Daniel Powter

Posted on March 20, 2013 by thepower

Daniel Powter: Dyslexic Musician

Daniel Powter shot to the top of the music charts with his 2005 smash single, ‘Bad Day.’ He became the first male Canadian solo artist to reach #1 on Billboard’s Top 100 in ten years. Powter amassed a dedicated fan base and had his music featured in hit television shows and movies.

With all of his successes, Powter kept a secret: he was diagnosed with the learning disorder, dyslexia, in third grade. He even dropped out of music college due to his difficulty with reading music. Yet Powter didn’t let his challenge with dyslexia stop him from becoming a megastar. He serves as a role model and heartfelt story to the community that a learning disorder can inspire you to go for your dreams.

Daniel Powter’s Early Years

Powter was born in British Columbia on February 25, 1971. He played violin and piano with his mother as a child. During his violin lessons, Powter had difficulty reading his music. After a group of bullies attacked him and broke his instrument, Powter switched exclusively to piano.

Powter was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, but found comfort in his music. He formed a band in high school and had their single played on local radio after winning a coveted contest. Powter attended university for a brief period and dropped out to focus on his career. “After a while I started to hate school,” he reported. “I realized it was better for me to create on my own.”

Daniel Powter’s Rise to Stardom

Powter moved to Vancouver and met his future producer, Jeff Dawson. The two produced his solo demo and signed to Warner Bros. Records. Powter released the single, ‘Bad Day,’ in Europe in 2005. Shortly after, the song reached the United States and became a hit. ‘Bad Day’ went platinum three times in the United States and once in Australia.

Coca Cola adopted the song for their ad campaign, and it was featured in programs such as ‘American Idol.’ He performed at Live 8 in Berlin that year. Powter won New Artist of the Year at the Juno Awards in 2006. He released subsequent singles and collaborated with international artists. Powter released two other albums and sang the Canadian national anthem at the NHL Winter Classic in 2010.

Daniel Powter and Dyslexia

Powter told People Magazine that his dyslexia is “a blessing.” He used his disorder to learn to play music by ear and write his original songs. Powter stopped playing violin due to his disorder but mastered his skills in piano to become a musical success.

Once plagued by his dyslexia, Powter utilized it as a tool to become a recognizable pop artist. If it wasn’t for his disorder, Powter would not have had to work as hard to achieve stardom. He’s a reminder to the dyslexic community that fame and achievements can be obtained even with a learning disorder. Powter is a true role model and his story of perseverance can be a guiding example to all.

John Lennon

Posted on February 13, 2013 by thepower

John Lennon: Dyslexic Revolutionary

Visionary musician John Lennon has touched hearts and inspired the world from his first song with his revolutionary band, The Beatles. Since the 1960’s, Lennon has been celebrated for his musical talents and philanthropic acts. Lennon’s untimely death in 1980 could not stop the peaceful musician’s impact on the world.

The work of John Lennon has spanned generations of music lovers and peacemakers alike. From his beautiful lyrics to his acts of kindness, Lennon is famous for his heart and soul. Very few are aware of Lennon’s struggles with the learning disorder, dyslexia, since his childhood. Through his difficulties with reading and writing, Lennon emerged a victorious hero. Lennon’s music and character would not have existed without his perseverance through dyslexia.

The Early Life of John Lennon

Lennon was born on October 9th, 1940, in Liverpool, England. With an absent father and young mother, Lennon grew up in the custody of his aunt Mimi. His guardians would engage him with crossword puzzles and literature, but Lennon would sneak off to visit his mother and listen to rock n’roll records.

Listening to musicians like Buddy Holly and Elvis, Lennon had difficulty memorizing the lyrics he loved so much. He would make up his own words to songs and sparked his desire to write and play music as a career. He received his first guitar from his mother at age 16.

Lennon excelled at art while attending Quarry Bank High School, but his grades were poor and he had difficulty spelling. Reports from his teachers would complain about Lennon’s rowdiness in the classroom, and he was deemed a troublemaker. Due to Lennon’s dyslexia, he had trouble concentrating and turned to writing music.

Lennon failed his general education exams, but was accepted into the Liverpool College of Art with his headmaster and aunt’s referrals. Lennon’s bad behavior continued through college and he was expelled before graduation.

Lennon’s Journey to The Beatles

“The guitar’s all very well, John, but you’ll never make a living out of it,” his aunt famously quoted. Lennon set out to prove her and his teachers wrong and began a career in music.

Shortly before the death of his mother in 1957, Lennon started his first band, ‘The Quarrymen,’ with schoolmates. The group went through multiple line-ups and performed at various festivals and competitions.

Tension was high between the young members, and one fateful show introduced Lennon to his future songwriting partner, Paul McCartney. With McCartney’s urging, Lennon allowed the bassist George Harrison to join the group. The Quarrymen took a hiatus after Lennon’s mother was killed in a road accident, and reformed with multiple name changes. After adopting The Beatles as a moniker, drummer Ringo Starr completed the quartet in 1962.

The Fab Four

The Beatles found popularity in Hamburg, Germany and returned to London to record their debut L.P, ‘Please Please Me.’ The album saw a record of seventeen consecutive number one singles on Great Britain’s music charts. The Beatles amassed such a large following that their fan base and era of music was dubbed ‘Beatlemania.’

They toured the country regularly, creating frenzy and musical history at every stop. The Beatles topped the charts again with a second album, ‘With the Beatles.’ Lennon and his group found their place in the United States in 1963, bringing a media-named ‘British Invasion’ to the country. Lennon and McCartney wrote the album ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ the next year, followed by standout records like ‘Help’ and ‘Rubber Soul.’

The band starred in three popular movies and continued to rule the airwaves with consecutive albums through the 1960′s. All four were named Members of the Order of The British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 1965.

“We’re more popular than Jesus now,” Lennon said in an interview in 1966, sparking backlash through the United States and religious organizations. He and the group released the two major albums, ‘Revolver’ and ‘Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,’ and performed a final tour. Pivotal albums ‘Abbey Road’ and ‘Let it Be’ were released before the band broke up.

Lennon’s Relationships and Death

After the breakup of the Beatles, Lennon continued to make music under his name. He wrote and recorded the single ‘Imagine,’ which quickly became the anthem for lovers of peace and harmony around the world. Lennon found love with the artist, Yoko Ono, and the two were married in 1969. The couple collaborated on musical projects and started a family. Sean Lennon was born to the couple in 1975 and joined Lennon’s son, Julian, from his previous marriage.

Lennon and Ono created an anti-war campaign and received controversial reviews. The couple staged peaceful protests and became the poster children for activism. One of their famous protests was the ‘Bed-In For Peace’ where the two refused to leave their hotel room bed on two occasions and invited the media in to cover the event.

On December 8th, 1980, an obsessed fan shot and killed John Lennon outside his New York apartment. The world mourned the loss of an icon. “John loved and prayed for the human race,” Ono reported after his death. “Please pray the same for him.”

Lennon on Dyslexia

“A couple of teachers would notice me, encourage me to be something or other, to draw or to paint – express myself,” Lennon explained. He was misunderstood as a troublemaker throughout school because of his creativity and troubles with dyslexia. Lennon’s loving aunt and headmaster saw through his disability and fought for him to attend college after high school.

Despite his difficulties, Lennon let his talent shine through his music and writing. His beautiful lyrics and activism were grown from his perseverance through dyslexia. Lennon’s strong social skills and creativity were gifts given to him by his learning disability. With his unwavering drive and relentless talent, Lennon has influenced millions for more than 50 years. He is a true motivational hero to the dyslexic community.

Bruce Jenner

Posted on January 28, 2013 by thepower

Bruce Jenner: Dyslexic Olympian

Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner is widely known for his athletic triumphs in the 1970′s and his public persona today. Along with his wife and extended family, Jenner can be seen weekly on the reality show, ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians.’ With over four decades of accomplishments, Jenner is a legend in his field. Jenner also has the learning disorder, dyslexia, and speaks out about his struggles in order to inspire the dyslexic community. Jenner is a shining example of success in the face of adversity.

Growing Up Jenner

Born William Bruce Jenner on October 28th, 1949, the future track star was raised in Mount Kisco, New York. His father was a World War II veteran turned tree surgeon, and Jenner and his three siblings relocated frequently. In Jenner’s early years of schooling, he had trouble with reading and writing, and feared going to school. He would daydream in class and receive poor marks on assignments and exams, while his misunderstanding teachers wrote him off as lazy. Jenner failed second grade and was tested for glasses, only to find out his eyesight was a perfect 20/20.

Jenner continued to struggle with his classes, but quickly realized his unique abilities outside of academics. “In the fifth grade I discovered something I could do better than the other kids. One day the teacher set up a bunch of chairs, and she had every one run to the chairs and back while she timed us,” Jenner recalls. “I had the fastest time in the whole school!”

Jenner was eventually diagnosed with dyslexia in junior high, where he could finally get treatment and support for his difficulties. “I always felt that my greatest asset was not my physical ability, it was my mental ability,” he says of his diagnosis. He attended Sleepy Hollow High School before transferring to Newtown High School in Connecticut.

Jenner’s Rise to Sports Stardom

Jenner was granted a football scholarship to Graceland College after high school, but suffered a knee injury and decided to pursue track and field. Under the tutelage of his coaches, Jenner placed fifth in his first decathlon. He set off for the 1972 Olympic games in Munich, Germany, and placed tenth in the decathlon.

Determined to win the gold medal, Jenner began a rigorous training program at the San Jose City College track. His regime proved to be a success and he emerged with the gold at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. Jenner’s score set a world record with 8,616 points. He received the James E. Sullivan Award for Top Amateur Athlete and became the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year in 1976.

“If I wasn’t dyslexic, I probably wouldn’t have won the Games,” Jenner says. He attributes his success towards working more diligently than his competitors.

Jenner was inducted into the United States National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1980. He continued his winning streak with inductions into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame and the Olympic Hall of Fame in 1986. The Connecticut Sports Hall of Fame recognized Jenner’s achievements in 1996, and he was inducted into the San Hose Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

Bruce Jenner: The Actor

Jenner starred in 1980′s ‘Can’t Stop the Music,’ a musical comedy about the disco group, The Village People. That year, he appeared in the television movie ‘The Golden Moment: An Olympic Love Story.’ 1981 saw a second TV movie for Jenner, titled ‘Grambling’s White Tiger.’ Jenner also appeared as a police officer in the series, ‘CHiPS,’ for six episodes.

Jenner turned to non-scripted work after his acting received unfavorable reviews. He competed in game shows such as ‘Celebrity Family Feud,’ and ‘Lingo.’ Jenner appeared as himself in the reality show ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!’ He frequently guest hosts on ‘Good Morning, America.’

More notably, Jenner has been a pivotal figure in the E! series ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians,’ since 2007. With his wife of 20 years, Kris, their two daughters, and Kris’ six children from previous marriages, the family has built an empire and successful businesses through their on-screen antics. Jenner was named Esquire magazine’s ‘Father of the Year’ in 2012.

Bruce Jenner’s Other Endeavors

Jenner became a household icon after his picture was featured on the box for Wheaties cereal. A candid photo of Jenner running in the Olympics was displayed with the caption, ‘The Breakfast of Champions.’ Jenner and General Mills, the maker of Wheaties, became involved in a false advertising lawsuit, which was quickly dropped after the athlete testified that he eats Wheaties throughout the week. Jenner’s likeness also appears in the ‘Olympic Decathlon’ and ‘Bruce Jenner’s World Class Decathlon’ video games.

In the 1980′s, Jenner competed in the International Motor Sports Association GT series. He finished fourth and second with his trusty Mustang at 1986′s consecutive races in Sebring, Florida.

Retired from racing today, Jenner’s hobbies include driving remote control cars and helicopters. He is also the head of Bruce Jenner Aviation, a company that sells aircraft supplies to corporations.

Jenner: The Dyslexic Activist

Jenner has been outspoken about his learning disorder throughout the length of his career. He volunteers for the Special Olympics and is involved with the National Dyslexia Research Foundation. Jenner has written multiple books on his journey to stardom while dealing with dyslexia, including 1999′s ‘Finding the Champion Within: A Step-by-Step Plan for Reaching Your Full Potential.’ He is also the host of the documentary series, ‘Demystifying Dyslexia.’

Throughout his legendary achievements, Jenner has stated that he’d like to be remembered most as a good father. He tells young dyslexics to seek out their true calling. “Look at dyslexia as a gift,” Jenner urges. “Don’t worry about it. You won’t die from it.”

Bruce Jenner triumphed through his dyslexia and emerged a successful figure and role model. Jenner’s story is one of achievement through perseverance. He serves as a reminder to the dyslexic community to never give up.

Patrick Dempsey

Posted on January 10, 2013 by thepower

Patrick Dempsey and Overcoming Dyslexia

Patrick Dempsey has made his name in the entertainment industry for three decades and is now celebrated as ‘Dr. McDreamy’ on the Emmy award winning series, ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’ Curly haired and handsome, the 46 year old actor has recently opened up about his struggles with the learning disorder, dyslexia. Diagnosed at age 12, Dempsey has proven to be a success story while coping with a disorder many have labeled a battle.

“It’s Made Me Who I Am Today:” Patrick Dempsey’s Dyslexic Childhood

Dempsey was born on January 13, 1966 in Lewiston, Maine. His mother and father were a secretary and salesman, respectively. Dempsey was diagnosed as a dyslexic at age 12 after spending years in a special needs class. “I have never given up,” he says about his prognosis. During his school years in Buckfield High School, he dabbled in juggling and skiing as a hobby.

Dempsey left school at age 17 and began to tour with various theater companies. He wowed audiences with his acting talent in plays such as ‘On Golden Pond’ and ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs.’ His travels took him to performances in major cities along the East Coast where he started the audition process for television series and films.

Patrick Dempsey’s Rise to Fame

Dempsey landed his first major role with ‘In the Mood’ in 1987. He went on to play the lovable teenage nerd in multiple films in the late 1980′s and early 1990′s. He worked in television on shows such as ‘Will and Grace’ and ‘Once & Again,’ the latter role receiving an Emmy nomination for an Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.

After a brief hiatus, Dempsey played a leading man in romantic comedies like ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ and ‘Made of Honor.’ He showed his singing chops in the film ‘Enchanted’ in 2007, and voice over talents in 2006 with ‘Brother Bear 2.’ He auditioned for the title role in the acclaimed series ‘House’ before landing the coveted spot of Derek Shepherd, aka ‘Dr. McDreamy’, in ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’

Nine seasons later, Dempsey still captures audience’s hearts with his troubled, yet romantic character. He won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Cast in a Drama Series in 2006 and the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Male TV Star in 2007, and again in 2008. Now an A-list actor, Dempsey frequently participates in major budget ensemble films.

Dempsey and Other Media

With his distinguished looks, Dempsey has become a face for various products. He is the spokesman for State Farm Insurance and Mazda vehicles. Dempsey has been a model for Versace, L’Oreal, and Serengeti sunglasses. He has two fragrances with Avon, named ‘Unscripted’ and ‘Patrick Dempsey 2.’

Dempsey frequently competes in auto racing and owns the Dempsey Racing Team. He founded the Patrick Dempsey Center in his hometown to aid individuals with cancer. He holds an annual Dempsey Challenge triathlon with proceeds going towards the center. Recently Dempsey made headlines for his purchase of the previously bankrupt company, Tully’s Coffee, located in Seattle where ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ is filmed.

Dempsey and Dealing with Dyslexia

As a working actor and dyslexic, Dempsey faces the challenge of learning his countless scripts. “I think that’s when I get the most insecure,” the seemingly confident actor says. “It’s very hard for me to read it off the page.” He dutifully memorizes each line with help of his cast and a coach.

Married to Jillian Fink since 1999, Dempsey has three children: a daughter and twin sons. Teaching his daughter Tallulah how to read helped Dempsey with his own learning disability. “I’ve gone back and started to learn to read on a very basic level,” he told Barbara Walters in 2006. “I’m healing that part as well as developing my daughter.”

Dempsey’s skyrocket to fame and placement as a household name helped him cope with being dyslexic. With challenges from learning lines to giving speeches at events and award shows, Dempsey perseveres through his disorder and is recognized for his outstanding acting ability. Patrick Dempsey’s story shows the dyslexic community that hard work truly pays off and to use any given challenges as a means to succeed in your field.

Tom Cruise

Posted on January 9, 2013 by thepower

Tom Cruise: Power of Dyslexia

Controversial yet distinguished actor Tom Cruise has been at the top of the A-list since 1981. He has won dozens of awards for his challenging roles and made headlines for his personal life. Cruise was diagnosed as dyslexic at age seven and fought his learning disorder through his schooling and career. His unique method of coping with dyslexia and flawless acting ability shows the old adage true: if there’s a will, there’s a way.

Tom Cruise as a Child and Teen

Cruise was born Thomas Cruise Mapother IV in Syracuse, New York on July 3, 1962. His mother was a special education teacher who also had dyslexia. His Catholic upbringing was troubled and poor. Cruise attended multiple schools in the United States and Canada while his father searched for work.

“All through school and well into my career, I felt like I had a secret,” Cruise says about his dyslexia. “When I’d go to a new school, I wouldn’t want the other kids to know about my learning disability.” He dabbled in sports before suffering a knee injury and devoting himself to the theater. Calling himself “a functional illiterate,” Cruise graduated in 1980 but didn’t attend the ceremony, feeling like he had failed as a student.

Tom Cruise’s Early Acting Career

Cruise got the world’s attention in the film ‘Taps’ in 1981. The young adult had a breakout role in 1983’s ‘Risky Business,’ which has been called his career-making move. He starred alongside acting legends such as Paul Newman and Dustin Hoffman in the 1980’s. He won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama and received his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his role as a Vietnam veteran in 1989’s ‘Born on the Fourth of July.’

In the 1990’s, Cruise married actress Nicole Kidman and co-starred with her in three films, as well as adopting two children. He played the Golden Globe winning title role of ‘Jerry Maguire’ in 1996, and starred in the ‘Mission Impossible’ trilogy. By 2000, his filmography spanned over 20 titles.

Tom Cruise: 2000 to Today

Cruise continued to rule the screen in the new millennium. He starred in acclaimed films such as ‘Vanilla Sky,’ ‘Magnolia,’ and ‘The Last Samurai.’ His company, Cruise/Wagner Productions, saw the success of multiple films starring Cruise and others. He was named the world’s most powerful celebrity by Forbes magazine in 2006. October 10, 2006 was named ‘Tom Cruise Day’ in Japan for his unrivaled appearances in the country.

Cruise’s involvement with the Church of Scientology began to make headlines as he attributed the religion for overcoming his dyslexia and spoke out against the use of medication. He married actress Katie Holmes in 2005 in an official Scientology ceremony and had a daughter named Suri before divorcing in 2012.

Recently, Cruise can be seen in 2008’s comedy ‘Tropic Thunder’ and the musical ‘Rock of Ages’ from 2012.

Tom Cruise on Dyslexia

“I’d try to concentrate on what I was reading, then I’d get to the end of the page and have very little memory of anything I’d read”, Cruise says of his childhood struggles with dyslexia. After graduating, he absorbed his film character’s motivations and used the knowledge to learn his lines and improvise others. During the filming of ‘Top Gun’ in 1986, Cruise’s problems came to a head. “Many people had tried to teach me, but no one had taught me how to learn or how to study,” he has reported.

Cruise claims to have not known how to read until age 22 while working on ‘Top Gun’. He attributed his success in overcoming the disability with the works of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of the Church of Scientology. Educators have argued that Hubbard’s radical teaching is a variation of their scholastic method, and dyslexia cannot be cured. However, Cruise’s infectious optimism has inspired the dyslexic community to find their own ways to cope with the disability. His unwavering drive and determination has led to a flawless body of work and proves that dyslexia won’t stand in the way of one’s hopes and dreams.