80-year-old Ted McDermott Lands Record Deal After ‘Carpool Karaoke’ Video with Son Goes Viral

Ted McDermott, 80 has inspired thousands and become an internet superstar after a video posted online by his son went viral.

For decades, Ted (also known as The Songaminute Man) entertained audiences in pubs and clubs around the UK as a Butlins Redcoat.

In 2013, Ted was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Simon, Ted’s son, said that because of the illness his Dad sometimes became violent – both physically and verbally. “It was incredibly difficult to manage, and terrifying at times,” he said.

“In the last few years his memory has deteriorated a lot – often not recognising me as his son. It’s a horrible illness.”

However, Simon found that driving around in the car and singing with his father helped Ted cope. “When we got him singing again, he’s back in the room. It’s these moments that we treasure,” he said.

In August, Simon posted a clip on YouTube of Ted singing in the car – inspired by James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke series. To date, the video has had almost 2 million views and resulted in Ted being signed to Decca Records.

He has just released his very first single – a cover of Frank Sinatra’s You Make Me Feel So Young. Proceeds from the sale of the song will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Society to assist with their continuing research into the disease. So far, the pair have raised more than £120,000 ($196,000 AUD) - far exceeding their original goal of £1000.

Simon wanted to donate the money to the Alzheimer’s Society because of the great support and advise they gave him and his family during the early days of his father’s battle with the illness.

Michael Dent, The Alzheimer’s Society Director of Fundraising said, “Alzheimer’s Society is extremely grateful for Simon’s fantastic fundraising achievements in honour of his father.”

“It’s an inspiring and touching idea that is not only raising vital funds for the charity, but highlighting the positive impact that listening to music and singing can have for people with dementia.”

To donate to The Songaminute Man cause, click here.

More of Ted’s videos can be seen here. 

Do you have questions about dementia? The Alzheimer's Australia National Dementia Helpline can be contacted on 1800 100 500. 

Search for residential aged care in: