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Music

Beverly Glenn-Copeland Reveals He is Living with Dementia

The beloved Canadian singer-songwriter begins his final North American tour for his 2023 album The Ones Ahead this Thursday (Sept. 26) at POP Montreal festival. In a new video with his wife and creative collaborator Elizabeth, he asks for support from community in the times ahead.

Beverly Glenn-Copeland

Beverly Glenn-Copeland

Brianna Blank

In a new video posted today (Sept. 23), Beverly Glenn-Copeland and his wife and creative collaborator Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland revealed the beloved Canadian singer is living with dementia.

The illness impacts his memory and his spatial capabilities. "So far, it does not impact my ability to be fully in the moment with those I love," Glenn-Copeland says.

While it's very difficult to experience together, Elizabeth says, "as these parts of him go, I see his essential light shining brighter than ever, so as is often the case in life, in the sadness there is also a really profound beauty."

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"We want to challenge the mainstream image... which focuses on loss," Glenn-Copeland continues.

Their goal is to find ways to continue doing what he most loves: making music, working with children, and encouraging the next generation.

Despite the difficulties, they're experiencing a "massive creative renewal," Elizabeth says: including a tour, a book, a musical adaption, and plans for a children's TV show.

The 80-year-old Glenn-Copeland started releasing music in the 1980s, but a belated rediscovery of his pioneering synth-driven albums, especially 1986's Keyboard Fantasies, has given him a fresh second act. He returned to the stage in 2018, and has been playing live ever since.

He's won a variety of awards and accolades over the last half decade, including the Slaight Family Polaris Heritage Prize in 2020, and has been celebrated as a trans icon in the music industry. Sam Smith covers his song "Ever New" on the upcoming Transa compilation.

In 2023, Glenn-Copeland put out his first new studio album in 20 years, The Ones Ahead, via Transgressive. He is about to embark on a North American tour, beginning this Thursday (Sept. 26) at the POP Montreal festival. This tour will be his last, he reveals.

It's been a difficult few years for the Glenn-Copelands. Dealing with financial difficulties during the pandemic, they had to move six times, but were able to continue due to support and care from others.

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"We'll need support from community in the times ahead," says Glenn-Copeland. They'll share details soon on how people can help.

The touching video ends with the couple singing and dancing in their home.

Beverly Glenn-Copeland and friends: The Salon Evening takes place this Thursday (Sept. 26) at Théâtre Rialto in Montreal. Tickets are available here.

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Nia Nadurata
Courtesy Photo

Nia Nadurata

Awards

SOCAN Foundation Announces Winners of 2025 Black Canadian Music Awards

Now in their fourth year, the awards honour Black music creators from across Canada and all musical genres. Each recipient receives $10,000 to advance their careers.

On May 21, The SOCAN Foundation announced the five winners of the SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards, honouring outstanding Black music creators from across Canada and all musical genres. Now in their fourth year, the awards have named Bukola, Haleluya Hailu, Kalisway, Nia Nadurata and Obediya Jones-Darrell as new recipients.

Each recipient will be granted $10,000 to advance their careers, with an additional five Ones to Watch Awards each valued at $1,000. The Ones To Watch recipients are: AfrotroniX, Kwazii, Seago, Laurie Torres, and iaamSaam. All winners were chosen by a jury composed of Black Canadian artists and music industry professionals.

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