The football legend Sir Alex Ferguson has become an official ambassador for Playlist for Life following seasons of strong support through fundraising and participation in awareness raising campaigns.
For many years Sir Alex has supported Playlist for Life with generous and highly coveted auction prizes, and appearing on national television to talk about the impact of meaningful music and dementia.
In his new role of ambassador, Sir Alex will champion our work and help us reach more families affected by dementia through awareness raising, fundraising and influencing. We will work together to ensure everyone living with dementia has access to a unique, personalised playlist and that everyone who loves or cares from them knows how to use it.
Sir Alex Ferguson said:
“Dementia is a big challenge for all of us, but we all know someone close to us who has dementia. It’s not always easy to talk about, but music is a fantastic thing that can help.
I’m beyond proud to be an ambassador for Playlist for Life. Visiting the team and hearing more about the work they do, I can see they are leading the way in using music to transform the lives of people affected by dementia.
Music is a fantastic thing, I’ve made a start on the playlist of my life, I recommend everyone does the same and supports this fantastic charity.”
We asked Sir Alex Ferguson what tracks would be on his own playlist, the soundtrack to his life. Below he shares some of the songs and special memories.
Moon River – Henry Mancini (music), Johnny Mercer (lyrics)
This is the song that when I’m with my longest and dearest friends from Govan, I always sing. Only they would have the patience to listen to me!
It’s All in the Game- Nat King Cole
This song has a particularly strong memory for me. When I was 17 and playing for Queen’s Park, they used to have an annual snooker competition, which I won. But when I went to receive the prize at the Annual Christmas Dance, they wouldn’t give me it unless I sang. And this was the song I sang.
My Own True Love – Tara’s Theme from Gone with the Wind
The theme song from one of the greatest movies of all time. Cathy and I visited Atlanta some years ago when I was studying the American Civil War and visited the house of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind, which is part of the museum tours.
Dirty Old Town – The Pogues
Written by a Glasgow-born man, Ewan MacColl, whose daughter was part of the duet in the famous Christmas song Fairy-tale of New York – Kirsty MacColl & Shane McGowan.
Danny Boy
Danny Boy is one of the most sung songs in the world. There is a host of famous singers who have sung it and of course there are many different perspectives on the meaning of the song. One quite sad version is of a father taking his son to catch a train as he was heading off for war and his father was so worried for him that he forgot to give him a hug. The son never returned.
The Way We Were – Gladys Knight and the Pips
Also sung by Barbra Streisand, it was the theme song for the movie of the same name, which starred Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford.
Read more here about how Sir Alex Ferguson has supported the charity over the years.
hCreate a playlist for yourself or a loved one living with dementia. Try our playlist maker for ideas on songs to include.
