By Jess Santacroce
Music Writer, Phoenix Radio

Between January’s snow storm and the stretch of startlingly cold temperatures, most of us are more than ready for warmer seasons, though that likely looks a little different for everyone. But no matter what “ready for warmer weather” means to you, there is a song to add to your playlist as you prepare for….and look forward to….your plans for spring and summer of 2026. 

Just tired of the bitter cold weather: Here Comes the Sun (The Beatles 1969)

There are plenty of songs about summer out there. A quick internet search for songs about summertime generates multiple lists of more than sixty songs each about summer love, summer activities, and summer and heat used as metaphor. “Here Comes the Sun” stands out among them all as simply being a catchy, hopeful song about the sun coming back and bringing happiness with it. The lyrics state that it has been a “cold lonely winter,” and note that it feels like it’s been years since the sun has been around, sentiments that most people in upstate New York can easily relate to these days. Add this one to your playlist on those days when it is just plain too cold out there. 

Planning a beach vacation: Surfin USA (The Beach Boys 1963)

Adding a Beach Boys song to a summer playlist may seem a bit too obvious, but there is something about “Surfin’ USA,” that makes you start dancing as though you were at an afternoon cookout or evening bonfire on the beach. It doesn’t matter if you have no interest in surfing, you live nowhere near California, and you’re actually looking out at snowdrifts covering your yard and wondering whether those are sidewalk salt or ice patches on your walkway. The opening chords of this song play, and you’re instantly transported to that next beach vacation, even if you never thought to plan one before. When it’s time to sit down and rework your budget and schedule to fit that trip to the beach in, play this song to get you started.

Looking forward to summer concerts and other arts events: Summertime (Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong  1959)

For some people, summer isn’t so much about beach parties and sunny days as it is about  getting to go out to events more often, especially concerts and music festivals. While this song certainly isn’t about concerts and festivals, listening to this version of the song from Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess,” mentally transports you to that Jazz festival you wish you were attending right now. And while we can no longer hear this particular rendition live, there is a very good chance you might hear an outstanding version of this song at a summer Jazz festival in 2026. According to the website “Music Festival Wizard,” Jazz fans have more than twenty different Jazz festivals to choose from this year, spanning the country from California to Chicago, with nine planned for spring and nine more taking place in the summer.

Anticipating the Semiquincentennial (USA 250): Saturday in the Park (Chicago 1972)

Somebody is going to play this song at a Fourth of July picnic somewhere in America every year, but this year, for the two-hundred and fiftieth birthday of the United States, Independence Day really does fall on a Saturday, making this the perfect planning/kickoff theme song for a very special milestone for the nation. It is a bit early in the year for all of the plans and promotional items to launch, but if it is anything like the bicentennial in 1976, that should be coming soon. Americans who are in their early fifties this year may be a bit too young to literally remember the bicentennial, as most people do not have memories of the year they were one to three years old. But many still feel as though we do, as bicentennial mementos and merchandise was still circulating four and five years later.

Already ready for the Great New York State Fair:  Sharp Dressed Man (ZZ Top 1983)

Summer is not a favorite season for everyone. There are many who dread the heat, and are just looking forward to their afternoon or evening at the Great New York State Fair to say “goodbye” to summer and look forward to the cooler weather of next fall. And even many who love the summer months look forward to capping them off with a day at the fair each year. If the Great New York State Fair is a tradition in your family or friend group, get in the mood to go early by listening to the song used to promote the latest act to be added to the fair schedule for 2026. On January 27, the facebook page of the Great New York State Fair added a “concert clue” consisting of a cartoon of a group of push pins with smiling faces, dressed in business suits. The next morning, a followup post announced that ZZ Top would perform at Suburban Park on September 3 at 8 p.m.

The end of winter may look far away right now, but warmer weather is coming soon. Keep warm. Keep safe. And keep making those warm weather plans and playlists. 

​By Jess Santacroce
Music Writer, 955 The Heat, Phoenix Radio

On July 4, 2025, Donald Trump proudly signed a bill he refers to as his “big beautiful bill” into law. A few small portions of the bill, such as ending the taxing of tips and an increased tax credit for Americans aged 65 and older, may bring some small benefits to those who struggle financially, but the legislation almost exclusively benefits the wealthiest citizens of our country, and puts in place policies that will offset any benefits any lower income people may receive.  We may “all” get tax breaks, but the top 1% will see a reduction of around $60,000, while the bottom 60% will see a tax cut of less than $500. Resources many low-income people, including many working people, depend on will also see drastic cuts, namely Medicaid, student loan forgiveness and management, and SNAP. According to a Congressional Budget Office report released on June 12, lower income Americans can expect to see their resources decrease by about $1,600 per year. The stress those who struggle with limited financial resources already experience is about to get worse, and this is just the direct impact on taxes. Policies will also make prices go up, alter the economy through extreme immigration laws, and instill a spirit of fear as more and more emphasis is placed on surveillance and punishment of political detractors. 

 Some stress is normal, expected, and even healthy. It can motivate us to necessary action. Too much stress, such as that brought on by Trump’s bill, can cause dangerous increases in blood pressure and cortisol production, the end result of which could be a development of or worsening of some of the health issues so many people will no longer be able to afford to treat, namely hypertension, anxiety and depression. 

While simply listening to music is not going to make this bill or the consequences of it go away, music can help cope with the stress many of us are going to experience. There are countless songs that specifically address the types of struggles people are already beginning to experience.  Five of those songs seem especially appropriate right now. 

How Can a Poor Man Stand Such times and Live: Blind Alfred Reed:1929

Some sources of information incorrectly list this as an original Bruce Springsteen song, but “How can a poor man stand such times and live” was written decades before Springsteen was even born. It was written by Blind Alfred Reed in 1929. The confusion is due to the fact that Springsteen did write an updated, alternative version to the song in the early 2000’s in response to then-President George W. Bush’s handling of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Like many at the time, Springsteen felt Bush was out of touch with the real devastation, and was instead over-focused on his own memories of partying there as a college student. 

Despite being nearly a century old, the original lyrics are more timely today, as they speak of grocery prices and education in addition to the references to healthcare that Springsteen left in his rewritten version. 

Fast Car: Tracy Chapman: 1988

The lyrics of “Fast Car” start with the story of a couple who faces hard times, but has found a way to cope, to stay connected to each other and have hope. By the end of the song, it’s revealed that the story ends with one character being abandoned by the other. Once the economic crisis ends, the leftover stress takes its toll and the relationship falls apart. 

Perhaps this one isn’t the most hopeful song, but one of the best ways music helps during times of crisis is by providing a story or message we can relate to. “Fast Car” fills that need, as anyone impacted by this new legislation will likely wish they could just flee the whole situation, while at the same time, holding onto the hope that things will get better in a few years. Sadly, just like in the song, many of us will be dealing with fractured relationships and other parts of our lives due to the impact of this time. 

Let’s Work Together: Canned Heat: 1970

“Let’s Work Together” winds up on a few playlists that come up when you search for songs about work. Most of these are rather long lists, full of songs that seem to have been added simply because they had the word “work” in them, rather than because they were actually about going to work for compensation that is much smaller than what would be expected. This appears to be the case with “Let’s Work Together,” as there is little in the lyrics to suggest that it is actually about working a job. 

It made this list anyway, because it does speak of every “boy, girl, woman, and a man” working together to lift each other up and “make someone happy,” bringing to mind not struggling to pay your bills and keep members of your household healthy and fed, but working together to help other people through these struggles. 

What It’s Like: Everlast: 1998

In verse one, a homeless person is judged for begging. The second verse tells the story of a young woman facing harassment while visiting a clinic to deal with an unwanted pregnancy. In the final verse, a young man who turned to drugs is killed, but the song turns its attention to the loss the family must feel after losing their loved one who made the wrong choice in a desperate situation. 

This one is dedicated to every lawmaker who signed that bill into law. Each verse addresses a situation someone struggling financially and/or socially might face, and the judgment of those who have never had to be in that situation. 

Downbound Train: Bruce Springsteen: 1984

Like “Fast Car,” this song tells the story of a character who lost a relationship due to the stress of economic hardship. Many of Springsteen’s songs address the struggles of working class and very poor people, making several eligible for this list. “Darlington County,” tells the story of two young men who ultimately wind up partying, picking up girls, and getting in trouble, but start out on a road trip looking for work. “The River” is about a young couple marrying because of an unplanned pregnancy and the poverty they face afterward. 

“Downbound Train” stands out among them as the music and vocals add a new level of despair to an already hopeless story. 

During this time, music can give us something to remind us that we are not alone. It can provide catharsis, hope, and sometimes just distraction. While these are all great songs that deal directly with the issues so many are facing and will continue to face over the coming years, any music that someone finds cathartic, uplifting, or encouraging can provide the same mental health benefits. 

Anyone facing a mental health emergency should not attempt to treat it themselves with music or any other at-home remedy, but should seek professional mental health services right away. 

by Jess Santacroce
Music Writer, 955 The Heat, Phoenix Radio

 At midnight on May 19/May 20, 2015, the Heat Beat mascot, a four and a half pound Chorkie, Miss Callie Santacroce, was born. Today Callie spends her days providing love, comfort, and an iron paw that keeps the day organized as each edition of “The Heat Beat” is written.
To celebrate her tenth birthday this week and wish her many more, this edition of “The Heat Beat” is dedicated to Callie, with a top five list of songs about dogs.

The songs on this list span genres and are in no particular order.

Martha My Dear: The Beatles

On the surface, this does not seem to be a song about a dog. The lyrics mention encouragement for Martha to hold out her “hand,” not a paw. They go on to remind Martha to “be good to me.” These details led listeners to speculate that the song was about Paul McCartney’s girlfriend at the time the song was written and released, a woman whose name was not Martha, but Jane.
In later interviews, however, Sir Paul McCartney has confirmed that the “silly girl” he sings of so lovingly was not a girlfriend, but Martha, his Old English Sheepdog.

Everything by the Beatles stands out, but “Martha My Dear” is a particularly enduring and endearing dog song, as it perfectly creates an image of a playful, loving and very loved dog in the listener’s mind.

Man of the Hour: Norah Jones

Like “Martha My Dear,” the lyrics of “Man of the Hour,” start out in a way that might make some listeners think the narrator is singing about romantic relationships. She describes two problematic potential boyfriends, noting she cannot decide between guys with these two issues. The song goes on to detail the narrator’s decision to instead choose neither of them, refuse to put up with any potential relationship issues, and instead choose her dog.

This of course means the narrator/singer will have to give up romantic love, but she’s fine with that. The trade-off is worth it. In the end, she asks her dog to be her “only man of the hour,” and he responds with a “yes” in the form of a bark as the song closes.

Searches for “Jazz songs about dogs,” will bring up a fair amount of results, including some full playlists, but most of the songs featured only use dogs, traits associated with dogs, and the word “dog” to describe or allude to human traits or behavior. “Man of the Hour” stands out as one of the few that is not only about an actual dog, but was written for a real dog, Jones’ poodle named “Ralph.”

My Dog and Me: John Hiatt

The lyrics of “My dog and me,” leave no room to question if the song is about a dog or a person. It is the straightforward story of spending a day in the outdoors with a dog, beginning with a description of the dog marking their trail and asking “How many times can one dog pee?”

​Despite the opening, the main character in the song has no real complaints about their dog. The rest of the lyrics go on to detail the feeling of freedom the narrator has when spending a day outdoors with their dog. Of course every dog owner does not enjoy outdoor activities, and all dogs will not run along a trail as the dog described in this song does, but the song is relatable to anyone who loves to spend time with their dog, as we can all relate to a relaxing afternoon just hanging out with our canine best friend.

I Love My Dog: Sublime

“Sublime” in its original lineup was on the music scene from 1988-1996, ending with the death of lead guitarist and singer Bradley Nowell from a heroin overdose at the age of 26. Perhaps best known for their 1996 songs “Santeria” and “What I Got” the band blended elements of ska, punk, reggae, and other genres to create their unique sound.

Although his life was tragically cut short, Nowell’s fans can look back on one memorable bright spot, his Dalmation, King Louie, nicknamed “LouDog.” King Louie is mentioned in “What I Got,” and can be seen in several of the band’s videos, as he served as their mascot.

King Louie/LouDog was reportedly adopted by the band’s manager following Nowell’s death, and himself passed away at age 12 in 2001. (Typical of larger breeds, Dalmations have a shorter lifespan than the typical expectation of 15-18, with most living to be only 11-13 years old. LouDog had a long life for his breed).

The song “I Love My Dog” was written about a week that LouDog went missing in the early 1990s. They announce simply that the narrator, who we know to be Nowell writing about himself and his real life, loves his dog and has to keep going on.

Cold Wet Nose (Teala’s Song): Kevin Keating

Utica musician Kevin Keating has written and posted three songs about his dogs on his YouTube channel as of the writing of this article. Each song is about one of his Border Collies who has since passed away. There is “Forever Home (Dolly’s Song), “One More Walk” about the passing of Teala, and “Cold Wet Nose” about the love and support Teala provided to him.

In “Cold Wet Nose,” Keating describes a dog who was by his side and keeping him smiling and happy with the” love behind her cold wet nose,” even through his toughest times.

Whether remembering a beloved pet who now waits in Heaven, honoring the best friend beside you, or looking forward to getting a new dog, pet parents can certainly relate to “Cold Wet Nose,” and its portrayal of a dog as a constant companion through it all.


While most songs are written about human relationships, dogs can have an immense impact on music, whether that be through comforting us through the ups and downs of our relationships with other people, keeping us company throughout our day, or serving as a mascot and inspiration for a song.