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Sir Alex Ferguson’s personalised playlist
Football legend Sir Alex Ferguson is a long-time supporter of music and dementia charity Playlist for Life.
Playlist for Life supports people living with dementia and those who love and care for them through the power of personally meaningful music. Our work is based on over two decades of scientific research showing that listening to a playlist of personally meaningful music can improve the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia.
For many years Sir Alex has generously provided support in the form of incredible auction prizes that have raised thousands, allowing us to support countless families affected by dementia.
Most recently, the highest bidders at Playlist for Life’s annual golf fundraiser received hospitality tickets to a Manchester United match, to be followed by post-match drinks at Sir Alex Ferguson’s private lounge. The prize was generously donated by Sir Alex himself.
Sir Alex shares his playlist on BBC Breakfast
On National Playlist Day (20th September 2024), Sir Alex spoke about dementia and his own playlist on BBC Breakfast, with an estimated 5million viewers.
Sir Alex Ferguson said:
“Music has soundtracked many important moments in my life and I’m pleased to support the charitable work of Playlist for Life, who use music to support people affected by dementia.
It was enjoyable and at times emotional to look back on the music of my life, and I’ve been told about the many benefits music from the past can have for those affected by dementia.”
We asked Sir Alex Ferguson what tracks would be on his own playlist, the soundtrack to his life. Below he shares some of the songs and special memories.
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.
Create a playlist for yourself or a loved one living with dementia. Try our playlist maker for ideas on songs to include.
