If You Listen Closely, You Can Hear the Angels Sing

Must've been sophomore year when one of my Loose Gravel band mates turned me onto the bluesy side of The Mac. Raw, early stuff, polar opposite of the polished, dominating sound most second round fans were introduced to. The early work was hypnotic, and now that she's gone, Christine McVie’s angelic voice in Believe Me is coursing through my brain. Certain vocalists have a direct line to heaven. Christine Mcvie is one of them. Chrysta Bell from 8-1/2 Souvenirs. Billie Holiday. Aretha. That we have their music so readily available is a blessing. To have them in the same room is practically a miracle.

CJ Emmons has a five octave range. He's the voice of Dancing with the Stars. The voice of an angel. No, make that a thousand angels. A voice that is strong, clear, and heavenly. A smile that reveals inner peace. A presence that indicates he walks with God. And yet, CJ is down to earth and friendly, taking time to shake hands and converse with the Ham ‘n Eggs of the Los Angeles Breakfast Club. And to present to us his very special project, the Dear Santa documentary airing this month on ABC.

CJ worked with the USPS Operation Santa team to show us the angels who adopt letters to Santa, making Christmas dreams come true. Dreams like Ava’s, who lost her father to COVID. She’s a talented young dancer, but her mom could no longer afford to send her to private ballet lessons. CJ, Operation Santa, and The Los Angeles Breakfast Club made sure Ava would get her lessons.

In the quiet of the morning, you can hear the angels sing. And if you close your eyes, you can see a little girl dancing on a stage. Doesn't take much to make it happen. But it means the world to a little girl writing a letter to Santa.