IZZY YOUNG

Izzy Young (left) and my dad Mac Francis (right) walking arm-in-arm down the streets of Gamla Stan in Stockholm, Sweden.

I need to tell you about someone really special to me who knew me my whole life: Izzy Young.

Izzy was a true visionary. As the founder of the Folklore Center in New York City, he played a vital role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of the 1960s.

For those who may not be familiar, the Folklore Center was a hub for all things folk music. It was a place where artists could come to perform, sometimes record, and share their music with each other and the world. But it was so much more than just a music venue.

One of the most notable examples of this was Young's support for the Civil Rights Movement. He organized concerts and events at the Folklore Center that featured African American musicians and activists, and he worked to promote their music and message to a wider audience. He was also an early supporter of the feminist movement, and he organized events that featured women musicians and activists who were working to promote gender equality. AND he was big into anti-proliferation, inspiring Bob Dylan to write a song called “Go Away Bomb” which he gave to Izzy- one of Izzy’s most prized possessions during his long life.

In addition to these political causes, Young was also an advocate for the preservation of traditional folk music and culture. He worked to document and promote the music of indigenous peoples, immigrants, and other marginalized communities, and he helped to establish the Folklore Center as an important resource for scholars and researchers who were studying these cultures.

But it wasn't just the events that made the Folklore Center so politically important - it was the atmosphere that Izzy created. He fostered a sense of community and inclusivity that made the center a safe space for people from all backgrounds. It was a place where people could come together and share their stories, their music, and their struggles.

Izzy's legacy lives on through the countless musicians and activists whose careers were launched at the Folklore Center. His tireless efforts to create a more just and equitable world were truly inspiring; he is still remembered as a cultural icon today.

The spirit of Izzy Young lives on in every earnestly written song. His life served as a beautiful reminder of the power of music to bring people together and effect change.

In a way, I dedicate my career to him.

Read his obituary in the Guardian here

How and Why to Write HAPPY SONGS

As a songwriter, it's easy to fall into the trap of writing sad or melancholic songs. After all, it's often said that the best art comes from pain, and there's certainly a lot of truth to that. But as someone who focuses on self-help and positivity, joy and growth, I believe that there's just as much value in writing happy songs. Not more not less, EQUAL. 

First of all, it's important to understand why we're wired to focus on negative emotions. Our brains are designed to scan the environment for potential threats, and negative emotions like fear and anger are powerful signals that something is wrong. This is known as our negativity bias, and it means that we're more likely to remember negative experiences and emotions than positive ones.

But this bias can be problematic, especially if we're trying to cultivate a positive mindset. If we're constantly focusing on negative emotions, it can be difficult to see the good in the world and in ourselves. That's why writing happy songs is so important – it helps to counterbalance our natural negativity bias and shift our focus to the positive.

So HOW exactly can you write happy songs? I GOTCHU!!

Here are 5 tips:

1. Focus on gratitude. Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can help to counteract negativity. Try writing a song that expresses gratitude for the good things in your life – whether it's a supportive partner, a beautiful day, or just the ability to breathe and move.

2. Embrace simplicity. Sometimes the simplest things in life can bring us the most joy. Instead of trying to write a complex song with lots of metaphor and imagery, try focusing on the simple pleasures in life – like the warmth of the sun on your face or the sound of birds singing in the morning.

3. Use uplifting chords and melodies. The chords and melodies you use can have a big impact on the emotional tone of your song. Experiment with major chords and bright, upbeat melodies to create a happy and uplifting sound.

4. Write about love. Love is one of the most powerful and positive emotions there is, and it's a great source of inspiration for happy songs. Whether you're writing about romantic love, friendship, or self-love, focusing on love can help to create a positive and uplifting message.

5. Celebrate the little things. Life is full of small moments of joy and beauty that we often overlook. Try writing a song that celebrates these little things – like the way the light filters through the trees in the afternoon, or the taste of your favorite food.

Writing happy songs isn't always easy – especially if you're used to writing from a place of pain or sadness. But it's worth the effort. Not only does it help to counteract our natural negativity bias, but it can also be a powerful tool for cultivating a positive mindset and spreading positivity to others. So the next time you sit down to write, try focusing on the good – and see where it takes you.

HERE ARE SOME PROMPTS FOR YOU TO RUN WITH!!!

1. Write a song about the simple pleasures in life, like the feeling of sunshine on your face or the sound of birds chirping in the morning.

2. Write a song about the people in your life who bring you joy and make you feel loved.

3. Write a song about a happy memory from your childhood, like playing with friends or going on a family vacation.

4. Write a song about the beauty of nature, like a gorgeous sunset or a field of wildflowers.

5. Write a song about the feeling of falling in love, with all its butterflies and excitement.

6. Write a song about the joys of friendship, like staying up all night talking or going on adventures together.

7. Write a song about the little things that make life great, like a cozy blanket or your favorite meal.

8. Write a song about the feeling of pure joy and elation, like dancing in the rain or singing at the top of your lungs.

9. Write a song about the beauty of human connection and how it can bring us all together.

10. Write a song about the feeling of contentment and peace, like taking a deep breath of fresh air or sitting by a fire.

BONUS PROMPT: Write a song about the power of choosing to be positive! METAAA 😀

You MUST tell me what you think and more importantly what you come up with!!