Dick Van Dyke has provided my audiences—and me—a message of positive thinking ever since I began singing Put On A Happy Face, a song he made famous long ago.
Born December 13, 1925, Dick is a legend, vastly famous on screen and stage for many years. One of his crowning performances was his role in the 1960 Broadway production Bye Bye Birdie which won four Tony Awards including Best Musical.
The show was influenced by Elvis being drafted into the army in 1957, piggybacking on that newsstand tabloid hot-gossip. Timing is everything.
My concerts for seniors largely include upbeat songs, speckled with a few slower more-thoughtful pieces to allow for a spectrum of emotions. After a quieter number, I play a toe-tapping tune to reinject energy and positivity, like Dick Van Dyke’s tune with its great message.
I’m amazed by my venerable audiences. The elderly contend with all sorts of issues. The bravery, stoicism and will-to-live I see continuously are admirable qualities, so I try to bolster folks through my program, saying, “We all need some positive thinking…I know I do!”
In my rendition of Put On A Happy Face, I simplify the clumsy original wording slightly:
“Grey skies are gonna clear up, Put On A Happy Face,
Brush off the clouds and cheer up, Put On A Happy Face,
Take off that mask of tragedy, it’s not your style,
You’ll look so good that you’ll be glad that you smiled.”
As I’m singing those words, I like to nod toward some cheerful person seated before me and point out that I see their beautiful smile. Rain or shine, that song delivers good vibes.
“Pick out a pleasant outlook, stick out that noble chin,
Wipe off that full of doubt look, slap on a happy grin,
Spread sunshine all over the place, and Put On A Happy Face.”
“That’s good advice!” I proclaim mid-song.
Smiling and singing have been scientifically shown to trigger mood-lifting hormones, so when I goof around with my audience, I like to think I’m providing a little therapy.
“And if you’re cross and bickerish, don’t sit and whine,
Banana splits and licorice make you feel fine.”
By now, I’ve scanned my audience and I know just who is most likely to laugh at the following:
“I knew a girl so gloomy, she wouldn’t laugh or sing,
She wouldn’t listen to me, now she’s a mean old thing!”
I adopt a comically crotchety face to elicit laughter…hopefully.
Nearing the conclusion of my program, ending on a high note, the crux of the program is expressed in the song’s final words: “Spread sunshine all over the place, and Put On A Happy Face!”
The benefits of live music are easily demonstrated. From physical to mental to spiritual, is there a recreational activity that benefits seniors more than concerts? You can probably guess my answer as I’m admittedly biased.
I’ve been enjoying entertaining folks coast-to-coast for years, and plans are to visit you next summer!