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 in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal 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 marks the 88th birth anniversary of country legend, Patsy Cline.  Born Virginia Patterson Hensley in Winchester, VA in 1932, she started singing professionally at age 15 to support her family after her father left them.  He was an amateur singer who passed on his talent to her from an early age.  Cline got her stage surname from her first husband, Gerald Cline (married 1953, divorced 1957) while her first name was a variation on her middle one.  She became a regular on a regional TV show in 1954 which led to her first recording contract with 4 Star Records.  After six years with them and no success, she signed with Decca Records where her career blossomed.  Before a plane crash ended her life at age 30 on March 5, 1963, she had two children, a girl & a boy.  Her daughter,  Julie Symadore Fudge, runs a museum in Nashville dedicated to her mother.  It features many of Cline’s stage clothes which she designed and were hand made by her mother, Hilda Hensley.

Cline recorded today’s song for her 1961 album, “Showcase”.  She recorded it with The Jordanaires, who were the backing vocal group for Elvis Presley.  This record has several of her best known songs including “Walking After Midnight”, “Crazy”, “San Antonio Rose” and the track featured today.

According to The Country Music Hall Of Fame, Cline is the most popular female country singer in recording history.  She is also listed as the first solo female artist inducted into that hallowed group.  One listen to her deep beautiful unique voice and you know why both of those facts exist.

“I fall to pieces
Each time someone speaks your name 
I fall to pieces
Time only adds to the flame“.

Patsy Cline circa 1962.  (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Patsy Cline:  “I Fall To Pieces” ( 1961, written by Hank Cochran and Harlan Howard).

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

Stay well.