‘The nostalgic memoir of a young man, eldest of fourteen, growing up in 40s Wednesbury. The heartbreaking true account of his son struggling to come to terms with his father's dementia. A tribute to the unbreakable bond between father and son.’ - Joanne Owen
The Songaminute Man by Simon McDermott is his father’s story. Simon has managed to piece together his father’s story for us with the help of friends and family, beginning in the heart of the Black Country before the outbreak of WWII. Summarised as ‘a story of two halves: a celebration of the man Ted was and a powerful and moving account of caring for a loved one’. Ted and Simon McDermott first came into the spotlight when their own carpool karaoke clip went viral. As Alzheimer’s made Ted retreat in to his own world, his family tried everything to bring him back. While driving, Simon hit play on Ted’s favourite song, Quando Quando Quando, and they were two friends driving around and singing as loud as they could. The rollercoaster that followed was something that they couldn’t have expected, in the best way. The family gained a record deal, a Top 10 single and Pride of Britain Awards. More importantly the McDermotts raised £130,000 for The Alzheimer’s Society.

What Our Readers Thought

This loving tribute by Simon McDermott to his father, best friend and childhood storyteller has touched the hearts of  many. Our Editorial Expert Joanne Owen is one of the many that have fallen in love with this ‘touching tribute’. This book has also been read by our Consumer Reader Review Panel, this is what they thought:
Nicola Edwards - 'The story of Ted McDermott told by his son Simon is an amazing read – a memoir of family, love, and hope that will stay with you for a long time […] It was an honest, heartbreaking account of what Simon and his family have gone through in the lead up to Ted’s diagnosis and since. I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it very highly. ' Julie Bertschin - 'Alzheimer's and dementia affects the lives of so many families today. The story of Ted McDermott's life is superbly written by his son Simon; it is an emotional and extremely touching read […] A beautiful tribute from Simon McDermott to his father, Ted, whose love of singing provides a release from the shackles of dementia.' Christine Woolfenden - 'A compelling story told from the heart. It stays with you long afterwards, especially knowing so many are going through the same ordeal with loved ones […] Simon Mcdermott has painstakingly pieced together the story of his father's childhood and young adulthood from talking with friends and family. It's an amazing piece of work.’
The Songaminute Man is an amazing memoir and tribute to a life and family that has been devastated by Alzheimer’s. Hopefully Ted’s story will enlighten and inspire others.