The football legend Sir Alex Ferguson is a proud ambassador for Playlist for Life. In his role of ambassador, Sir Alex champions our work and helps us reach more families affected by dementia through awareness raising, fundraising. Sir Alex is helping 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:
“We all know someone whose life has been touched by dementia. I’ve seen the impact it can have in my own family, and I know the challenges it can bring.
But I also know that music is one of the best things available that can help. That’s why I back Playlist for Life and its mission to have music in dementia care and support as standard.
The charity is transforming the lives of people affected by dementia across the UK through personally meaningful music. The songs that matter to us make up the soundtrack of our lives and for people living with dementia, that soundtrack can bring back treasured memories, reduce symptoms and help people reconnect.
It’s a simple thing to do, but for someone affected by dementia, it can make a world of difference.
I’m delighted to support National Playlist Day again this year. Music is a big part of my life. I’ve shared songs from my own personal playlist, from Sinatra to Nat King Cole, and I’m encouraging everyone to do the same. I’ve added ‘We are the Champions’ to my playlist because it reminds me of the lap of honour at Old Trafford when Manchester United won the Premier League for the first time in 1993.
A song can be so powerful in connecting us with memories.So, take a few minutes to create a playlist for yourself, a family member or a friend. It could become one of the most valuable gifts you ever give.”
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.
We Are The Champions – Queen
It reminds me of the lap of honour at Old Trafford when Manchester United won the Premier League for the first time in 1993.
And many more from The Beatles to Dusty Springfield.
Read more here about how Sir Alex Ferguson has supported the charity over the years.
Create a playlist for yourself or a loved one living with dementia. Try our playlist maker for ideas on songs to include.
Find our more about our ‘100 Years of Song’ Book that Sir Alex says is “fantastic”.
