Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

In one of my favorite “Roseanne” episodes, she and Jackie were talking about the lack of strong women in the music they had growing up.  That is, Roseanne said, until Janis.  And Jackie agreed.  Sort of.

Jackie:  “Well thank God for Janis!  You know, I also learned the truth at 17.”

Roseanne:  “Not Janis Ian, you idiot!  Janis Joplin!”

While I  admit neither Janis is my type of music, there is no denying that Joplin took the brilliance of Kris Kristofferson’s “Me & Bobby McGee” and turned it into a remarkable musical moment.  But in my opinion it was not the only one.  Sammi Smith took another one of his songs and absolutely slayed with it.  I remember being so affected by how intense the lyrics were:  “Yesterday is dead and gone and tomorrow’s out of sight“.  Stunning.  I just love this song.  Smith’s version won her a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female in 1972.

At that same awards presentation, “McGee” and today’s tune were both nominated for Song of the Year, and today’s pick won as Best Country Song.  My admiration for Kristofferson knows no bounds.  He is such an accomplished individual:  Rhodes scholar, boxer and rugby player, Captain in the Army where he served as a helicopter pilot and then as a West Point instructor of his college major, English Literature, to national treasure status a a singer/songwriter extraordinaire.  He is also one of the most beautiful men I have ever seen.  Saaaa-wooooon.  Maybe some day I will find a way to forgive him for dying on me in the 1976 version of “A Star Is Born”.

(Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Sammi Smith:  “Help Me Make It Through The Night” (1970, written by Kris Kristofferson).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.