May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to elevate conversations around emotional well-being, breaking the stigma, and reminding everyone that healing and hope are always possible.
Award-winning jazz trumpeter and vocalist Johnny Britt is using his gift of music to do just that. His heartfelt song “C’est La Vie” from the acclaimed album Midnight in Paris takes listeners on an emotional journey—one rooted in love, empathy, and resilience.
💬 “I wrote this song in honor of my daughter who hopes to become a source of inspiration for millions of families navigating mental health challenges,” says Britt. “C’est La Vie was made to uplift and encourage resilience and hope.”
________________________________________
📊 Why This Matters
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
• 📉 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year.
• 👧🏽 1 in 6 youth aged 6–17 experience a mental health disorder annually.
• 🚫 Over 50% of individuals with a mental illness do not receive treatment due to stigma, lack of access, or awareness.
🎶 Mental health affects every community, every generation, and every industry—including the music world. Artists like Johnny Britt are using their platforms not only to entertain but also to empower and educate.
💡 Music is fuel for the soul. In times of struggle, it becomes a lifeline—an emotional anchor that offers strength, comfort, and connection.
________________________________________
📞 Need Help? You’re Not Alone
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please don’t hesitate to reach out:
• 📲 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 — 24/7, confidential support for people in distress.
• ☎️ NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “HELPLINE” to 62640
• 🌐 MentalHealth.gov: Tools, resources, and guidance for your journey
________________________________________
🤝 Join the Conversation
👏🏽 SmoothJazzTimes applauds Johnny Britt for sparking dialogue through jazz and for reminding us that music can be fuel for the soul. Let’s continue to raise awareness, support one another, and spread the message that:
💚 It’s okay not to be okay—and it’s courageous to seek help.
🎧 You can listen to “C’est La Vie” on all streaming platforms and share your thoughts with us at SmoothJazzTimes.com and on social media.
▶️ Also watch video – C’est La Vie
________________________________________
🔗 Connect with Us
📍Website: SmoothJazzTimes.com
📸 Instagram: @SmoothJazzTimes
📘 Facebook: SmoothJazzTimes
🐦 Twitter/X: SmoothJazzTimes
▶️ YouTube: SmoothJazzTimes
Shining a Light on Mental Health Awareness: Jazz Artist Johnny Britt Uses Music to Inspire Hope
Johnny Britt performing at St. James Live in Atlanta, Georgia, in March 2025. Photo by Kim Betton
Share.
