This is the power of music in action: Henry lives in a nursing home. His mind is clouded, he is unresponsive to most stimuli, and he doesn't remember his own daughter. But when he's given an iPod with some of his favourite tunes on it, everything changes. His face lights up, he remembers the artists he loves and their songs, and he can carry on a lengthy conversation about the music he listened to as a younger man. When Henry starts talking about what music means to him, things get pretty emotional. Check it out
This video is an excerpt from the documentary 'Alive Inside', which examines the ability of music to awaken memories in patients suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia. The film has its world premiere at the Rubin Museum in New York City from next Wednesday April 18th through Saturday, April 21st. And for a taste of what Henry was reacting to, here's George's favourite Cab Calloway song: 'Minnie The Moocher', performed live by Cab:
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