Beverly Glenn-Copeland, now 81 years old and diagnosed with dementia, is defying expectations by continuing to create and perform music. For most of his life, his music was met with indifference, but in the past decade, he has become a cult icon.
When asked about his condition, Glenn said, "Some things go downhill," but insists that despite losing his ability to drive or fill out paperwork, he is still more himself than ever. His wife Elizabeth, who has been by his side for over 20 years, notes that music has always come easily to him. Despite the challenges of dementia, Glenn continues to compose and perform with ease.
The couple's musical journey began in the 1970s when Glenn was a young musician playing in restaurants and clubs. Elizabeth, then 19, attended one of his performances and was struck by his talent but also aware of the societal norms of the time. In the 1990s, Glenn came out as trans and continued to create music without expectation of recognition.
In 2015, a Japanese collector discovered Glenn's 1986 album Keyboard Fantasies, leading to a chain reaction of reissues, new recordings, and international tours. Now, the couple are working on a new album with their musical director Alex Samaras and producer Howard Bilerman, Laughter in Summer, which was recorded in a single take.
Glenn's music is not just about his own personal story but also about fostering community through live performances. He says that he wants to be of service to others through his art. Elizabeth adds, "We enjoy the work but we also have to do it" to make ends meet.
Despite the financial struggles and precarious living situation, Glenn remains optimistic, crediting spiritual practices like Buddhism for keeping him grounded. His music is a testament to the power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
The couple hopes that this will not be their last tour, but their condition requires certain adjustments on stage. However, they remain committed to creating art and fostering community. As Glenn says, "This ain't it" – he's looking forward to the next chapter, even if it means embracing the rocking chair in due time.
Beverly Glenn-Copeland is living proof that with music as a source of identity and connection, people can defy expectations and thrive despite life's challenges. His story serves as a reminder that hope is an action – one we must all take to create meaningful change in our world.
When asked about his condition, Glenn said, "Some things go downhill," but insists that despite losing his ability to drive or fill out paperwork, he is still more himself than ever. His wife Elizabeth, who has been by his side for over 20 years, notes that music has always come easily to him. Despite the challenges of dementia, Glenn continues to compose and perform with ease.
The couple's musical journey began in the 1970s when Glenn was a young musician playing in restaurants and clubs. Elizabeth, then 19, attended one of his performances and was struck by his talent but also aware of the societal norms of the time. In the 1990s, Glenn came out as trans and continued to create music without expectation of recognition.
In 2015, a Japanese collector discovered Glenn's 1986 album Keyboard Fantasies, leading to a chain reaction of reissues, new recordings, and international tours. Now, the couple are working on a new album with their musical director Alex Samaras and producer Howard Bilerman, Laughter in Summer, which was recorded in a single take.
Glenn's music is not just about his own personal story but also about fostering community through live performances. He says that he wants to be of service to others through his art. Elizabeth adds, "We enjoy the work but we also have to do it" to make ends meet.
Despite the financial struggles and precarious living situation, Glenn remains optimistic, crediting spiritual practices like Buddhism for keeping him grounded. His music is a testament to the power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
The couple hopes that this will not be their last tour, but their condition requires certain adjustments on stage. However, they remain committed to creating art and fostering community. As Glenn says, "This ain't it" – he's looking forward to the next chapter, even if it means embracing the rocking chair in due time.
Beverly Glenn-Copeland is living proof that with music as a source of identity and connection, people can defy expectations and thrive despite life's challenges. His story serves as a reminder that hope is an action – one we must all take to create meaningful change in our world.
he's defo the ultimate productivity hack - music is like, his superpower! and its not just about him, but also about spreading love & community vibes through live performances 
. we should all take a page from his book & find our own creative outlet to cope with life's struggles 
. and btw, his condition may be getting worse, but he's still more himself than ever - what a beautiful example of living life on your own terms 
.
Can you believe this man is still creating and rocking out at 81?! 
The fact that he's still optimistic and hopeful despite his financial struggles just shows us that hope is an action, not just a feeling. 
I'm so excited for his new album, Laughter in Summer - can't wait to get my hands on it! 
it's a testament to the power of art to bring people together & transcend life's challenges 
his story reminds us that hope is an action we must all take to create meaningful change 
keep making music, Beverly! 
... yeah, not gonna happen! But seriously, it's inspiring to see someone who's been through so much still creating something beautiful. I mean, his music wasn't even appreciated during his heyday, but now he's a cult icon 
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I'm intrigued by Beverly Glenn-Copeland's determination but how much control does he really have over the music he's creating now? Is it really him composing and performing or is his wife Elizabeth influencing the process more than we're being told? 
I need some sources on this 
! 81 and still creating music? That's just amazing. I mean, I know he's got dementia and stuff, but you can tell he's still super passionate about what he does 
. And let's be real, his music is fire 
! The fact that he's not just making art for himself but also to bring people together is so beautiful 
! His story is like, totally inspiring – from struggling with indifference to becoming a cult icon in just one decade. And can we talk about his wife Elizabeth for a sec? She's been his ride or die for over 20 years and is all about supporting him through the ups and downs. 
. And 20 years of marriage? That's dedication 
. The fact that they're still working on new music together is just the icing on the cake 
- can't wait to hear what this next album has in store for us!
i mean, who wouldn't want to be recognized for their art? especially after coming out as trans in the 90s 
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? His story is such a powerful reminder that we all have the capacity to thrive despite life's challenges 
. I'm sending him all my love and positive vibes 
. And let's be real, who else can say they've been making waves in the music scene since the 70s?