COVID-19 MixTape

Finding ways to stay energized and inspired during this time is important – not just for productivity reasons but to keep our sanity as well. Music is one of the most reliable ways to change our moods. Who hasn’t cranked up the volume when your randomized playlist lands on a favorite song?

Music has the power to lift us up. It has the ability to transport us to a different time and place. Songs remind us of better times.

Every year I put together a mixtape ahead of the annual HIMSS conference. This year was no exception. You can see the latest #HIMSSMixTape here.

Given the current COVID-19 situation where we are all having to stay at home as much as possible, I thought it would be fun to put together a MixTape for all of us. I asked several friends to contribute a song that inspires and uplifts them.

If YOU have a song to add:

  1. Share it on Twitter with the hashtag #COVID19MixTape; or
  2. Post your song in the comments below

I plan to curate a Volume 2 of #COVIDMixTape from the responses.

And now for your listening pleasure…


Spaceship (ft Uffie) MOTi Remix by Galantis
Chosen by David Chou, CIO at Luye Medical Group
I was going to give a hip-hop song but EDM works too. This brings back memories of a good time with people at concerts and lounges.

I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
Chosen by Nathan Grunewald MD, Chief Innovation and Leadership Officer, Sauk Prairie Healthcare
Who doesn’t love this song? This is what I think of COVID19, “Go on now, go, walk out the door. Just turn around now. ‘Cause you’re not welcome anymore.” Sing it Gloria!

In the Wee Wee Hours by Professor Longhair
Chosen by Scott Stuewe, President and CEO at DirectTrust
I lived in New Orleans as a young and crazy chef in 1979 when “Fess” was having a comeback and was playing with the most amazing dance band I think there ever was.  My regular dancing partner, Diane, took me to Tipitina’s a lot.  I am immediately mobile and transported to the last time I heard Professor Longhair drive that two-step. I cry every time I hear it.

Vivir Mi Vida by Marc Anthony
Chosen by Ashley Dauwer, Marketing Manager at Carium
This song brings me back to a carefree time of dance, party, and laughter. It’s also a good fit because it reminds us all to look forward optimistically in times of struggle.

The Other Side by SZA and Justin Timberlake
Chosen by Elena Ivanova, Corporate Social Media Manager at InterSystems
I’m a diehard N’Sync and Backstreet Boys fan (you can love both), so when it comes to finding an uplifting song, there are a TON that come to mind. Here is my latest fave featuring JT. Everything from the relevant lyrics, to the upbeat rhythm, makes me cheer up and want to dance.

3×5 by Jon Mayer
Chosen by Shereese Maynard, Founder at AskShereese.tech
It reminds me that some of my most enlightened moments during this time aren’t actually captured on social media. Remote work is fine but I’ve been with most of my clients so long, we’re friends as well, and those connections can’t be replaced properly with a WiFi connection.

Up on the Roof by James Taylor
Chosen by Brian Mack, Manager of Marketing & Communications at Great Lakes Health Connect
Never fails to lift my spirits! I’m a huge JT fan and I associate so many great memories to his music. It’s the soundtrack to my life!

(Don’t Fear) the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult
Chosen by Joe Babaian, Co-host, Publisher and Moderator at HCLDR
(Don’t Fear) The Reaper takes me back to high school – it fought off the fears of the last years of the  cold war as we faced our future. It felt like my friends and I were invincible! Oh, how I miss those times, they passed too quickly.

Can’t Fight This Feeling by REO Speedwagon
Chosen by Matt Fisher, Healthcare Compliance & Corporate Partner at Mirick O’Connell
This was the song for my wife and I when we started going out, so hearing it always makes me think about her and all of our time together.

Dear Mr. Fantasy by Traffic
Chosen by Linda Stotsky, Content Marketing Strategist at Boston Software Systems
This is a go-to song for me, at any time. This song always evokes an “almost instantaneous” sense of calm, peace, and love.

Homeward Bound by the BYU Vocal Point ft The All American Boys Chorus
Chosen by Jared Jeffery, Director of Strategic Relations at KLAS
This is a departure from my normal music choices, but the song, “Homeward Bound” is one of my favorite pick me up songs. It takes me back to the mountain creek I spent my childhood playing in.

Best Friend by Jason Mraz
Chosen by Larry Gioia, Director Product Strategy, Transformation & Innovation at PwC
Simply put, this song represents everything that is my relationship with Maria –  my wife (and my best friend!). Whenever I need regrounded, I play this song and I am immediately  reminded of what’s most important in life. Love and lifelong relationships.

Only a Dream in Rio by James Taylor
Chosen by Jane Sarasohn-Kahn, Health Economist and Trend Weaver
It tells a lovely story, has faith in it, and transports us to a beautiful place in time.

Starman by David Bowie
Chosen by Andrew Richards, College Technology Incubator Officer, Washington State University
It reminds me of everything that is still ahead of us even though we (everyone on Earth) is stuck in a rough spot with the COVID-19 crisis. We will persevere…just like we always have, and we will come out stronger, and more aware on the other side.

Drive My Car by Bobby McFerrin
Chosen by Joy Rios, Co-Founder at Chirpy Bird Health IT Consulting
It takes me back to summers I used to spend in Puerto Rico, where my dad lived when I was a kid/teenager. When I was 16 he would take me to empty parking lots and have me practice reverse figure eights.

Fight The Good Fight by Triumph
Chosen by Richard Fletcher, Global Marketing Manager – Healthcare & Life Sciences at Dell Technologies
This song definitely drives good positive vibes and always makes me want to do better. I remember a time getting into the car after a long day of meetings, and knowing I had several more hours of work ahead of me. As soon as I turned the car on, this song starts up and I instantly am energized and ready to take on anything.

Dreams by Van Halen
Chosen by Jason A. Wolf, President & CEO at The Beryl Institute
Helps me remember dreams take us to new heights, we are only stronger together. No more relevant than now. “Cause we belong, In a world that must be strong. Oh, that’s what dreams are made of…”

Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen
Chosen by Liz Salmi, Senior Strategist at OpenNotes
Before my first brain surgery I was terrified. Our brain is our being, our personality. It is the key to our personhood. I was afraid I wouldn’t be the same person when I woke up. I made a pre-brain surgery playlist that I listened to when I was alone in pre-op. There were just 5 songs on the playlist, and this was one of those songs. “Don’t Stop Me Now” is an upbeat, wild ride with fantastic vocals (we’d expect nothing less from Freddie Mercury!). I listened to that song and cried because I was terrified but felt like I could gain courage if I just kept up with the song. When I learned I needed a second brain surgery, I listened to the same playlist, only this time I wasn’t as afraid because the surgery was no longer a new scary experience. This time, the song was an anthem that I don’t want my life to stop now. I felt braver and lucky, and no one could get in my way. Don’t stop me now. Years past. I finish treatment. And then suddenly in a matter of years my life changes. I begin working in healthcare and am exposed to some of the coolest ideas and people. Don’t stop me now, I’m on a roll and I can do anything if I maintain integrity and do things for the right reasons. Right now, all of humanity is facing a real and existential threat. We can’t see this virus that is coming, and we must work together to save our collective health. Don’t stop us now. The thing I learned is, after that brain surgery I was a different person just by going through the experience and coming out the other side. The same will be true for humanity.

What song is your go-to for energy and good vibes? Write your choice in the comments below or Tweet your choice using the #COVID19MixTape

About the author

Colin Hung

Colin Hung is the co-founder of the #hcldr (healthcare leadership) tweetchat one of the most popular and active healthcare social media communities on Twitter. Colin speaks, tweets and blogs regularly about healthcare, technology, marketing and leadership. He is currently an independent marketing consultant working with leading healthIT companies. Colin is a member of #TheWalkingGallery. His Twitter handle is: @Colin_Hung.

1 Comment

  • Raise a Hallelujah by Bethel Music
    This song re-assures me, that even in the midst of a storm, I have a rock for my foundation!

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