AC-CENT-TCHU-ATE THE POSITIVE

Another problematic remnant of our conflicted cultural history: one of America’s all-time greatest popular lyricists, from Savannah GA, scion of the Confederacy, raised on minstrelsy, who has bequeathed unto us some of the most sublime songs of the 20th century. What do we do with such an ambivalent inheritance? 

At least Johnny Mercer credited the inspiration for his message to Father Divine, the charismatic black preacher, after the songsmith heard one of his sermons. And, it’s worth adding that, in 2015, The Library of Congress inducted this song into the National Recording Registry for its cultural significance. I include it here because, as a motto for Sunny Songs, you can’t beat “Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive”.

I’m tryin’ to do that, Johnny. These are words I aspire to live by. Happiness is a choice, I believe. Maybe I can’t do anything about the bad shit that’s happened, but how I roll with it is up to me. So, if you’re feeling put upon, buffeted by the cold winds of fate, my prescription is to listen to the words of Father Divine, by way of Johnny Mercer, one of the most buoyant voices imaginable.