#RespectYourElders: You can always put your creativity to use, even when living with memory loss. Today, we’re remembering Glen Campbell.
On August 9, we were sad to learn that legendary musician Glen Campbell (born 1936) passed away from Alzheimer’s disease at age 81. After his diagnosis, Campbell continued to perform, record music and enjoy his life.
Campbell was best known for hit songs during the 1960s and 70s, and for hosting “The Glen Campbell Show” on CBS. Campbell recorded in a variety of musical genres, including country, rock, folk and gospel.
Campbell has performed with his 12-string guitar in several groups throughout his career, including The Folkswingers, The Bandits and The Gene Norman Group. He also released duets and collaborations with singers across genres — from “Dream Lover” with Tanya Tucker to “Let It Be Me” with Bobbie Gentry to his “Say a Little Prayer/By the TIme I Get to Phoenix” duet with Anne Murray.
Throughout his career, Campbell released more than 70 albums and won nine Grammy Awards. Campbell recorded his final album, “Adios” in 2012, which was released this past June. It features songs Campbell loved but was never able to record earlier in his career. All three of his children make guest appearances on the album.
Campbell was open about his Alzheimer’s disease. After being diagnosed in 2010, he announced a “Goodbye Tour,” and performed 151 shows across the country. The tour is the subject of a documentary titled “Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me,” which follows Campbell’s performances as he navigated his progressing Alzheimer’s disease. The film was screened at theaters across the county after his passing, and you can view it on Amazon and iTunes.
After his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Campbell continued to lead a life of love, laughter and music, determined to preserve “what magic was left,” as his wife Kim wrote. Read more about Campbell, his contributions to American music and television and how he used his Alzheimer’s diagnosis to raise public awareness of the disease here.