Ken McCluskey, lead singer of The Bluebells, has become an ambassador for Playlist for Life having supported the charity for over three years alongside the rest of the band.
Ken and his brother and bandmate David have lived experience of dementia. Their mother, Teresa, was diagnosed with the condition in 2023. At the time, Ken and David began putting together playlists for Teresa, using their knowledge of the power of meaningful music and the transformational effects it can have on the lives of people living with dementia.
The Bluebells have supported Playlist for Life in so many ways over the years, including performing their hit song Young at Heart alongside The Every Voice Choir at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to celebrate National Playlist Day 2024, and speaking alongside our founder, Sally Magnusson, at the Scottish Parliament in 2025.
Check out the performance at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Musuem in the video below.
Thanks to Ken’s incredible support, we have been able to reach many more people and families affected by dementia.
For National Playlist Day this year, Ken gave interviews on BBC and STV breakfast time radio, as well as Off the Ball, talking about his family’s experience with dementia and spreading awareness of Playlist for Life and our work.
Ken also made a special guest appearance at a daytime disco, a weekly event for over 50s held by one of our 2,600 community partner organisations, Weekday Wow Factor. He queued up some of his favourite tunes, led a singalong, and even joined in with the dancing! The members were absolutely delighted that he came along and got involved.
Create a playlist for yourself or a loved one living with dementia today.
You can find free resources to get started here. Or try our playlist maker for ideas on songs to include.
