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.

Today we celebrate the 75th birthday for The Reverend himself, Al Green. Born April 13, 1946 in Arkansas., he is another in a long line of singers who started out in a group with siblings-in his case, his brothers. But after a fight with his father Green was forced out of his family home as a teen. In high school he formed a vocal group and by 1969 he caught the attention of record producer Willie Mitchell. He signed Green to his label and by the early 1970’s Green was on the map as one of the finest R&B singers in the industry.

His wild living lifestyle of that decade gave way to a religious enlightenment, leading to his ministry in 1976 and his gospel recordings during most of the 1980’s. But he returned to secular music through a duet with Annie Lenox on “Put A Little Love In Your Heart” for the 1988 movie, “Scrooged”. Green went on to become one of the premier soul singers in history and a beloved legend of music. He is also one of my all time favorites, due in large part to today’s song. Happy birthday, Al Green.

“Love is…
Walking together
Talking together
Singing together
Praying together“.

Al Green circa 1974. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Al Green: “Love & Happiness” (1972, written by Al Green and Mabon Hodges).

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

Stay well.