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.

Today marks the 77th birthday for one of the greatest frontmen to ever strut across a stage, Mick Jagger.  He and The Rolling Stones have been making music together since 1962.  It all started when Jagger met fellow bandmate & co-songwriter, Keith Richards, and both men realized they had similar musical tastes, citing blues legend Muddy Waters & rock & roll master Chuck Berry as inspirations.  The name of their band even came from a Waters song.

There is not much left to say about a band that has been around nearly 60 years.  They have played with all their heroes, released 25 albums here in the states (23 in the U.K.), had countless hit songs and continue to tour as recently as 2019.  I love so many of their songs but really love the covers they have done of their favorite blues numbers.  When the Stones closed out the American leg of the Steel Wheels Tour in December 1989, the show was broadcast via a pay per view concert from NJ that featured guest stars like Axl Rose & Izzy Stradlin of Guns N’Roses, blues legend John Lee Hooker & Eric Clapton, who joined the Stones on stage for today’s song.  He absolutely slayed it with two unbelievably sublime guitar solos (and did so while looking breathtakingly gorgeous), with the second one featuring a call and response exchange with Jagger and his harmonica.  As The Stones song goes, it’s only rock & roll, but I like it.

Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones (R) congratulates Eric Clapton (L) on a job well done after the guitarist played two scathing solos for the band in Atlantic City, NJ December 1989.  (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Rolling Stones featuring Eric Clapton:  “Little Red Rooster” (recorded live in Atlantic City, NJ in December 1989.  Originally released in 1964, written by Willie Dixon).

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

Stay well.