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 still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life 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 to share another gem from one of my favorite years in music. On January 14, 1978 today’s song hit the #1 spot for three consecutive weeks. It is by the band Player who released their self titled debut album in September 1977. Many people think of them as a one hit wonder but they had two more songs hit the Top 40 in 1978: The second single from their first record, “This Time I’m In It For Love” reached #10 & “Prisoner of Your Love” from their second album hit #27. More importantly, Player toured with my great musical love Eric Clapton during the North American leg of his Slowhand tour that year as well.

Ronn Mass is probably the most famous of the four original band members. He went on to soap opera fame as Ridge Forrester in “The Bold & The Beautiful” from 1987-2012 (The role is currently played by the unbelievably beautiful Thorsten Kaye who I completely swooned over as Zach Slater on “All My Children”). In 2014 Moss reunited with his bandmates to perform today’s song at the Nurses Ball on “General Hospital”. It is one of those tracks that instantly transports me back in time from the very first note.

“All day long wearing a mask of false bravado
Trying to keep up a smile that hides a tear
But as the sun goes down I get that empty feeling again
How I wish to God that you were here“.

Player’s 1977 self titled debut album (L -R): Peter Beckett (lead vocals & guitar), Ronn Moss (vocals & bass), John Friesen (drums) and John Charles J.C. Crowley (vocals & keyboards). (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Player: “Baby Come Back” (1977, written by Peter Beckett and John Charles J.C, Crowley).

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

Stay well.