The Pianist Who Cried While Recording “Have I Told You Lately” — And Van Said, “That’S The Take”

April 1, 2025

It was a rainy afternoon in a small recording studio tucked away in a quiet corner of Los Angeles. The air hung heavy with anticipation, as if the clouds outside knew something magical was about to happen. Inside, a young pianist named Jamie sat before the grand piano, his fingers poised above the keys. It was the day he was to record “Have I Told You Lately,” a beautiful song written by the legendary Van Morrison. This song had always held a special place in Jamie’s heart, and today, he was determined to give it everything he had.

As the tape began to roll, Jamie felt a rush of emotions flood through him. Memories of his late grandmother, who had encouraged his passion for music, flashed before his eyes. She used to hum that very song while she cooked in the kitchen, her voice soft and sweet. With each note he played, Jamie could almost hear her laughter and feel her warm embrace. It was this deep connection that drove him to pour his soul into the performance, wanting to honor her memory and share the love they had for music.

But as he reached the bridge of the song, something unexpected happened. Tears welled up in Jamie’s eyes, mingling with the notes as they floated through the air. He struggled to maintain his composure, the weight of his emotions overwhelming him. In that moment, he realized that music was more than just a career; it was a lifeline, a way to express the deepest parts of himself. He could hear the gentle urging from the producer, urging him to keep going, but the wave of sadness and beauty enveloped him completely.

Finally, he finished the piece, his heart pounding in his chest. Silence fell in the studio, broken only by the sound of Jamie’s quiet sobs. It was Van, standing in the corner with a knowing smile, who broke the stillness. “That’s the take,” he said simply, his voice warm with understanding. Jamie looked up, surprised. He had poured his heart out, and in doing so, he had created something truly beautiful. Van’s words filled him with a sense of pride and validation, knowing he had taken the listener on an emotional journey.

From that day on, everything changed for Jamie. The recording gained acclaim not only for its musicality but for the raw emotion behind it. People connected with his performance in ways he had never imagined, and it became a defining moment in his life. It opened doors for him in the music industry and earned him invitations to share his story at concerts and events. Jamie’s resilience shone through; he learned that vulnerability could be a strength, and through his music, he could inspire others who were navigating their own challenges.

Years later, as he stood on stage playing that very song, Jamie smiled at the memories—the tears, the love, and the encouragement from his grandmother. He knew that music had the power to heal, to connect, and to uplift. With each performance, he reminded himself that it was okay to feel deeply, to cry, and to let the world hear his heart. In that studio, on that rainy day, he had learned a lesson that would guide his life: sometimes, the most beautiful art comes from our most authentic selves.