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.

Time for a mid-week Motown break.  Although The Isley Brothers tenure at the label was brief (from 1965-1968) it did produce today’s hit.  Rod Stewart covered this tune twice, once in 1975 and then again in 1989 as a duet with lead singer Ronald Isley.  The year before the brothers came to the label, future guitar legend Jimi Hendrix played in their band but left when the brothers failed to have any chart success during his year with them.  They were just inducted into the The Songwriters Hall of Fame in the class of 2020 and in 1992 they were inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.  They have had over a dozen songs on the Billboard charts since 1959 when the tune they wrote, “Shout”, was released.  That is probably their most well known song (who can forget it in the toga party scene in the movie “Animal House”) but today’s pick is my favorite.

“Always with half a kiss
You remind me of what I miss
Though I try to control myself
Like a fool I start grinnin’ ’cause my head starts spinnin‘”

Jimi Hendrix, O’Kelly Isley Jr. & Rudolph Isley & Ronald Isley circa 1964.  (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Isley Brothers:  “This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)” (1966, written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland and Sylvia Moy).

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

Stay well.