singer songwriter, Tracy Richardson Music

Inhale…..exhale…. ahhhhh….

No I’m not doing meditation. I’m enjoying the aroma of my morning coffee. How do I love thee…let me count the ways…

I DO love my coffee. It’s not just the caffeine boost (athough that is much needed on some days). It’s the taste, the smell, the feel of a warm stoneware cup in my hand, the signal that my day is beginning. Ahhh, coffee is life!

Yes… I’m a coffee snob. I want bold, dark roast, fresh coffee. Black. Maybe a splash of cinnamon. On a special day I might add Bailey’s, a touch of sugar, and some whipped cream. I might even chase it with a cube of dark chocolate occasionally. But 90% of the time, I like it straight.

I think way back when I started drinking coffee I was concerned that if I started putting sugar and cream and other stuff in it that it would add too many calories and I’d get used to having it that way. Then Starbucks came along and I was very happy I was a black coffee drinker…it’s expensive enough as it is (which is why it’s my “once a week treat” to myself). Glad I don’t get frappes and such.

And when I decide to indulge in a sweet treat, like tiramisu or coconut cream pie (drool), there is NOTHING like black coffee alongside it… Fresh black coffee (dear waitress…don’t bring me that stuff you made 4 hours ago. Seriously. I’m worth a fresh brew).

Recently I heard Travis Meadows, a fantastic singer-songwriter, perform his song called “Black.” It’s about his grandpa who told him that real men drink their coffee black. I don’t necessarily agree with that sentiment but I do agree black coffee is awesome.

And the song is really not about the coffee, anyway. Take a listen…Black

Coffee is life…it’s one thing that brings us together. And we could certainly use a little more of that. Sugar and cream optional.

You’ve Got a Friend….A Natural Woman…Will You Love Me Tomorrow…The Loco-Motion…

These songs are a big part of the soundtrack of my childhood. And they were written (or co-written) by Carole King.

I was a little girl when the “Tapestry” album came out…what a HUGE record it was and still IS. Not only was the music fantastic, but it was a WOMAN songwriter, singing her own songs. And…playing the piano.

I found a resonance with her music. Her style of playing, the warmth of her voice, the melodies and real-life lyrics (which meant more to me later…after I hit adolescence!) Her voice is raw and real; so expressive and emotive. Her chord choices are like a warm blanket on a chilly winter day. I don’t know how else to describe them…they just feel so perfect and comforting.

I started to say that I like her style of playing because it’s similar to mine. But who am I kidding?? I like her style of playing because I’ve been trying to emulate it all these years. It suits me and feels authentic to who I am probably because I’ve listened to her so much!

Some of the songs she wrote were very bold for their time. Like “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”. It was banned from radio for a time because of the suggestion of a sexual encounter in the lyrics. Wow…how times have changed.

And, she was 17 when she wrote that song (OK Gerry Goffin wrote the lyrics, but come on! a 17 year old wrote that music!!). Lemme just say…Carole King is Queen!

Would someone just give her a crown, please?? She IS the queen of women songwriters/performers to me. I have lots of others I admire, but she is at the top of the list.

I want to be like her… I want to write great songs that move people. I want little girls (and women) to hear themselves in my lyrics and be inspired by seeing me perform now that I’m not a spring chicken. I want my music to still be moving people long after I’m gone.

So this week I’m going to spend a little time studying her songs again. And maybe I’ll write one that is a tribute to her. Long live the Queen!

Check out this Rolling Stone article: “10 songs you didn’t know Carole King wrote”