Biography
Ted McDermott, who performed as Teddy Mac, earned recognition as a British vocalist for his interpretation of Frank Sinatra’s enduring number “You Make Me Feel So Young.” In 2016, at the age of 80, he attracted widespread notice when his son posted multiple clips of the two singing together during car rides. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2013, McDermott discovered that these drives and shared performances of classic songs helped him manage the condition more comfortably. The videos spread rapidly online, boosting public understanding of the illness and raising more than £114,000 for The Alzheimer’s Society, the U.K. charity focused on care and research. McDermott had worked as a singer for most of his life, including a period as a Butlins Redcoat that carried him to performances around the country. Shortly after gaining national attention, he acquired the nickname “Songaminute Man” because of his skill at recalling lyrics to a wide array of songs. The online attention secured him a contract with Decca, leading to a recording of the Sinatra track with the Guy Barker Big Band at Abbey Road Studios in London. Released in September 2016, the single sent all proceeds directly to The Alzheimer’s Society.
Albums
Singles
