An Alzheimer’s sufferer whose love of singing made him a YouTube sensation is to release his first-ever single to raise money for the UK’s largest dementia charity.
Teddy Mac, aged 80, won fans around the world after footage of him taking part in a carpool karaoke session with son Simon was posted on the internet a few weeks ago.
The former Butlins redcoat, who has earned the nickname The Songaminute Man, has now landed a deal with the prestigious Decca Records label.
Teddy’s rendition of the Frank Sinatra classic You Make Me Feel So Young is now set to be released on September 23rd.
Simon said: “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. The more Alzheimer’s kicked in, the more dad became aggressive, both physically and verbally. It was incredibly difficult to manage and terrifying at times.
“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. And it’s great to help Alzheimer’s Society, who provide so much support to other families going through the same things as us.”
The veteran crooner was first diagnosed with dementia three years ago and despite his failing memory, relatives have observed that he had retained the ability to sing the lyrics of dozens of his favourite songs.
Singing also appears to have a calming effect on his character, something which has been noted in a number of fellow sufferers and led to a proliferation of “Singing for the Brain” sessions around the country.
Jeremy Hughes, the Alzheimer’s Society’s chief executive, said: “We know music can have a positive impact on people affected by dementia and that favourite songs or pieces of music can also be powerful prompts for reminiscence. This is clearly the case when Teddy sings and is transported back to his time as an entertainer.
“We’re incredibly grateful money raised from this single will be used to fund Alzheimer’s Society services like our National Dementia Helpline, which supported Teddy’s family. Teddy’s story shows life doesn’t end when dementia begins, and you can fulfil your dreams even after a dementia diagnosis.”
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