Beverly Glenn-Copeland shares dementia diagnosis
A new-age folk pioneer, transgender activist, and star of children’s television, Beverly Glenn-Copeland has had a colossal impact on the landscape of American music since he first burst onto the scene back in the 1970s. Now, the Canadian musician has shared that he has been diagnosed with dementia.
The announcement was made on September 23rd via social media. Speaking on an Instagram video, Glenn-Copeland, along with his longtime partner and collaborator Elizabeth Paddon, revealed that the legendary musician has received a dementia diagnosis.
However, he was also keen to highlight that this disease will not prevent Glenn-Copeland from continuing to write, record, and even tour his celebrated discography.
“For a while now,” the Canadian songwriter shared on Instagram, “We have been managing, privately, a diagnosis of a cognitive disorder known as dementia.”
Of course, this is devastating news for those who are close to the songwriter, as well as his legions of adoring fans. Speaking to his unstoppable spirit, however, he clarified, “But, so far, it does not impact my ability to be fully in the moment with those I love.”
From the very early days of Glenn-Copeland’s career, he has been challenging genre conventions and pushing jazz-folk forwards. He first began as a folk performer during the 1970s, incorporating elements of various different genres, including jazz, and showcasing his incredible voice and performance style. For most people, Glenn-Copeland first came onto their radar with the release of the groundbreaking 1986 album Keyboard Fantasies, which helped to completely reinvent perceptions of 1980s electronica.
Glenn-Copeland reveals plans to fight dementia
Seemingly, Glenn-Copeland has never lost that pioneering spirit. In the video announcing his diagnosis, the singer spoke of a desire to “challenge the mainstream image of this illness,” by continuing to perform and record music. His wife, also added, “We are also experiencing a massive creative renewal. We’re heading out on tour, writing a book, adapting a musical, and planning a children’s TV show.”
These projects would be ambitious for an artist of any age or wellness, never mind an 80-year-old musician with a recent dementia diagnosis. His deep desire to carry on working and creating art is testament to the unstoppable artistry which has storied his long and illustrious career so far.
In concluding the video, Glenn-Copeland and Paddon expressed their gratitude for those who have supported them over the years and gave an optimistic message for the future. “We will need support from the community in the times ahead, and we’ll share details soon,” the musician said. Until then, take good care of yourselves and your loved ones. We’ll see you soon.”
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