

Good luck...

------------------
Bill in Dayton

[This message has been edited by Bill in Dayton (edited 01-13-2010).]