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.

Happiest of birthdays to the incomparable Linda Ronstadt who turns 75 years young today. Born July 15, 1946 in Arizona and raised on a sprawling farm, she started her career as part of a folk trio best known for today’s song. It was a Top 20 hit for them in 1967/1968 and it was written by Mike Nesmith of The Monkees three years earlier. She released her first solo album in 1969.

Ronstadt has sung nearly every genre of music in her career from pop to country to big band to Mexican to jazz and more. On her 34th birthday in 1980, she expanded her repertoire when she appeared in Joseph Papp’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance in Central Park in NYC. But I still love the song that started her career and introduced us all to her unbelievably fabulous voice. Here’s to 100 more birthdays for this legendary artist.

“I ain’t sayin’ you ain’t pretty
All I’m saying is I’m not ready
For any person place or thing
To try and pull the reins in on me“.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Stone Poneys: “Different Drum” (1967, written by Mike Nesmith).

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

Stay well.