Soul legend Bobby Womack has been diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. It is the latest in a long line of health issues for the singer, including prostate and colon cancer, pneumonia and diabetes.
The diagnosis came after Womack reported having trouble remembering his songs and the names of people he has worked with: ‘How can I not remember songs that I wrote? That’s frustrating.’
Although the disease is in its early stages, Womack’s doctor has advised him that it will get worse.
Womack, 68, is celebrated for a career spanning over 50 years. After beginning his career as lead singer of the group The Valentinos and playing guitar for Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin, Womack launched his solo career in the late 1960s with hits such as ‘California Dreamin’’, ‘That’s the Way I feel about Cha’, ‘Across 110th Street’ and ‘If You Think You’re Lonely Now’. He also wrote the Rolling Stones’ first UK no. 1 hit ‘It’s All Over Now’. In 2009, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Womack’s latest venture is critically-acclaimed album The Bravest Man in the Universe, his first album of new material for 18 years. The album, produced by Blur and Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn and XL Records founder Richard Russell, won the prize for best album at the Q Magazine awards in October 2012.
Womack is determined to keep making music as long as possible.
‘With the support of many good doctors, my family, and all of my wonderful fans, I will continue to write and perform and bring the good music to the people for as long as I can,’ Womack told CNN following his diagnosis.
‘Thanks to all of my fans for their prayers and well wishes,” he added. “I truly appreciate and can feel your love.’
