Soul legend Bobby Womack has been diagnosed with the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
“The doctor said you have signs of Alzheimer’s,” the 68-year-old singer revealed to Gilles Peterson on BBC 6 music. "He said it's not bad yet but it's going to get worse."
“How can I not remember songs that I wrote? That's frustrating.”
Womack, whose career has spanned more than 50 years, wrote and performed numerous hits including “California Dreamin,” “That’s the Way I feel About Cha,” and “Across 110th Street.” He also wrote The Rolling Stones’ first UK No. 1 hit, “It’s All Over Now,” and was more recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.
“With the support of many good doctors, my family, and all of my wonderful fans, I will continue to write and perform and bring the good music to the people for as long as I can,” Womack told CNN following his diagnosis.
“Thanks to all of my fans for their prayers and well wishes,” he added. “I truly appreciate and can feel your love.”
Womack’s current struggle with the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s comes in the wake of his having had several other health issues including pneumonia, diabetes, and colon cancer.