New age and folk jazz pioneer Beverly Glenn-Copeland has revealed that he has been diagnosed with dementia.
The 80-year-old Canadian artist shared the news on Monday (September 23rd) in an Instagram video with his wife and longtime collaborator Elizabeth Paddon. On a positive note, they still have several projects in the works, but Glenn-Copeland’s upcoming tour dates will be his last.
“For a while now, we have been managing privately a diagnosis of a cognitive disorder known as dementia,” Glenn-Copeland said in the opening of the video. “But so far it does not impact my ability to be fully in the moment with those I love.”
According to Paddon, her partner’s illness particularly impacts his memory and spatial abilities. Paddon added that while it’s been a difficult experience, she still sees “his essential light shining brighter than ever. So, as is often the case in life, amid this sadness, there is also a really profound beauty.”
Glenn-Copeland then explained how he wants to “challenge the mainstream image of this illness” by continuing to do what he loves. “We are also experiencing a massive creative renewal,” Paddon said. “We’re heading out on tour, writing a book, adapting a musical, and planning a children’s TV show.”
To close the video, Glenn-Copeland and Paddon touched on having to move six times in the last four years due to financial difficulties from the pandemic and thanked those who supported them.
“We will need support from the community in the times ahead and we’ll share details soon,” Glenn-Copeland said. “Until then, take good care of yourselves and your loved ones. We’ll see you soon.”
In recent years, Glenn-Copeland’s music has experienced a resurgence thanks to the rediscovery of his pioneering 1986 album, Keyboard Fantasies. Last year, the musician released his first album in almost 20 years, The Ones Ahead (pick up your copy here).
A cover of Glenn-Copeland’s “Ever New” performed by Sam Smith will be featured on the upcoming compilation TRAИƧA, a celebration of trans and non-binary people dropping on November 22nd.
Glenn-Copeland’s remaining tour dates will be at POP Montreal, Pioneer Works in Brooklyn, and Opus 40 in Saugerties, New York. Get your tickets here.