Glen Campbell's Not Gonna Miss You

Alzheimer’s disease is expected to affect one in eighty five people by the year 2050.  It hits families more often and closer than you would expect.  I think it's safe to say that someone in our lives (whether family of friend) has battled with this disease or we at least know someone with this crippling condition.  Symptoms can include confusion, irritability, aggression, mood swings, trouble with language barriers, and more.  It is something that can even affect the most basic of needs such as eating, drinking, washing, and doing daily errands.

Now can you imagine not being able to recognize your own art you created?   Can you imagine waking up one day and not remembering your own song on the radio?  Or that famous chord progression you've been playing for the past 20 years?  Or a chorus of a song you created that now has no meaning?  That is exactly what is happening to music legend Glen Campbell.

Now at age 78, Campbell has been performing and writing for well over 50 years, releasing more than 70 albums in his catalog.  After hearing of his diagnosis in June of 2011, Glen wanted to end his music career on a high note with all his memories in tact.  The "Goodbye Tour" was announced shortly after with his three children joining him in his back up band.  His final show was on November 30th, 2012 in Napa, California.

So the last salute that Campbell gave back to his fans was the October 7th release of "I'm Not Gonna Miss You" music video.  Check it out and try to understand how hard it must be for someone to forcefully give up their true passion in life.  I know I'd get a little teary if I was forced into a similar predicament.



Glen has now been moved into a long term care facility for those diagnosed for Alzheimer's disease.  While the disease is hard to predict and even harder to cure, I'd like to focus on the optimism of this situation by highlighting Glen's track record.  The man has sold 45+ million albums worldwide, 12 RIAA gold albums, 4 platinum albums, 1 double-platinum album, an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and more than 80+ songs across the Billboard charts.