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.

When I was a teenager and I would visit my cousins, they usually had music playing while they watched whatever sports game was on. They were huge Paul McCartney fans so for a while the album I heard the most was “Wings Over America”. As a Beatles fan myself of course I enjoyed it. But I must admit the one song I loved the best from that record was not by McCartney but rather the group’s lead guitarist, Denny Laine, who turns 76 today.

Born Brian Frederick Hines in England on this day in 1944, Laine started playing guitar very young, joined his first band at age 12 & took on the stage name he became known by. In 1964 he left his group and helped found the band that would become The Moody Blues. In November of that year they released their first single which is today’s song. It was first recorded earlier the same year by American singer Bessie Banks. By 1965 The Moody Blues version hit #1 in the UK and #10 in the US. When the band failed to capitalize on the success of that hit record Laine quit in October 1966 and was replaced by Justin Hayward.

For the next five years Laine played in a couple of other bands and made some music as a solo artist. In 1971 he, McCartney & his wife, Linda, formed Wings with the three of them staying as the consistent members until the group broke up in 1981. Laine put out two solo records during his time with Wings and continued with his own career when the band broke up. Rumour has it that Laine forced the band’s end when McCartney announced he no longer wished to tour out of fear for his safety after John Lennon’s death. But for ten years, Laine performed this song on tour with Wings and Paul & Linda McCartney were his back-up singers. Not a bad gig.

“I don’t want you to tell me just what you intend to do now
‘Cause how many times do I have to tell you darlin’, darlin’
I’m still in love, still in love with you now“.

Top: The Moody Blues circa 1964 (L-R): Clint Warwick, Graeme Edge, Denny Laine, Mike Pinder and Ray Thomas. Bottom: Wings circa 1978 (L-R): Linda McCartney, Paul McCartney & Laine. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Denny Laine with Paul McCartney & Wings: “Go Now” (recorded live for the 1976 album, “Wings Over America”. Based on the 1964 version by The Moody Blues. Written by Larry Banks and Milton Bennett).

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

Stay well.