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.

Brad Delp had one of the most recognizable voices in music in the 1970’s. As the lead singer of Boston, his voice was everywhere thanks to the success of the band’s 1976 self-titled debut album. Delp, a singer & multi-instrumentalist, was born on June 12, 1951 in Massachusetts. He met songwriter Tom Scholz in 1969 through guitarist Barry Goudreau.

The three men were in a band founded by Scholz in the early 1970’s when they were signed to Epic Records & renamed Boston. Their first album, released in August 1976, was the best selling debut album at the time & catapulted the band to enormous success. Scholz recorded most of the album in his basement studio with Delp on both lead & harmony vocals. When the band went on tour they recreated the songs live.

Delp’s signature range & soaring vocals became Boston’s trademark. It was evident on their second album, 1978’s Don’t Look Back as well as 1986’s Third Stage. The eight year hiatus between records was reportedly due to a dispute with the record company & Scholz’s need for perfection. Delp left the group in 1989 but returned in 1994. He also pursued several side projects including a tribute band honoring his favorite group, The Beatles.

In 2007, Delp died from suicide. There were many stories surrounding why he took his life including an ongoing battle with depression, personal issues relating to his fiancé’s sister and tensions between him & Scholz over the band. But the only thing that matters is that Delp was in enough pain to end his life which is too sad for words. His voice was such an important part of my early days as I discovered real music for myself & decided which voices I truly cared to listen to in a sea of bands & singers. Delp’s was one of the first & one of the best choices I ever made for myself. And today’s song will hold as one of the greatest moments of his career.

“I looked out this morning and the sun was gone
Turned on some music to start my day
I lost myself in a familiar song
I closed my eyes and I slipped away“.

The band Boston circa 1976 (L-R): Lead vocalist & guitarist Brad Delp, songwriter & guitarist & Tom Scholz, guitarist Barry Goudreau, bassist Fran Sheehan and drummer Sib Hashian (center). (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Boston: “More Than A Feeling” (1976, written by Tom Scholz).

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

Stay well.