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.

Six days before Christmas in 2014, I was still struggling with David Letterman’s decision to retire from “The Late Show” the following year when the moment I knew was coming arrived: The last appearance from Darlene Love to sing today’s song. It was a long standing holiday tradition dating back to 1986 (then on “Late Night With David Letterman” on NBC) for Love to come on and tear the roof of the place with her mighty voice every December. It was as much a part of my Christmas traditions as watching The Peanuts dance during the rehearsals for their holiday play. So the end of this era was going to hurt big time.

But Letterman was always a class act on his show and this night was no exception. He pulled out all the stops and had the entire stage set up for Love’s song. There was a huge gorgeous tree & other sparkly decorations, a full band complete with horns, strings & ten back up singers with everyone dressed in their holiday best. Paul Shaffer played a decorated grand piano which Love stood upon to sing the second half of the song as well as the encore. The performance closed out that night’s episode as a reign of faux snow fell down on everyone present. It was one of the show’s truly bittersweet moments for everyone involved including broken-hearted fans like me. And I remember that moment & how great it felt to be a member of Dave’s world every time I hear this song. U2 does a great version, too, but even Bono’s unbelievable voice is no match for the power of Love.

“They’re singing Deck The Halls
But it’s not like Christmas at all
I remember when you were here
And all the fun we had last year“.

Darlene Love (center on top of the piano) from her final appearance on Letterman’s show in 2014. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Darlene Love: “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” (Live performance from “The Late Show With David Letterman” on December 19, 2014. Originally released in 1963, written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich & Phil Spector).

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

Stay well.