About this talk
Zoë Keating was working as a successful cellist and composer when her husband, Jeff, got sick with stage IV non-smokers lung cancer. Her life was turned upside down—she put her career on hold, stopped creating music, and pivoted the focus of her music blog to document their struggles dealing with health insurance companies and navigating the complex American health care system.
After Jeff’s death, it took Zoë time to start making her own music music again. But when she did, it became her lifeline—music helped her to grieve, to communicate what she was feeling, and to begin the healing process. Watch Zoë’s TEDMED 2017 Talk below, and listen to the beautiful cello piece, “Possible,” that she composed in conjunction with developing her Talk.
About Zoë Keating
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Zoë Keating is an acclaimed cellist, composer, and advocate often called a “one-woman orchestra.” She has a unique background that blends classical music with technology, using live looping to create rich and intricate music on stage by layering her cello performances. Zoë is famous for her independent success, having reached the top of the classical charts without a traditional record label. She has also composed music for film and television and has performed for audiences worldwide. After her husband was diagnosed with cancer, she temporarily paused her career and became a powerful voice for patients and their families. Through her blog, she shared her struggles with the healthcare system and advocated for better patient care and medical data portability. Today, Zoë has returned to her music, but she continues to be a vocal advocate for healthcare reform and artists’ rights. Named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, she is a respected figure who uses her platform to drive important conversations about technology, healthcare, and the arts.
