About a month ago, a coworker of mine (an excellent reference librarian who shall remain nameless) told me a very inspiring story which I will now share with you...

This coworker's sister lives thousands of miles away and had been going through quite a difficult time. My coworker, who remains a bottomless source of empathy and kindness for everyone she encounters, had been checking in with her sister several times a day, sending virtual hugs and words of encouragement. Then one day something miraculous happened - the pop song Funkytown came to the rescue. My coworker received a video starring none other than her sister and their mom, ecstatically DANCING to FUNKYTOWN!  

If you're not familiar with the brilliance that is Funkytown, check it out below. It's by a disco funk band out of Minneapolis called Lipps, Inc—a best of album is available through Hoopla.

I keep reflecting on the happy, funky joy that song inspired in my coworker's loved ones - how in one special instance a pop song from 1980 created a wave of feel good feels not only for my coworker and her family, but for all of the people she shared the story with. Now I love Funkytown A LOT, but whenever I'm feeling anxious and stressed, I turn on a tune by the Godfather of Soul, the hardest working showman in business, the pride of Augusta, GA, the late great James Brown!...

"Get up offa that thing, and dance 'till you feel better!"

[[nid:6426]]

There are a few James Brown albums available from Hoopla, including the soundtrack to Get On Up: the James Brown Story. 

So dear reader, I encourage you to find your own version of funkytown, whether it's reading a good book, taking a stroll outdoors, or dancing until your worries are no longer renting too much space in your head. Then do something kind for yourself, for your loved ones, for your neighbors, for Nashville.

And check out this serendipitous find, just because it brings together "Funkytown" and James Brown. I dare you to be able to sit still through it.

[[nid:6428]]

Take care, everyone, and share your version of  funkytown in the comments.

-crystal