January 2022.  That sounds very very nice right now.

If we ever needed a good turning of the calendar, it is now.  I am delighted to see 2022 here with us.

As I type these words, I am listening to Barry Manilow singing a song from his 1977 Barry Manilow Live album. The song he wrote with Marty Panzer is called Another New Year’s Eve.  I don’t know that it appears on a regular Manilow solo album.  The finale of the album, playing now, is the Bruce Johnston penned iconic tune called I Write The Songs.  If you have paid attention to The Beach Boys you will recognize Bruce as a memebr of that band for a number of years post Bian Wilson touring that always has a smile on his face.  I’d smile too had I wrote that tune.

This album made a great impression on me.  Long before I ever saw a music concert in person, I had already imagined what that meant.  I was an odd ten year old kid.  Barry Manilow songs were tunes I analyzed and put myself in.  When I was ready to make my own music, nothing ever really intimidated me.  I appreciated it all.  I did.  I respected the folks around me to the point of deference.  But I was not intimidated.  Had I been, I would have taken my songs and ran in fear.  Yes, I know I never deserved to be in the room with guys who’d played with or led off for some of music’s notable including The Rolling Stones, Jimmy Buffett, The Charlie Daniels Band, Vince Gill, Billy Swann, Velvet Elvis, Bodeco, The Wulfe Brothers, and so on.  But I found myself there.  And guess what?  I Write the Songs too.  That is what got them and me in the room.  I should just be thankful for what it is.  And I thank Jeff Carpenter, my partner in music, for leading me there.

This was yesterday at my parents’ house.  We watched some good old January 1st football.  This may be my favorite day of the year.  This tradition has held long and steadfast.  I am so thankful.

Of all the pictures I look at before this Covid mess hit, I often look at this one.

All is right in the picture.

Speaking the rights!

Danny JHohnson