Musicians with Disabilities

Presented By: Alicia Cooke

In researching, I found that there was no one definition for the word disability. For the purpose of this presentation I have chosen to use the definition given by United States Code Title 42 Chapter 126 § 12102 Definition of Disability (The Americans with Disabilities Act{ADA}) .

Under the ADA, which has a three part definition, an individual with a disability is a person who:

1. Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual;

2. Has a record of such impairment; or3. Is regarded as having such an

impairment.

Disability Defined

Physical Blindness/ Low Vision Medical Deaf/ Hard of Hearing Psychiatric Brain Injuries Speech/ Language Learning Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorders

(ADHD)

Various Types of Disabilities

Attitude of Society Towards the Disabled

Over the years those with disabilities have suffered many injustices. They have been considered incapable of living a normal life and not allowed to make their own decisions. Some

have even been treated like patients for their whole life. It was once a

belief that physical disabilities and mental illness were caused by

demons or evil spirits. The term “lunacy” was developed because it

was once a belief that the pull of the moon was a cause of mental illness. Children with disabilities were seen

as punishment for their parents. Which is still a belief by some today,

for example Republican Virginia State Delegate Bob Marshall stated

in 2010 children born with disabilities are punishment for a woman having a prior abortion.

Disabled persons were the subject of ridicule as court jesters. Not only

drowned during the Inquisition, those with a seizure disorder could

be considered a witch and burned at the stake.

Pictured: belief disability caused by demons; court jester; person being burnt at stake

Attitude of Society Towards the

Disabled (cont.)Featured in “Freak Shows”, like

those put on by P.T. Barnum, or chained to the walls of the basement and put on display for a fee at the Pennsylvania

Hospital in Philadelphia during 1756. They were placed in

asylums, where they were just left in a cell for the remainder of their life or endured horrific “medical” treatments to cure

them. From cutting holes in their skull to let “evil” spirits out (trepanning), to spinning

treatments, bloodletting, purging, blistering,

frightening, and the spread eagle treatment which is like water boarding but meant to

calm a disorderly patient. Not to mention electroconvulsive

therapy, and of course Eugenics.

Pictured: Spread Eagle; Trepanning; PT. Barnum; a disabled person chained to bed in an asylum (was left there for 12 years).

Attitude of Society Towards the

Disabled (cont.)Many of this was brought on by the

hysteria created by the pamphlet The Threat of the Feeble Minded. With the

Eugenics movement various laws were passed to prevent people with disabilities from moving to the U.S.,

marrying, or having children. This led to the institutionalization and forced

sterilization of disabled adults and children. Those who were believed to

be “feeble minded, depressed, insane, mentally handicapped,

epileptic and other” were sterilized. Another example of Eugenics would

be the gassing of the disabled in Nazi Germany. By the 1970’s over 60,000

persons with disabilities were sterilized without their consent. Even today, those with disabilities are still

having to overcome abuse, rape, segregation, behavior management

that in some cases is torture, as well as being euthanized, and even

murdered.

Pictured: Eugenics Tree; “Fitter Families” medal; Sterilization Bill; Newspaper depicting doctors allowing disabled newborns to die, instead of giving medical aid.

Without the dedication, and empathy of those who were and were not disabled, along with the evolution of society through technology and education, the music industry could have been deprived of a variety of very talented musicians. Many disabled musicians (famous and not so famous) have persevered and overcome their disability. They have had very successful musical careers. And brought to us some of our favorite songs.

It is important to remember not all disabled people were born with a disability. Many people will develop a disability at some point in their life. Due to illness (physical, mental, or emotional) accidents, or late emerging effects of genetics.

How Does This Affect Music?

There are many diseases that cause severe visual impairments. Often arising with older age. Such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts.

Some people however are born with blindness.

How difficult would it be for you to learn a piece of music by someone dictating one note at a time to you? Or just by listening to it?

Musicians with Visual Impairments

Ray Charles began to go blind at the age of 6. He lost his

sight completely by the age of 7. The reason for his loss of

sight has not been clearly attributed to a cause. Some

have said glaucoma, or an infection from getting soap in

his eye. He has been accredited with the early

development of soul music. And has received various

honors in Jazz, R & B, Rock & Roll, Gospel, and even

Country & Western music.Some of his music:“Georgia On My Mind”http://youtu.be/Thls_tMuFkc“I’ve Got A Woman”http://youtu.be/lsC4cH-v3ns

Ray Charles

Andrea Boceli lost his sight at the age of 12 due to

congenital (born with) glaucoma and a soccer

accident. Bocelli prefers not to talk about his blindness.

He once stated “My blindness is not a tragedy to

me- I don’t see why it should be to others”. He has

been called the “fourth tenor”. And has been very

successful in contemporary opera and as a pop ballad

singer.Some of his music:“Con Te Partiro”http://youtu.be/tcrfvP11Hbo“Vivere”http://youtu.be/N5q67TA8bv4

Andrea Bocelli

Stevie Wonder was born premature and lost his sight while in an incubator. He did

not let his blindness stop him. By the age of 8 he was a skilled musician. He made

is recording debut at the age of 12. He is not only a

talented singer, but a great instrumentalist (playing

piano, organ, harmonica, and drums), writer, and

producer.Some of his music:“Yester Me, Yester You, Yesterday”http://youtu.be/BFLCGPXS1gs“For Once In My Life”http://youtu.be/1vxVyaYuGYE“Superstition”http://youtu.be/wDZFf0pm0SE

Stevie Wonder

In the United States approximately 22 million people have a hearing impairment.

A hearing impairment is any type and degree of auditory disorder. Deafness is the extreme inability to discriminate conversational speech through the ear.

Can you imagine trying to sing a duet and not being able to hear? How about playing an instrument and not being able to tell if you are playing the notes correctly?

Musicians with Hearing Impairments

Gabriel Urbain Fauré is known as one of the greatest

French Romantic composers. He was not only

a composer, but pianist, organist, and music

teacher. At the age of 59 he began suffering from

dizziness and migraines, as well as showing signs of

hearing problems. Still able to produce significant

music, he kept his total hearing loss a secret from

everyone except close friends until the day he

passed away at the age of 79.

Gabriel Faure

Some of his work:Pavane, Op.50http://youtu.be/xUsGh2xYYQgRequime, Op. 48: In Paradisumhttp://youtu.be/VUfi0ts_D-0

"... Know that my noblest faculty, my hearing, has greatly

deteriorated...” (Beethoven 1801)We will never know the exact cause

of Beethoven’s deafness because their were no specialists at that

time. At the age of 39, his deafness had advanced rapidly. After a

series of disastrous recitals, Beethoven began composing full

time. He would press his ear to the wood of his piano to create pieces like the 7th symphony. Beethoven

gave his first known public performance. It was said that

Beethoven would be “…without a doubt, the new Mozart.”

Beethoven has been said to be the greatest composer who ever lived.

Ludwig Van Beethoven

Some of his work:7th Symphonyhttp://youtu.be/wBfKXHoSvDMMoonlight Sonatahttp://youtu.be/vQVeaIHWWck

Evelyn Glennie became deaf by the age of 12, which

was diagnosed due to nerve damage. She did

wear hearing aids for awhile, but then threw

them away. She learned to decipher between high and

low notes by placing her hand on the wall of the

music room in her elementary school. Evelyn

is a Grammy award winner, and the first person to be able to create and sustain a full time career as a solo

percussionist.

Evelyn Glennie

Performances by Evelyn:http://youtu.be/BLAQ0myEFgA

http://youtu.be/s-CV4eDlxw0

Mental/ processing impairments consists of those who suffer from learning disabilities and mental health issues.

This category could also include those with mental retardation or who suffer from an age related disease, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

How difficult would it be to read a sheet of music upside down while playing an instrument?

Musicians with Mental/Processing Impairments

Buddy BoldenCharles “Buddy” Bolden once

reigned as the King of black New Orleans music. He has been

credited as the founder of jazz. However, his career ended when he began having a mental breakdown.

At the age of 29, after being arrested for insanity twice, and

continued episodes of violence, he was committed to a State Asylum in

Jackson. Reportedly he suffered from schizophrenia. He died 25

years later, at the asylum, unaware of the life he led before being

committed. Unfortunately, I do not have musical clips by Buddy Bolden

himself, I have included his song originally titled “Funky Butt”, now known as “Buddy Bolden’s Blues” done by Jelly

Roll Morton. http://youtu.be/yUkqW_WqJxA

Tom HarrellTom Harrell has courageously fought against schizophrenia,

the debilitating side effects from medication, and been

very successful. He has become one of the most

respected trumpeters and composers of the last thirty

years. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1967

while a freshman at Stanford. Some of his work:

http://youtu.be/9uAA3B1M3Dwhttp://youtu.be/PEzEgoReQgY

Unlike the previous two categories, physical impairments consists of a wider range of disabilities. Such as spinal cord injuries, skeletal impairments (like abnormal/ missing limbs),lack of muscle control/ strength, coordination problems, head injuries, and many more.

I am including seizure disorders in this category as well.

How difficult do you think it would be to play an instrument with a physical disability?

Musicians with Physical Impairments

Bret MichaelsBret Michaels became a rock

icon as the lead singer for one of the biggest hair metal bands

of the 80’s, Poison. At the age of six, he was diagnosed with

diabetes. Though the disease is chronic, he has not allowed it to slow him down. He has not only had a successful career with the

band Poison, but a successful solo career as well. Bret

Michaels has not only been a musician/ singer, but a

songwriter, television personality, and actor.

Some of his work:Every Rose Has Its Thorn http://

youtu.be/ZZG0ZB166x0All I Ever Needed http://youtu.be/2HGPKQfA-Ms

Tony IommiTony Iommi is a heavy metal guitarist for the band Black Sabbath. It is often

said that we would not have that heavy metal sound if it was not for

Tony Iommi. (Jimmy Page is also listed as a founder of heavy metal.) On his

last day of work in a metal shop, as a teenager Iommi (a left handed

guitarist) got the tips of his right-hand fingers cut off. Instead of giving up the

guitar, he made a pair of caps to go over his fingers, used light gauge

strings on his guitar, as well as decreased the slack so that strumming

would not be so painful. The detuned guitar is what gave heavy metal its

distinct sound.Tony Iommi solo: http://

youtu.be/HFh8noEepU4 http://youtu.be/4OJ2el-C4B0

Kenny GKenny G is a Grammy award

winning saxophone player. Although he uses less improvisation in his

work compared to other jazz artists, he puts a lot of emotion into his

solos. Kenny G has been diagnosed with asthma. One would think this

would be a difficult disability to have and play a musical instrument such as the saxophone. However it

has been studied that playing an instrument or singing may actually

help those with asthma by improving muscle flexibility of the

lungs, allowing them to take a deeper breath without the fatigue.

Some of his work: http://youtu.be/euU18QAwIsQ

Jason BeckerJason Becker, a neo-classical

guitarist, achieved fame at the age of 16. He has been described as a

guitar prodigy. He released 2 albums under the band Cacophony, as well

as a solo. At the age of 20 after finishing a collaboration with David

Lee Roth before he was set to go on tour with David he noticed a limp in his left leg. He was diagnosed with ALS-aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease and

had to depart from the tour. He continues composing music through

the aid of a computer and with the help of other musicians.

Jason Becker: Paganini’s 5th Caprice http://

youtu.be/zfKD8c-WBMACacophony solo

http://youtu.be/9WqE_q3kFUM

Hank WilliamsHank Williams died at the early age

of 29. While his alcohol and drug abuse is well known, the usage has been attributed to more of a way of

coping with the severely painful disability Spina Bifida. It has been said that Hank Williams is country

music’s first superstar. Hank Williams is an American singer, songwriter,

and guitarist. He even experienced great crossover success into the

popular music market.Some of his work:

I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvW6_-TP5cs

Lovesick Blues http://youtu.be/-Xu71i89xvs

Neil YoungNeil Young is a folkie/ rocker from

Canada. He is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Neil Young is no stranger

to disability. He has had several health obstacles that he has

overcome in his life. From contracting polio at the age of 6, to

diabetes, and epilepsy. He also underwent a surgery in 2005 for a brain aneurysm. He has two sons

with cerebral palsy as well. Neil Young and his wife started the

Bridge School in Hillsborough, CA. The school educates children with

severe speech and physical impairments. Young hosts and

performs at a benefit concert, for the school, in Mountain View, CA every

year.  Some of his work:Hey, Hey, My, My

http://youtu.be/LYak0rPUDIUOld Man

http://youtu.be/dVC2cszdTao

Mary Wells has been called the founder of the famous

“Motown Sound”. She is also considered one of the best

female singers in the music industry. However as a child

she had spinal meningitis. This left her temporarily

paralyzed. She had to relearn how to walk. This also led to

a slight loss of hearing and partial blindness. She was

diagnosed with throat cancer toward the end of her life, but

still kept working and recording.

Some of her work:My Guy http://

youtu.be/r1M5eEJeT38Two Lovers/ Bye Bye Baby

http://youtu.be/p_x4fh4PUAA

Mary Wells

Rick AllenRick Allen is the drummer for

the band Def Leppard. He is one of the few internationally known

musicians with a significant disability. At the age of 21 he

was in a car accident where he lost his left arm being thrown out by the impact. Rick Allen

was able to continue drumming for Def Leppard by developing a

series of foot pedals that allowed him to control with his

feet what his left arm would have done before. He also

founded the Raven Foundation to help and support others with

disabilities.Rick Allen drumming:

http://youtu.be/unaAzg4myaEhttp://youtu.be/WJhpvk2li54

Jacqueline du PreJacqueline du Pre was often described as a genius. She was the world’s leading cellist of the 1960’s and early 1970’s. In 1971 she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). One of the first signs of her illness was from her statement in 1978: “My hands no longer worked. I simply couldn’t feel the strings.” Her career was cut short when she passed away at the age of 42.Jacqueline du Pre:http://youtu.be/MQquknf_3pshttp://youtu.be/JVTe8Zm1Xrk

This is just a small portion of the musicians who have struggled with a disability. There are many more throughout history. Even ones that have had their careers cut short have made a difference. They all provide disabled youth with encouragement and hope that they too can fulfill their dream of being a successful musician no matter what their disability is. This is a reminder to all of us to continue on with our growth and acceptance of others no matter the race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

Conclusion

“Definition of Disability”. Cornell University Law School LLI. Web. 1 July 2011. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/42/usc_sec_42_00012102----000-.html

“Rep. Bob Marshall”. Bob Marshall Republican Delegate. Web. 1 July 2011. http://delegatebob.com/news/statement-concerning-capital-news-service-article

“Ray Charles”. Last.fm. Web. 1 July 2011. http://www.last.fm/music/Ray+Charles/+images/4304487

“Types of Impairments”. Trace.wisc.edu. Web. 1 July 2011. http://trace.wisc.edu/docs/population/populat.htm

“Types of Disabilities”. Disabled World. Web. 1 July 2011. http://www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/

“History of disabled”. Museum of Disability. Web. 2 July 2011. http://www.museumofdisability.org/medicine_cures.asp

“Societies view of disabled”. Museum of Disability. Web. 2 July 2011. http://www.museumofdisability.org/medicine_cures.asp

“Types of Disabilities”. John Hopkins University. Web. 2 July 2011 http://web.jhu.edu/disabilities/faculty/types_of_disabilities/index.html

“Disability Rights Movement”. Harlem Independent Living Center. Web. 2 July 2011. http://www.hilc.org/history

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