The Best of Frank Wilson: Songs on the Harmonica
The Making of an Extraordinary Album
My Dad’s Amazing Journey
Dementia and Music Therapy
From Nov 2023 to Dec 2024, I helped my amazing Dad, Frank Wilson, a self taught harmonica player of 71 years, to record an album of 31 of his favourite songs on his mouth organ.
It was a profound, deeply moving, beautiful, enlightening, bittersweet and poignant journey, and an extraordinary accomplishment, considering Dad had had dementia for 11 years at the time of recording.
The man who spoke 3 languages, was an amazing artist, excelled at algebra and whose team built the worlds fastest helicopter, now struggled to remember his words or who his loved ones were… yet with gentle encouragement, he played every one of his favourite songs, almost note perfect, and remembered many of the words.
Such is the wonder of music.
As a music therapist who worked with challenged adolescents for many years, I’m acutely aware of the powerful, beneficial effect of music, which impacts every part of the brain like no other activity can. This is especially true if the music happens to be our favourite songs, or the soundtrack from our youth.
So it was no surprise to see music alleviate Dad’s state of mind and bring him so much joy. To witness his love of music reawaken so many memories in the midst of the hazy fog of his dementia, was truly a precious wonder to behold.
When he had forgotten everything else, Dad’s music was the one thing he remembered.
As soon as he began singing or playing his songs, all concerns of not knowing who he was or where he was, fell away. With a light in his eyes, and huge smile on his face…
He found himself in the music.
Seeing Dad come alive, in the moment, vibrant with joy, laughter and spontaneity, touched me deeply and is something I shall carry in my heart forever.
But Dad didn’t only play the songs on his unique album. He also helped produce it, listening intently, getting me to correct ‘bum’ notes wherever possible. He approved every song, he chose the album title, and even the cover images. None of it happened without his approval.
After the album was mastered, I played it for him through my studio monitors. He loved it. After every song, he said, “yes, thats good,” “yep that’s good,” yes, I like that,” with a definitive positivity that I hadn’t heard him express in a long time!
He approved! YEY!
I was overjoyed that our hard work had paid off, and that the album was a hit with the man who had made it possible!
My Dad is a total legend!
After a year of recording, editing and chasing record labels for copyright clearance, my Dad’s amazing album was released on Dec 21st 2024.
THE BEST OF FRANK WILSON: SONGS ON THE HARMONICA
LISTEN ON YOUTUBE
LISTEN on SPOTIFY
~ §~
DOWNLOAD THE ALBUM
Purchase a digital download on the links below…
AMAZON
iTUNES
~ §~
BUY THE ALBUM on CD (Limited Copies)
The 31 track album is available as a CD. Donations for the CD are welcomed and you are invited to gift what you can afford. There is a minimum charge of £3 to cover post and packaging.
There are limited copies, so if you would like one, be quick!
~ §~
A number of CDs will be gifted to Dementia and Alzheimers organisations, care homes and day care centres across the UK. Any remaining CD’s will be available for purchase (on the link above). Profits will go to Dementia Research and Support Groups to help find effective solutions for this devastating illness.
It is our hope that Dad’s album will reach many others with Dementia and Alzheimers, as well as those who care for them ~ that the songs will bring joy and light, reawaken long forgotten memories, and help others to find themselves in the music, the way my amazing Dad has done through this profound journey.
My heart is full. Thank you Dad. I love you
Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this incredible journey.
I am forever grateful
May the light of love and the sweet joy of music fill your hearts and guide you and your loved ones through your brightest days and darkest nights.
Blessings and Peace One and All
Dad playing harmonica on stage at the Goldie’s Christmas Party, with the Chaffcombe Reservoir Dogs Band, in Martock Somerset. Dec 6th 2024
~ §~
If you would like to help raise funds for Dementia Research without acquiring a copy of the album, you may do so on the links below. All funds will go to Dementia Research, Goldies and Dementia UK:
Donate via paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/SulisHana
Donate on the gofund me page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-best-of-frank-wilson-harmonica-songs-for-dementia
Dementia UK: https://www.dementiauk.org/donate/
~ § ~
For resources on Dementia, Alzheimers and Music Therapy groups, please check the links below. Many of them have been an invaluable resource and support for us through this challenging, heartbreaking journey.
Dementia UK: https://www.dementiauk.org
Alzheimers Society- Singing for the Brain : https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/your-dementia-support-services/singing-for-the-brain
Goldies Singing Groups: https://www.golden-oldies.org.uk/
Alzheimers Association: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress
Alzheimers and Dementia: https://www.alzheimers.gov/