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Man with Alzheimer's Signs Record Deal

Alissa Sauer
By Alissa SauerDecember 14, 2016

It’s never too late to live your dreams! Ted McDermott is an 80-year-old man with Alzheimer’s disease, who still remembers the lyrics to hit songs. Recently, a video of McDermott singing with his son went viral, and he has now signed a record deal to record songs and raise Alzheimer’s awareness and funds.

Learn more about McDermott’s incredible story.

Man with Alzheimer’s Goes from Carpool Karaoke to Record Deal

Ted McDermott is an 80-year-old man with Alzheimer’s, who was recently signed to Decca Records after a video of him singing in the car with his son went viral.

The YouTube video has been viewed millions of times and features McDermott singing “Quando, Quando, Quando.”

Diagnosed in 2013, McDermott was formerly a club singer and performer in the Butlins Redcoats. He earned the nickname “The Songaminute Man” during his career because of the many hit songs he performed.

Although McDermott has trouble remembering his son Simon, he can still remember the lyrics to his favorite songs. This led his son to play music in the car and record his father singing.

His son then posts the footage of them singing together online, and one of their videos recently went viral, raising over $100,00 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

With Decca Records, McDermott has recorded “You Make Me Feel So Young” by Frank Sinatra, with proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Society and his family.

Simon says the whole family is excited for his father:

“This is a dream come true not only for dad, but for the entire family. There have been some really tough days in the last few years — especially for mum. We threw an 80th birthday party last month and thought that would be his last time singing solo for people, so it’s amazing to think he now has a single coming out!”

Watch the father and son team up on songs together on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6tmams7km6i0O9m9m3MP0Q

How has music helped your parent or senior loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia? Share your experiences and stories with us in the comments below.

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Alissa Sauer
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Alissa Sauer

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