I must admit, since I was a kid, I have been a news junkie. I used to sit with my dad every night and watch the evening news, which usually meant Walter Cronkite. And it truly fascinated me to see and learn about all the situations that were happening in our world.

But I must say, there are no more Walter Cronkites and I find myself, more and more, struggling to find a channel that holds my attention in the same way as when I was sitting beside my dad.

I know, I know, you’re wondering what’s all this have to do with music. So, before you turn to the livestock report, let me explain. I realized, as I sat down to begin this column, that the news no longer fascinates me, as much as it saddens me or just simply makes me mad.

And my relief for sadness or madness has always been to listen to some good music. I would like to share with you a few of my favorite songs that I have found are soothing and calming and relaxing.

And, hey – we all could probably use some relaxing.

One of the first songs that comes to mind is not actually a country song, but it sure is beautiful. Roberta Flack’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is simply one of my favorite songs of all time. It was a Grammy winner for Record and Song of the Year in 1972, but was actually written in 1957 by a British composer.

Getting back to the country genre, the first song I think of when I need a little calming down is “When You Say Nothing at All” by the late great Keith Whitley. Although there have been other artists that have made a hit out of this song, for me it is Whitley’s version that really is my favorite, recorded in 1988.

Next, I would have to give the nod to Billy Currington’s “Must be Doing Something Right.” I can listen to this song over and over mostly because I’m a big fan of Currington’s sound. He has a great voice and chooses well when looking for music.

The last selection I’ll share is LeAnn Womack’s “I Hope You Dance,” a song that really says so much about taking advantage of opportunities to experience life’s great moments … even when times aren’t the best.

While the news of the day is often maddening, let’s all take a musical “chill pill” and relax, while we hope and pray for better days ahead.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of music. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.