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.

One of the best lines I ever heard in my life was from a 2000 “Will & Grace” episode (S3 E4 “Girl Trouble”) by The Queen of the Quips, Karen Walker. When she noticed Grace wearing a beret, Karen set her straight:

“Grace, I thought we talked about the beret. Patty Hearst couldn’t even pull one off and she had money and a gun”. EPIC!!!

Fifteen years earlier, today’s song was released by Prince extolling his love for that particular head wear. It was from his seventh studio album, which was the follow up to his smash, Purple Rain. With more of a psychedelic pop sound than its predecessor, Around The World In A Day was another #1 album for the superstar with today’s track as the lead off single.

Prince Rogers Nelson was born 63 years ago on June 7, 1958 in Minnesota. His unique name came from his father’s jazz combo, the Prince Rogers Trio. He was always Prince to me, even when he was re-crowned “The Artist Formerly known As” in 1993 when he changed his name to a symbol because of an ongoing feud with his record company.

His music was an inventive and unique hybrid of soul, funk, rock, R&B, classical, pop, jazz & more setting him apart from everyone else when he broke through the music scene in the 1980’s. His sophisticated coiffed appearance, his progressive lyrics & videos combined with his dynamic stage shows helped elevate his legendary status, cementing his role as one of the most influential artists of all time. His death five yeasts ago was an absolute shock to fans & the industry alike and left a hole in music that has yet to be filled. And probably never will.

“The rain sounds so cool when it hits the barn roof
And the horses wonder who you are
Thunder drowns out what the lightning sees
You feel like a movie star“.

Prince circa 2005. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Prince & The Revolution: “Raspberry Beret” (1985, written by Prince).

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

Stay well.