Dear Clarence,
Sometimes the happiness and joy is joined by sorrow. Today is one of those days. Your music has brought so much joy to so many and today we feel utterly sad to hear you have passed on. It is always hard to let go, one always wishes for a little more time, for a few more songs.
I Thank You for all you have given to me and to the world. Since this is what makes our human race so great: our capacity to touch each other through words, pictures and sounds and our capability to record those same impressions for future generations to enjoy. So I take solace in the fact that even though you are on your way beyond the stars, we will always have your music.
Tonight I close my eyes and travel back in time. It is beginning of July, a magic night at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki. I hear the first ho-ho-ho and an electricity runs through me. I am jumping up and down in shear amazement. It is July and the band is playing Santa Clause is coming to town! A stadium full of people sing along and there is a true party going on.
For me, like there is just one Darth Vader voice just as sure there is only one true voice to make the American Santa ho-ho-ho ring true. So God’s speed my friend, may the Universe hear your saxophone jamming till the end of times.
“What do I wish for Xmas? For the arts of this world to touch each and every one of us.”
