I was perusing Facebook this afternoon and a friend had downloaded a video by Canadian singer songwriter Justin Hines. Having never heard this young man’s lyric-driven Country sound, I was taken on a musical and visual ride as images of people who have overcome challenges were featured. I noticed a few shots of the performer himself, singing from his wheelchair. Hines was born with a genetic condition called Larsen Syndrome. From what I have read about him, it’s just another life thing happening, not a tragedy as some would see it. Perhaps it gives him a different perspective than it might otherwise, but it seems not be a central focus. He exudes courage for other reasons, as his premier performance was in front of 17,000 people at a Toronto Raptors game. How did he get that gig? When he was 14, he won a radio contest and the prize was singing the Canadian National Anthem.
Although Justin is from a much more recent generation, he was inspired by the same balladeers that I grew up listening to, including James Taylor, Willie Nelson, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce and Harry Chapin.
This prolific poet has two CD’s to his credit: Sides and Chasing Silver
Watch the video and allow inspiration to flow. Do you have the courage to come out and play?
youtu.be/PwoUM8ETFfk Courage: Come Out To Play
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