Watching the video from First Book’s recent event with Chuck Leavell (Rolling Stones keyboardist and serious tree farmer) in Mississippi, the effect of Chuck’s music on the kids was a blast. The area is devastated, the school compromised, the children’s lives have been dealt a real blow.

First Book and the US paper industry headed down there to bring something new and wonderful to these children and their families: brand new books with great, hopeful stories. It was a celebration of Arbor Day and Chuck joined the effort with his conservationist hat on as well as his rocker hat.

On any given day, I will peacefully drive along listening to Mozart or I wistfully gaze out the window listening to Bach. But then there are the times when energy is high, spirits are full, the sky’s the limit. Those are the days of hope and overcoming obstacles. Sometimes nothing else will do - and rock and roll is on the radio.