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.

On November 3, 1957 Sam Cooke appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show” to perform today’s tune. But the program was a live broadcast and it was behind on time so they accidently cut the singer off mid-song to end the show at the correct time. Sullivan’s staff was inundated with complaints so he invited Cooke to appear on the show again a month later. When he came back on December 1, he performed the song in its entirety in his smooth effortless stunning way. He also received an on-air apology from Sullivan.

The next day, the record hit the #1 spot on the Hot 100 & the R&B charts. December 11 will be the 56th anniversary of Cooke’s death and while I usually refrain from underscoring those dates, the timing of his mark in history with today’s enduring classic highlights the fact that his sound, his music and his grace is absolutely timeless.

“At first I thought it was infatuation
But oh, it’s lasted so long
Now I find myself wanting
To marry you and take you home“.

Sam Cooke circa 1955. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Sam Cooke: “You Send Me” (Live performance on “The Ed Sullivan Show”, broadcast December 1, 1957. Originally released September 1957. Written by Sam Cooke).

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

Stay well.