Glen Campbell...I'll Be Me (Review & Giveaway)

I'm quite sure I've heard Glen Campbell's music many times, but I didn't know who he was until I was notified of this review opportunity and checked into it. What intrigued me was the fact that he was so well known but wanted to go public with his illness...that horrible disease, Alzheimer's. Watching the music video of his song "I'm Not Gonna Miss You" broke my heart. My grandmother was never officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's, (she rarely went to the doctor) but she exhibited classic symptoms and a Nurse Practitioner who observed her when my grandfather was hospitalized said she was sure she had it. I hated what it did to her. It was so hard to see her go through the confusion, anxiety, suspicion, and anger that Alzheimer's caused. We all suffered with her. 

Last night I was able to watch the documentary about Glen Campbell's journey through Alzheimer's, Glen Campbell, I'll Be Me, which will be in theaters Oct. 24th. The documentary was heartrending; a poignant reminder of what this disease strips away from the victim and his/her family. Most of the film covered Glen's final tour and the progression of the disease. His smile rarely disappeared and he and his family and crew powered through some amazing shows before the symptoms became so severe that the tour had to come to an early end.  I found myself nearly holding my breath, especially during the final performances, as Glen forgot what he was supposed to do next, or talked too much, not making much sense. It was painful to watch and by the end, I was crying. Especially when he broke down on camera. It was especially heartrending to watch him try his best to remember the names of his children. Observing how his wife and children dealt with the pain of watching him slip away was equally as hard. 

 I wouldn't recommend this documentary for children, but that's not the target audience anyway. There is some language in the film and, while I found that very disappointing, it wasn't excessive.  

Alzheimer's has affected far too many people. I hope that Glen Campbell's courage and transparency will help to further the search for a cure for this heartbreaking disease. 

Image from Wikipedia

One of my readers will win a 5 song EP featuring Glen Campbell, Ashley Campbell, and The Band Perry! But first, here's more about Glen Campbell and his battle with Alzheimer's:

The Rhinestone Cowboy...

Glen Campbell’s musical and entertainment career, covering nearly five decades, is unmatched for its prolific breadth, popular appeal – and flat-out musical accomplishment and achievement. His guitar playing is legendary and can be heard on classic tracks from Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds, to Frank Sinatra’s Strangers in the Night.

As a solo artist, Glen has recorded some of the most beloved songs of his generation including Gentle On My Mind, Galveston and Rhinestone Cowboy. 

He has been awarded five Grammy Awards and three Grammy Hall of Fame honors, seven Academy of Country Music awards, a Pioneer Award recognition, three American Music Awards, two Country Music Association Awards and three Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. 

He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005. Glen Campbell has crossed the boundary between pop and country and transcended into a true musical icon.

In 2011, Glen was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and with the help of his wife and family decided to face the illness head on. He announced publicly about his battle with Alzheimer’s and then released his album Ghost on the Canvas and began his “Goodbye Tour.” 

On Feb 12, 2012 Glen performed on the Grammy Awards, to an audience of 39 million people, and was given the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award.

As music legend Glen Campbell enters the final stages of Alzheimer’s disease, his family is giving the world a rare glimpse inside his battle with the disease.

From the producer of 'Walk the Line'..

I'LL BE ME   

In 2011, when Glen Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he joined forces with his family to fight the biggest battle of his life. Glen and his wife, Kim, made history by going public with the diagnosis – the first time a major American celebrity would share this experience with the world. The Campbell family then embarked on a short “Goodbye Tour,” but the three-week engagement turned into an emotional and triumphant 151-show nationwide tour de force.  

This epic human drama about the undying bond between Glen and Kim, and their unwavering caring for each other, chronicles a story of love, resilience and the power of song. 

GLEN CAMPBELL…I’LL BE ME is the true tale of how America’s greatest country star would not give up his music or his family, against all odds.

The film features those who know and love Glen, including Bruce Springsteen, Bill Clinton, The Edge, Paul McCartney, Jay Leno, Vince Gill, Jimmy Webb, Blake Shelton, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Steve Martin, Chad Smith and Taylor Swift among many others. Rare vintage footage and extraordinary new performances of Glen’s most beloved hits immerse this moving cinematic account in the overwhelming talent of this humble family man. With joy and a tireless sense of humor, Glen and his family live each moment in the present while preparing for the future, all while playing their music to sold out venues on a star spangled voyage spanning the country from Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl.

Website: http://glencampbellmovie.com/faith/

Faith trailer link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nafCCofiwtU

Film releases OCT 24th (in phases):  http://glencampbellmovie.com/events/category/theatrical-release/

Enter below to win 5 songs featuring Glen Campbell, Ashley Campbell, and The Band Perry!

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"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”