Beverly Glenn-Copeland has lived with two major life changes in recent years: being diagnosed with late-stage dementia and rediscovering his cult following as an 81-year-old musician.
Two decades ago, the couple was advised to stay at home due to his condition and do crossword puzzles. "I know this is meant to be giving me more time," Glenn said, "but I just feel like we're not living a life." As he embarks on a new tour with his wife Elizabeth, he wants to enjoy his music and the company of people.
Despite struggling with memory loss due to dementia, Beverly seems remarkably spry. Swaddled in fleece and scarf, his hair is snowy white, and his laughter can be explosive at times. His wife describes him as "more himself than ever."
Beverly's journey began 20 years ago when Elizabeth met him in a Toronto restaurant in 1976. She was then 19 and he was still identifying as a woman. The singer-songwriter had always made music without hope of recognition, with his album Keyboard Fantasies selling only a few dozen copies on cassette.
However, all changed in 2015 when a Japanese collector discovered him and asked about his old album. This led to a chain of events that included reissues, new recordings, international live shows, and collaborations with prominent artists like Sam Smith and the xx's Romy.
Beverly's music often resonates deeply with young people who are struggling with identity and belonging. "If you feel you can be who you really are, be who you really are," he says. He has also been an advocate for trans rights, having lobbied the Canadian government to allow trans people to change their gender on passports.
Despite facing financial struggles and living on the edge, Beverly remains optimistic and generous in his music and performances. "We don't want to be old people in that way that our culture tells us old people should be," says Elizabeth, gazing around the garden. "Yes, we're coming into the decay phase of life but when you watch the leaves turn from green to orange, often the decay phase can be the most beautiful."
Beverly smiles at his wife's words, saying "Mmm, that's an interesting way to put it, honey. That's true." He laughs, imitating a rocking chair's squeak with a grin. "But this ain't it," he says.
For Beverly Glenn-Copeland, music is not just about living in the moment but also about being of service to others and spreading hope.
Two decades ago, the couple was advised to stay at home due to his condition and do crossword puzzles. "I know this is meant to be giving me more time," Glenn said, "but I just feel like we're not living a life." As he embarks on a new tour with his wife Elizabeth, he wants to enjoy his music and the company of people.
Despite struggling with memory loss due to dementia, Beverly seems remarkably spry. Swaddled in fleece and scarf, his hair is snowy white, and his laughter can be explosive at times. His wife describes him as "more himself than ever."
Beverly's journey began 20 years ago when Elizabeth met him in a Toronto restaurant in 1976. She was then 19 and he was still identifying as a woman. The singer-songwriter had always made music without hope of recognition, with his album Keyboard Fantasies selling only a few dozen copies on cassette.
However, all changed in 2015 when a Japanese collector discovered him and asked about his old album. This led to a chain of events that included reissues, new recordings, international live shows, and collaborations with prominent artists like Sam Smith and the xx's Romy.
Beverly's music often resonates deeply with young people who are struggling with identity and belonging. "If you feel you can be who you really are, be who you really are," he says. He has also been an advocate for trans rights, having lobbied the Canadian government to allow trans people to change their gender on passports.
Despite facing financial struggles and living on the edge, Beverly remains optimistic and generous in his music and performances. "We don't want to be old people in that way that our culture tells us old people should be," says Elizabeth, gazing around the garden. "Yes, we're coming into the decay phase of life but when you watch the leaves turn from green to orange, often the decay phase can be the most beautiful."
Beverly smiles at his wife's words, saying "Mmm, that's an interesting way to put it, honey. That's true." He laughs, imitating a rocking chair's squeak with a grin. "But this ain't it," he says.
For Beverly Glenn-Copeland, music is not just about living in the moment but also about being of service to others and spreading hope.
! I mean, 81 years young and still rocking out 
. It's amazing how his life has turned around after that one chance encounter with a Japanese collector back in 2015 
. I feel like his music is so relatable to the younger generation who are struggling to find their place in the world 
. And it's awesome that he's been an advocate for trans rights, showing everyone that being true to yourself is the most important thing 
.
. It's clear that music has brought them even closer together and given Beverly a new lease on life 
. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to live with dementia and still be able to rock out 
? The man is an inspiration! 
.
.
. its inspiring 2 see someone pushing past their limits & still living life on their own terms 
.
. It's truly inspiring to see him continue to create music that resonates with young people struggling with identity and belonging 
.
Plus, can we talk about how cool his story is? Going from obscurity to international recognition is no easy feat, and Beverly's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and talent. 
. I'm glad he's found his way again with this new tour, but at the same time, I gotta wonder how long will it last? dementia's no joke, you know? 
and yeah, people might think he's being optimistic about it, but what if it's just denial? 
still, his music is fire and it's great that he's inspiring others to be true to themselves. but for real though, how's his wife keeping up with him at this age? is she worried about losing him too? 
Still, it's cool that he's still going strong despite everything. But let's be real, 81 is old in music years, right? 
He's basically a senior citizen trying to relive his glory days 
I mean, I love the man's spirit and all, but can't he just slow down for once? 
And what about his dementia? Is he really 'more himself than ever'? That sounds like something he's saying to make everyone feel better... 
, especially in the trans rights arena 
his story is literally inspiring! he was diagnosed with dementia but instead of hiding away, he's been touring and making music again which is honestly the ultimate flex at 81 
his wife elizabeth is literally the best too, she's all about supporting him and spreading positivity 
And I love how he's still using his platform for good, advocating for trans rights and spreading hope through his music 
...I mean, dont get me wrong, he's got a cult following and all that, but isnt his music just kinda... old? like, from the 90s or something? 
and people are still raving about keyboard fantasies? maybe its time to move on to some newer stuff 
. His wife says he's more himself than ever but that's a pretty big claim. Has anyone checked in with him on his medication regimen or anything? And what about the financial struggles they mentioned earlier? Are they still living on the edge? Don't get me wrong, I love the guy's music and energy, but we need to be real here. 