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.

Singer & piano player Billy Stewart was born in 1937 in Washington, D.C.. He started singing gospel music with his brothers by the time he was 12. In the early 1950’s he switched to secular music where he met fellow performer Bo Didley. He hired Stewart to sing back-up which led to a record contract with Chess Records in 1955.

He had his biggest hit in 1966 with a cover of the Gershwin tune, “Summertime”. Sadly, Stewart died in 1969 at the age of 32 in a car accident with three members of his band. Today’s song, a Top 30 hit from 1965, has always been my favorite of his. It never fails to reminds me how much talent this man had as a singer, songwriter & musician.

“Why don’t you decide to be
I’ll tell you all of my dreams now
Oh, I love you, I pray for your love
Would come to me a someday“.

Billy Stewart circa 1965. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Billy Stewart: “I Do Love You” (1965, written by Billy Stewart).

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

Stay well.