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My grandfather on my mom’s side was one of my heroes. He grew up poor on a farm, suffered pneumonia as a child, and had half a lung removed (this was before penicillin). He was so inspired by the experience that he pursued a career in medicine. As a child, he would send away for books, fifteen or so at a time, read them all, and then send them back before they were due. He worked his way through med school to become a pediatrician and family practitioner. For years, he’d charge just $1.00 for his check-ups. Sometimes, those who couldn’t afford it would pay him with a chicken or some produce from their farms. He made house calls until he finally retired.

For his 90th birthday, we took out an ad in the Baltimore Sun asking former patients to write with well wishes and to share their memories. We received hundreds of cards. I’ve read through them all, and time after time I read “He was so caring” and “He was so gentle.” He welled up with tears when we gave him the cards. “I thought they’d all forgotten,” he said. Love like that is never forgotten.

Last year, I wrote a song in honor of my grandfather, about his hands and the legacy they left behind. It’s been heavy on my mind as I contemplate the meaning and purpose of my own life. What would people write in cards to me for my 90th birthday? What do I want my life to be about? I know that, at my core, I am a musician, but that is just the language with which I engage this world. It’s the medium and not the message. There are things that I see in this world, things I want to say, changes I want to nAlbumCover-1urture, a difference I hope to make.

Today, I am releasing my first single ever, a recording of the song for my grandfather, “These Hands.” Its a song to honor his spirit and his caring. And in that spirit, I will donate half of any profits from the song in this next year to Health Care for the Homeless, an organization working in Maryland, and particularly in Baltimore, to provide medical services to the homeless. Of course, I would love your support. Buy a copy of the song, gift it to a friend, share it on Facebook and all that.

But Health Care for the Homeless can also use your support more directly. Consider making a financial donation or check out some other ways to help on their website. If my grandfather’s legacy moves you, if that kind of lasting compassion inspires you…help it grow today.

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Recently, a study was published in the Frontiers of Human Neuroscience that used functional MRI to determine how music impacted the emotional centers of the brain for the purpose of music therapy. You can read a summary of the research here or, for the more scientifically minded, here is a link to the actual research. In the study, they used Happy, Sad, and Fearful music, and talk about strategies that people use music to help them with their emotions. I know that I do this all the time.

I’ve got a happy playlist to pick me up on a bad day. So I figured I’d share ten of my favorite happy songs that aren’t Pharrell’s “Happy.” My list skews towards my musical interests, so feel free to add your happiness hits in the comments!

  1. “Ode to Joy” 4th movement of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.I had the great joy of singing this in high school with the National Symphony Orchestra and a cacophony of singers. To be in the midst of hundreds of musicians in a state of such sonic exuberance is unequalled. 
  2. Rodeo, 4th movement, Aaron Copeland“Beef. It’s what’s for dinner.” But before that, it was the fourth movement of a Martha Graham choreographed ballet. The orchestra dances around it’s western themes, and Copeland is always a master orchestrator. Put it on, clear your living room floor, and gallop your imaginary horse all about. Guaranteed to make you smile.
  3. “Calico Train (remix)” by Steve MartinA little more mellow and restrained than our classical offerings, Steve Martin turns in a great performance with an amazing band. There’s something that feels so warm and nostalgic about this song, like being wrapped in a blanket, sitting by the fire with good friends, and maybe a beer and a banjo.
  4. Bobby McFerrin and YoYo Ma “Hush Little Baby”This album was one of those weird crossover collaborations, but it produced brilliant results. The joy of both musicians is palpable on this tune, and the interplay between them as McFerrin mimics the cello, and the cello gives it right back is fantastic. Bonus points for bringing back memories of the childhood rocking chair.
  5. Buddy Rich “Bugle Call Rag”I swear I don’t have an Americana fetish. This just happens to be one of the most jamming big band tunes. The band is ripping it out at over 250 beats per minute, the horn section is incredibly tight with a great blend, and a drum solo that can’t be beat.
  6. “Joy” by Georgia Mass ChoirWhether you are a believer or not, this song has an energy about it. In contrast to the “Bugle Call Rag,” it’s the slowest song on the list, but every word is an exclamation. I love the styling, too…the unified slides and bends that lift each note as it lifts your spirits.
  7. “Happy” by c2cThis song keeps the gospel revival going, but with secular lyrics. I’m guessing that this is the least known song on this list, and it’s unfortunate because the layering and texture of the samples is fantastic and infectious. This is one “Happy” you’ll get stuck in your head, and still be smiling.
  8. Robert Randolph and the Family Band “Ain’t Nothing Wrong With That”Here’s a song with a message: Everyone is welcome at this party. Part of it’s success comes from the deep rhythmic pocket of the band, and the slick production with a heavy pounding bass line that rips through you, daring you to try to sit still.
  9. Koko Taylor “Wang Dang Doodle”This is another party song, and once again, everyone is welcome. Except this time, she’s calling out some of the darker corners of the earth…drug addicts and criminals of all sorts. When they talk about dirty blues, this is what they mean. But even better, the band sets up a great riff, and just keeps the groove going until you are lost in it. Add Koko Taylor’s powerful voice on top, and you’ll be wanting to hang out with all her seedy characters, too.
  10. “Tonight Tonight” by Hot Chelle Rae
    I must confess this as a bit of a guilty pleasure. Sometimes, you want a great work of art. Sometimes, you just want something to get the job done. There’s nothing particularly innovative or amazing about this. It just hits all the right notes.