Paul Sanchez had been a reveling singer and songwriter for decades--it was his entire life. But when tragedy struck the one thing he loved more than his music, he realized that his performing days were numbered.

Most of the music in this piece was by Paul Sanchez, including songs from the musical he is currently working on, Nine Lives. It's a musical about the history of New Orleans between hurricanes Isaac and Katrina--you can hear it on Spotify already, so definitely listen. And thanks so much to Snap Judgment, who originally aired this story.