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Bobby Womack, Alzheimer's Disease: Soul Legend Opens Up About Health Frustrations

Posted Jan 2nd 2013 2:00PM by Caitlin White
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AP Photo, Ron Schwane

Soul singing legend Bobby Womack has been diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The 68-year-old singer and songwriter opened up to Gilles Peterson of BBC 6 Music about his diagnosis and frustrations with forgetfulness.

"The doctor said you have signs of Alzheimer's. He said it's not bad yet but it's going to get worse. How can I not remember songs that I wrote? That's frustrating," he shared.

In the past, Womack has struggled with various health concerns including hospitalization for pneumonia and collapsed lungs plus surgery for prostate and colon cancer, from which he fully recovered.

After beginning his career singing with The Valentinos and playing guitar for Sam Cooke, Womack struck off on his own and had a very successful solo career.

One of his earliest songs "It's All Over Now" was recorded by The Rolling Stones back in 1964 and became their first UK number one hit. Aside from Sam Cooke, he also played guitar for Aretha Franklin and Sly & the Family Stone.

Last year he released his first album in nearly 18 years entitled The Bravest Man in the Universe which was met with critical acclaim. Rolling Stone named it as one of their top 50 albums of the year and it won the Q Magazine prize for best album of the year.

Womack worked with Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn on the record, and cited forgetting his collaborators name as another frustration from his condition.

"The most embarrassing thing was when we were getting ready to announce Damon and I can't remember his last name. That's so embarrassing," the "Lookin' For a Love" singer said. "I don't feel together yet because negative things come in my mind and it's hard for me to remember sometimes."

Womack was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.

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