Legendary Canadian Musician Beverly Glenn-Copeland Announces Retirement Amid Dementia Diagnosis

Canadian musician and composer Beverly Glenn-Copeland has announced that he has been diagnosed with dementia, marking his ongoing tour in Canada and New York as his last. At 80 years old, Glenn-Copeland shared the news in a video alongside his wife, Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland, where he emphasized a desire to reshape the perception of dementia. “We want to challenge the mainstream image of this illness, which focuses on loss,” he stated. “We are actively asking the universe to show us where is the life here.”

The musician, known for his genre-blending style that fuses elements of folk, jazz, and new age music, has experienced a resurgence in his career following the re-release of his 1986 album ‘Keyboard Fantasies’. The album gained widespread acclaim after being reissued in 2015 through the efforts of Japanese collector Ryota Masuko and was described by Resident Advisor as “modest but stunning.”

Despite the diagnosis, Glenn-Copeland and his wife are pursuing new creative projects, including a book, a musical adaptation, and a children’s TV show. Elizabeth shared in the video that while dementia has started affecting his memory and spatial abilities, Glenn-Copeland’s “essential light” shines brighter than ever. “Sometimes, as his caretaker and as his wife, it feels like death by a thousand cuts,” she noted, “and yet, amid this sadness, there is also a really profound beauty.”

The couple, who became “essentially homeless” during the Covid-19 pandemic faced financial struggles during their planned tour, moving six times in four years. They have extended gratitude to supporters and expressed the need for continued community support. “We will need support from the community in the times ahead,” Glenn-Copeland stated, adding they will share more details soon.

Glenn-Copeland’s career, rejuvenated in recent years, has seen his music reach new audiences. His 1970 debut album was recently reissued and his recent works, including the 2023 release ‘The Ones Ahead’, have been well-received. His music has been sampled by contemporary artists such as Romy of the xx.

In his earlier years, Glenn-Copeland contributed to children’s educational programming, writing for ‘Sesame Street‘ and appearing on the Canadian TV show ‘Mr. Dressup’. His current tour includes a final few performances in Brooklyn and New York, set for late September and early October.