|
Post by sliderocker on Jul 12, 2013 21:39:51 GMT -5
am not sure why you think that a "rightie" belief. I believe that most people have a variety of beliefs that would be in various quote political labels. I know of no rightie or leftie belief guide book/list again not one I know of that is well known. there may be people that agree with you on that issue but are quote mostly leftie (using your spelling and terminology). it is your opinion erik and you are entitled 2 it. as long as you don't discriminate or deny people basic human rights that only speak Spanish or another language in this country would I say that one could make judgment on as it impacts others. prejudice is thoughts/beliefs/opinions. discrimination is behavior based on such prejudice and that can be judged and legislation as is seen in civil rights legislation. glad you got back to linda and I will also. to my knowledge, it seems linda has tried more in recent years to use and speak language so she may speak more fluently now. I think she has said she understands it well; just doesn't speak it as much in the past. eddiejinnj I would say it's a "rightie" belief as they are mostly the ones who have harped about the issue, although truth be told, I'm a leftie who agrees that since English is the predominant language of the United States, that's the language people should speak. As mentioned, the people who came here from Mexico in the past to live and work considered it a sign of respect to learn the language. Not only that, it made it easier for them to get around and to speak with those who didn't speak their language. Now, we bend over backwards to accomodate people who don't want to take the time and won't take the time to learn the language. The irony is many still say they want to be here and I think not learning to speak English is rude. Learning English is still a requirement for citizenship, and I don't know how they would get around that requirement. I'm not sure I'd class it as an act of prejudice because if you don't know what the person is asking for because they are speaking a language other than English, how can one be discriminating against that person? You'd have to know what they wanted in order to deny them, and even then, it wouldn't be discrimination if they something for nothing or didn't have enough money to buy it.
|
|
|
Post by Partridge on Jul 12, 2013 21:53:06 GMT -5
This reminded me of an amusing song by Unknown Hinson: Let's Talk American!
Whaddaya think?
|
|
|
Post by erik on Jul 12, 2013 22:24:54 GMT -5
In large measure, I am an unabashed Liberal and a Democrat; but as sliderocker said, even liberals think that those who come here from foreign countries, even the one that borders us on the southwest side, should learn to speak English, at least when they are in public. This can hardly be considered an unreasonable position, regardless of what side of the political fence you're on.
I don't know how Linda feels about this viewpoint; but if she actually is a stealth observer of this forum, I want her to understand that I have nothing against her Mexican-American heritage whatsoever by feeling the way I do about the issue of foreign-born people learning English when they come to America.
|
|
daveb
A Number and a Name
Posts: 26
|
Post by daveb on Jul 12, 2013 23:49:12 GMT -5
I think you run into trouble whenever you say that a group of people should behave the way you think they should. I don't know whether I would say that's unreasonable, maybe unrealistic? Dave
|
|
|
Post by philly on Jul 13, 2013 12:07:52 GMT -5
I found these 4 reviews from people who got advance copies through various means. There aren't any 'spoilers' in the reviews, IMO. www.goodreads.com/book/show/17559245-simple-dreamsThere might be some more reviews appearing there in the future so keep an eye out. ====================================== May 21, 2013Jeanette rated it 5 of 5 stars Shelves: america, biography-memoir, celebrities, nonfiction, five-star-nonfiction, edel I've been in love with Linda Ronstadt's voice since I first heard her belt out “You're No Good” through the earpiece of my transistor radio back in junior high. After reading this memoir, I've fallen in love with Linda as a person. What a gracious, level-headed, gentle, modest lady she is. And if she didn't already have enough talents, we can now add writing to her list of creative abilities. The entire book has a mellow vibe. Even the unpleasant events are related with equanimity and with generosity toward those who wronged her. The subtitle of the book is “a musical memoir,” and she does limit what she shares about her personal life. This is not an autobiography in the traditional sense of the word. After the opening chapters about her upbringing in Arizona, the rest of her story stays focused on the evolution of her musical career. Linda doesn't dish a lot about the people who have shared her life. There are only two brief mentions of Jerry Brown, with whom she had a highly publicized relationship. Likewise, there are only a few sentences about her children, and she never uses their names. Everything else is about the music, but there are plenty of entertaining and unsettling stories to keep things lively. The seeds of Linda's musical versatility are rooted in her childhood, where the various generations of her family enjoyed everything from classical to mariachi music. Her huge success came from a combination of talent, flexibility, and being in all the right places in an era when country, rock, and folk music were merging and evolving into something new. She always returned to her roots when deciding on a new musical project. From Pirates of Penzance to great American standards to songs in Spanish, she writes “the music I heard...before I was ten provided me with material to explore for my entire career." This is a memoir without a lot of fluff, coming in at just over 200 pages. Highly recommended for her fans, as well as anyone interested in the American music scene from the '60s and '70s all the way up until she retired in 2009. Rating = 4.5 stars(less) ================================================ Jul 08, 2013Tom rated it 4 of 5 stars I should admit this up front: Linda Ronstadt was one of my boyhood crushes. She had those big doe-eyes—and looked lovely in short-shorts—which made her a beautiful young 1970’s woman. But what really moved her to the top of my personal chart was that voice. Hearing her sing plaintive songs like “Blue Bayou” or “Ooh Baby Baby,” then bust into a rocker like “Poor Pitiful Me”—and sing both styles with such natural grace and power—moved something in my heart. And amazingly, she didn’t even know how to sing yet. I’ll get to that. Linda Ronstadt’s autobiography “Simple Dreams” is subtitled “A Musical Memoir,” and that is truly fitting. The entire book traces her love affair with music. Ronstadt grew up in Tucson, in a house filled with music. From traditional songs echoing her Mexican heritage, to lush, Nelson Riddle-orchestrated Frank Sinatra albums, there was always a plentiful variety of music playing. Beyond records, her extended family and friends would gather nearly every Sunday. After dinner—and a few tequilas—folks broke out their guitars, and everybody sang. Linda’s brother was a renowned boy soprano, and he would harmonize with his two sisters on country standards they heard on the radio. Music wasn’t just background in the Ronstadt home, it was very much a shared, hands-on part of their familial life. “Simple Dreams” spends a good deal of time talking about Linda’s rise to stardom, and a good deal of time talking about what she did after she was the 1970’s Queen of Rock. Where she skimps a little is on her glory years, where she and her band sold-out arenas all over America, and her hits dominated the charts. I think this is by design. Linda Ronstadt wasn’t thrilled with the big arena show era, playing her hits night after night in huge, acoustically dreadful venues. She wanted to grow as an artist, to improve, and most of all, to make the music she’d always loved. When I said she didn’t know how to sing, I take that from her own story. Okay, she could obviously sing well-enough: she had a good ear for melody and harmony, and she had a lovely voice. She had those tools from childhood, though. Where she really began to hone her skills to their fullest potential was when she began working on projects outside rock & roll. She talks at length about working with legendary Broadway producer, Joseph Papp, who cast her as the female lead in “Pirates of Penzance.” She was so used to belting rockers or crooning ballads, that she had never developed the range and skill required to sing on Broadway. She could hit the notes and carry a tune. What she lacked was control and phrasing, as well as learning to sing with technical correctness, so as to reduce stress on her vocal cords. Her work with a legendary voice coach during “Penzance” helped her immeasurably. One constant presence during her successful years was her manager, Peter Asher. When Linda wanted to take a different route beyond the lucrative routine of “album-tour, album-tour”, Asher supported her. He did so very reluctantly—telling her she was throwing her career away—but he made her projects happen. And he repeatedly ate his words, as one odd turn after another sold millions of records and won armloads of Grammy awards. From her “Trio” projects with Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton, to her standards recordings with Nelson Riddle, and her Spanish music projects, Ronstadt continued to experience success and grow as an artist across a variety of musical genres. Just as she chose her own musical projects, Linda Ronstadt here chooses to tell her story her way. There is no ghostwriter on this book—it’s all Linda Ronstadt, and she’s a gifted storyteller. Also, for somebody who at times led a high-profile life, she remains markedly guarded—her personal life is her own. “Simple Dreams” mentions her longtime relationship with California Governor Jerry Brown only in passing, except for one short paragraph where she toasts their years together and wishes him happiness with his new wife. Linda Ronstadt wasn’t looking for a husband, nor pining for true love. The point of her forty-odd year career wasn’t fame or fortune (at one time, her big financial goal was to make enough money on tour to buy a new washing machine). She wanted to sing, to use her gift to its fullest, and ultimately to introduce a wider audience to the wonderful, magically eclectic blend of music she grew up with. Retired since 2009, Ms. Ronstadt can look back on her career proudly, and know that she’s done just that. Very Highly Recommended (nb: I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss) ==================================== Jun 09, 2013Biblio Files rated it 4 of 5 stars I've been on a memoir kick lately -- Penny Marshall, Debbie Reynolds, Garry Marshall, Dick Van Dyke, Betty White, Marlo Thomas. A little gossip, a little show business history, some behind the scenes insight, they're fun and they usually don't leave much of an impression. I don't know how much of Linda Ronstadt's memoir I'll remember, but it is the best one I've read so far. Ronstadt's writing style is simple and direct. It's a pleasure to read. She seems to have written the book without a co-writer, but there may be more information on that when the book is released. This is truly a musical memoir -- she includes little that doesn't have to do with making music. There are no shocking revelations and it seems that she has remained friends with every man she ever had a long-term relationship with. The only stories that show people in an unfavorable light are about Jim Morrison's threatening behavior and one or two others in the same vein. She goes into detail about the decisions she made about trying different types of music and how it was often a fight, since once people have you categorized, they don't like you to change, when it comes to music or almost anything else for that matter. She says that she's retired from singing now, though that seems hard to believe. If so, she certainly has a good start at making writing a second career. ========================================== Jul 02, 2013John rated it 4 of 5 stars This is a book I won as a Goodreads first reads. It is an advanced uncorrected proof, although I did not notice any errors. Linda does an excellent job of writing and I found it a very enjoyable and easy read. Other than a description of her childhood in Arizona is was not so much an autobiography of her life, but an account her musical career and experiences. She grew up in a very musical family and music was part of her everyday life as a child. It is something that she loves and takes very seriously, and that shows throughout the book. She worked with many of the legendary names in music such as Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Janis Joplin, James Taylor, Emmylou Harris, the Eagles, Brian Wilson, Jackson Browne, Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton, Neil Young, Randy Newman, Ricky Skaggs, Jim Morrison, Nelson Riddle and many more. However, the book is not a gossipy tell all, for instance she spends very little time on relationships or family, rather it is all about her musical journey. Music has always been the driving force in her life and so it is in her biography. This is a wonderful book for anyone who is interested in the music business as Linda details how she educated herself though various stages of her career in rock, country, theater, traditional, opera, and Mexican folk music. In each she chose the best people in that genre to jam with and teach her how to master that musical style. Like I said, if you are looking for gossip, look elsewhere, but it you love music I recommend that you add this to the top of your reading list.
|
|
|
Post by sliderocker on Jul 13, 2013 12:19:59 GMT -5
I don't know how Linda feels about this viewpoint; but if she actually is a stealth observer of this forum, I want her to understand that I have nothing against her Mexican-American heritage whatsoever by feeling the way I do about the issue of foreign-born people learning English when they come to America. If Linda is a stealth member, which I've always thought a possiblity - out of a curiousity to know what her fans think and what we are like, I don't think she would tip her hand to give it away that she is here. But, it would be mind blowing if she is on here and even taking part in some of the things we talk about here. Not necessarily about her personally but on some of the other boards available.
|
|
|
Post by eddiejinnj on Jul 13, 2013 18:03:50 GMT -5
I was not questioning the opinion at all and I have not expressed my opinion re: this. I was questioning labeling it. he would still get his opinion across and be complete without the preface "I might sound like a Rightie here". it would be like saying I might sound like a homosexual here and go on with an opinion as I am a fan of linda Ronstadt/show tunes. it is a backhanded insult/prejudice. as he will not apologize for his opinion, I will not mine. the whole racial/ethnic profiling concept is based on labeling. I believe the consequences of such are more negative than positive. please again, I ask this stick to Linda Ronstadt discussion. sliderocker, you only help my point that people are a mixture of beliefs and that the majority most likely following a bell curve fall in the middle/mixed range. eddiejinnj
|
|
|
Post by eddiejinnj on Jul 13, 2013 18:05:13 GMT -5
am not going to read the long post above as I want to be surprised when the book is released. eddiejinnj
|
|
|
Post by sliderocker on Jul 14, 2013 14:22:04 GMT -5
I was not questioning the opinion at al and I have not expressed my opinion re: this. I was questioning labeling it. he would still get his opinion across and be complete without the preface "I might sound like a Rightie her.e" it would be like saying I might sound like a homosexual here and go on with an opinion as I am a fan of linda ronstadt. it is a backhanded insult/prejudice. as he will not apologize for his opinion, I will not mine. the whole racial/ethnic profiling concept is based on labeling. I believe the consequences of such are more negative than positive. please again, I ask this stick to Linda Ronstadt discussion. sliderocker, you only help my point that people are a mixture of beliefs and that the majority most likely following a bell curve fall in the middle/mixed range. eddiejinnj With regards to labeling, when a political issue is predominantly "owned" by one group of people who identify themselves as conservative or liberal, unfortunately, terms like right or left (or a variation thereof) come with the territory when those with opposing points of view beg to differ. But, the thing is, no issue is owned exclusively by any one side yet there are those on either side of an issue who are outraged when someone on "their side of the political fence" doesn't adhere to the perceived position of that particular side. Is rightie labeling? Yes, but so is someone from the conservative right calling someone on the liberal left a leftist or leftie. But, it happens, and labeling is often used to villify those we don't agree with or who we fear. It's sad because by not discussing politics, we end up with mediocre politicians whoeither serve a limited group of people or are afraid to do anything lest they offend someone. We deserve better but sadly, we often deserve what we get. Regarding sticking to discussing all things Linda, that is what we do here most of the time although we sometimes take slight detours onto other subjects. With regards to politics, Linda has spoken out politically on a number of issues, much to the chagrin of individuals who don't agree with her. Sometimes vehemently. Some are of the opinion that because she is or was a celebrity, she gave up the right to speak out on any issue but they are wrong, wrong, wrong. She didn't trade her right to speak out on an issue just because she is or was a celebrity. Linda didn't sign any agreement that I'm aware of that said in exchange for fame and fortune as a result of being a successful singer, she gave up her right to speak. But, Linda's not singing anymore and her auto-biography may be her final work, and where there's inactivity, there's usually less and less to talk about. I truly hope Linda's auto-bio isn't her final work but if it is, that she has spoken out on issues suggest she may become more political, possibly a rights activist. I couldn't see her running for political office but if she did, I think she'd be better at it than some of the elected politicians we have in office now.
|
|
|
Post by sliderocker on Jul 14, 2013 14:23:31 GMT -5
I was not questioning the opinion at al and I have not expressed my opinion re: this. I was questioning labeling it. he would still get his opinion across and be complete without the preface "I might sound like a Rightie her.e" it would be like saying I might sound like a homosexual here and go on with an opinion as I am a fan of linda ronstadt. it is a backhanded insult/prejudice. as he will not apologize for his opinion, I will not mine. the whole racial/ethnic profiling concept is based on labeling. I believe the consequences of such are more negative than positive. please again, I ask this stick to Linda Ronstadt discussion. sliderocker, you only help my point that people are a mixture of beliefs and that the majority most likely following a bell curve fall in the middle/mixed range. eddiejinnj With regards to labeling, when a political issue is predominantly "owned" by one group of people who identify themselves as conservative or liberal, unfortunately, terms like right or left (or a variation thereof) come with the territory when those with opposing points of view beg to differ. But, the thing is, no issue is owned exclusively by any one side yet there are those on either side of an issue who are outraged when someone on "their side of the political fence" doesn't adhere to the perceived position of that particular side. Is rightie labeling? Yes, but so is someone from the conservative right calling someone on the liberal left a leftist or leftie. But, it happens, and labeling is often used to villify those we don't agree with or who we fear. It's sad because by not discussing politics, we end up with mediocre politicians who either serve a limited group of people or are afraid to do anything lest they offend someone. We deserve better but sadly, we often deserve what we get. Regarding sticking to discussing all things Linda, that is what we do here most of the time although we sometimes take slight detours onto other subjects. With regards to politics, Linda has spoken out politically on a number of issues, much to the chagrin of individuals who don't agree with her. Sometimes vehemently. Some are of the opinion that because she is or was a celebrity, she gave up the right to speak out on any issue but they are wrong, wrong, wrong. She didn't trade her right to speak out on an issue just because she is or was a celebrity. Linda didn't sign any agreement that I'm aware of that said in exchange for fame and fortune as a result of being a successful singer, she gave up her right to speak. But, Linda's not singing anymore and her auto-biography may be her final work, and where there's inactivity, there's usually less and less to talk about. I truly hope Linda's auto-bio isn't her final work but if it is, that she has spoken out on issues suggest she may become more political, possibly a rights activist. I couldn't see her running for political office but if she did, I think she'd be better at it than some of the elected politicians we have in office now.
|
|
|
Post by eddiejinnj on Jul 14, 2013 17:22:53 GMT -5
i just want everybody to feel welcome to come to this site and it be inclusive. i just did not agree with the preface to the opinion as being necessary and i stand by that. somebody that saw that might not be attracted to our group if we judge/insult people or perceived groups here. eddiejiinj
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2013 6:46:48 GMT -5
From Vintagevinylnews.com:
Linda Ronstadt's Memoir Out on September 17 Linda Rondstadt's memoir, Simple Dreams, will be released on September 17 via Simon and Schuster.
The book will tell Linda's story from her childhood in Tuscon through her rise to stardom in the 60's and 70's singing folk-rock and covering numerous treasured oldies, into the 80's and 90's with her performances of Gilbert and Sullivan, pop music classics and Mexican folk music, and up to her retirement in 2009.
Over that time, Ronstadt had nine top ten hits, including You're No Good, Blue Bayou, When Will I Be Loved and Don't Know Much (with Aaron Neville), nine top ten studio albums and won eleven Grammy Awards in categories as far reaching as country (1975, I Can't Help It (If I'm Still in Love With You), Mexican-American (1993, Mas Canciones), pop vocal (1989, Don't Know Much), tropical Latin (1992, Frenesi) and children's album (1996, Dedicated to the One I Love).
The book will be released in hardback, ebook and audio book read by Ronstadt.
According to the press release: In Simple Dreams, Ronstadt reveals the eclectic and fascinating journey that led to her long-lasting success. And she describes it all in a voice as beautiful as the one that sang “Heart Like a Wheel”—longing, graceful, and authentic.
|
|
|
Post by eddiejinnj on Jul 15, 2013 6:51:49 GMT -5
they have the numbers wrong if anybody wants to tell them. linda seems to have the magical 10 number as she is. ten top ten hits and ten top ten albums. If you count her 2 number 11 songs she has had a dozen hits in the top 11. eddiejinnj
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2013 7:08:55 GMT -5
they have the numbers wrong if anybody wants to tell them. linda seems to have the magical 10 number as she is. ten top ten hits and ten top ten albums. If you count her 2 number 11 songs she has had a dozen hits in the top 11. eddiejinnj True, but the big news is Linda will voicing the audio book.. this is awesome!!
|
|
|
Post by the Scribe on Jul 15, 2013 12:11:34 GMT -5
We did have a policy here to try to keep political stuff in the War Room which is why it was created. There were a few exceptions because Linda herself is a political animal if it relates directly to her life, here and now we may bring things up. This thread may be one of those rare exceptions because it is relevant to her autobiography, or not. As is often the case I come late to this discussion on this thread which is already moving on from this topic. But here is my two cents:
Somehow, surrounded by Frenchmen and Indians and different languages and dialects in practically every little county, our founding fathers and framers of our Constitution saw absolutely no need to impose an official language. Somehow, we have made it under that system now for 223 years (actually longer) without needing the imposition of an official language.
(An exception, perhaps, was John Adams, who in a 1780 letter expressed his desire for Congress to establish an American Language Academy. I don’t see in the journals of the Continental Congress where this idea was ever even taken up for consideration, let alone taken seriously.)
Even when the vast western majority of this American land was 1) not even yet part of the nation, and 2) filled with countless Indian languages, and with a large portion of Spanish-speakers across the southwest, there was never a need to promote (let alone impose) English as part of a national identity. Even as the nation expanded into those territories, there was no issue of imposing an official language. Even after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848), when tens of thousands of Spanish-speaking Mexicans remained in California territory mingled among English-speaking whites, there was no need and no outcry for English as an official language.
Limiting choices by law is no way to restore freedom to a sliding country; it is the exact opposite. Republicans seem always to fall into the same practices as liberals when they want something done: control other people’s behavior by imposing their desires top-down by law. But for every law you create, you simultaneously create another crime. And for every crime, a punishment. For every punishment, law enforcement (a fine, a gun). This is coercion, not freedom.
Government grows, freedoms disappear. Republicans bawl (at least temporarily) when Democrats do this with health care, or the national department of education, etc. But then Republicans do exactly the same thing when it’s their turn in power. Government grows, freedom disappears.
But it’s alright to destroy freedoms as long as they’re someone else’s freedoms and not mine. Right?
“My country, my language” is not the language of freedom. It is the language of tyranny. Indeed, when it is backed by force of law and threat of legal punishment, it is the official language of tyranny.
So there are three reasons plus one that every conservative, libertarian, Republican, Christian, and/or lover of freedom should oppose an attempt to dictate an official language for America. It contradicts the experience and intent of our founders which proves such a law unnecessary. It contradicts the philosophy and principles of freedom, and thus represents coercion and tyranny. And it set a dangerous precedent we should all wish to have removed from our horizon. In addition, it would be utterly pointless and hypocritical in the big picture today.
For all of these reasons and likely many more, the imposition of an official langue for America is distinctly un-American.
(this is from an essay I liked. cut out most of the superfluous mumbo jumbo and this gets to the point. personally, i rather love the differences in people and don't mind accomodating them if they don't mind me. we can learn a lot from each other as did our founders from the people whose land they stole. lol)
|
|
|
Post by eddiejinnj on Jul 15, 2013 14:21:30 GMT -5
that's why i'll say it again and ask others as far as this forum is concerned; we are inclusive. I ask that you think before posting something if it will offend somebody in ways unnecessary in a Linda Ronstadt discussion forum Wish I could learn Spanish from/with Linda lol!!!!!! eddiejinnj
|
|
|
Post by 70smusicfan on Jul 15, 2013 15:19:08 GMT -5
Wish I could learn Spanish from/with Linda lol!!!!!! eddiejinnj There is a set of two cassette tapes where Linda does teach Spanish, called Spanish for Natalie - A New Friend. It's really cute - worth a listen (you can pick up ex-Library copies for cheap). I've listened dozens of times, but all that Junior/Inter/Senior HS French seems to have ruined my ability for another language (other than English/French).
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2013 16:04:28 GMT -5
I have listened to Spanish for Natalie, and it is very charming...
|
|
|
Post by eddiejinnj on Jul 15, 2013 20:52:35 GMT -5
I have that somewhere. i think by the time i got it, i didn't have a cassette player. eddiejinnj
|
|
|
Post by rick on Jul 18, 2013 19:50:59 GMT -5
Dang! I just broke my own promise to see what Mikey B. had to say. I am so weak. BTW, the cub scout uniform is already spoken for... Richard, how often do you take out Linda's cub scout uniform and put it on? Do you normally wear it on Halsted Street for Halloween?
|
|
|
Post by MP4 on Jul 19, 2013 13:20:13 GMT -5
Book publishers aren't like record comapnies, where the artist is pressured to tour to support the new album. Linda being a homebody, I can't see S&S being able to persuade Linda to do much promotion for her book. Maybe a few tv appearances. Leno, Letterman, one of the daytime talk shows or the cable news shows (except for Fox). People who buy books don't have the same expectations for writers like they have for musical performers and actors. Besides, how many books could be moved in a book store just by Linda showing up for a personal appearance? And if it were to happen, how many people would come expecting her to sing and sign copies of her book? By the way, how many personal appearances - book signings - did Neil Young, Carly Simon and Carole King do for their books? Or Ann and Nancy Wilson? Or any of the other performers who have written their autobiographies? My guess would be that appearances and signings were extremely limited ones, and nothing on a grand scale. I live in NYC & as far as the other artists doing book signings, Neil Young didn't do any-- not to my knowledge anyway. I'm not sure about Carly Simon. But Carole King did at least one in NYC at a Barnes & Noble. Ditto Ann & Nancy Wilson. And Pete Townshend did a few. So did Tony Bennett. And that's all in the past year. So I'm holding out hope! I haven't heard anything about a full on book tour, but I saw that she's doing a talk at the 92nd St Y in NYC. Not sure if it will include a signing though (sometimes those events do, sometimes they don't). www.92y.org/Event/Linda-Ronstadt.aspx
|
|
|
Post by MokyWI on Jul 19, 2013 14:47:44 GMT -5
Graham Nash is releasing his bio on the same day Linda is releasing her musical memoir and Nash's is outselling Linda's significantly. His seems to be a tell all where Ronstadt's is not. That reason alone would make his sell better.
|
|
|
Post by eddiejinnj on Jul 19, 2013 15:40:10 GMT -5
wow, nothing against graham nash but I mean he is SIGNIFICANTLY outselling Linda. I have to say that the book company and Linda are trying on tis one. how do we know the sales for both? eddiejinnj
|
|
|
Post by Amazonian on Jul 19, 2013 15:46:25 GMT -5
I just checked Amazon.com and they have Linda at #9325 in sales and Graham Nash at #38261 in sales.
|
|
|
Post by charlotte on Jul 19, 2013 17:29:51 GMT -5
Long time lurker on this site. Huge Linda Fan. Always appreciate your wonderful conversations --albeit many seem to dwell on some silly negatives from years ago or the fact that she does not get her due. Part of the beauty of being a Ronstadt fan is being an advocate and champion precisely when she is underrated or overlooked. Anyways, glad to be on board. Excited for the book. My cousin is at Publisher's Weekly -advanced word is that it is movingly and beautifully written. There are a number of unsettling stories to generate some "wow" and is poised to engage a bit of a Ronstadt Renaissance. It is certainly not gossipy however. Linda is outselling Graham Nash's book 6 to 1 in advance orders if that makes you feel better. Warmest regards,
|
|
|
Post by the Scribe on Jul 19, 2013 19:48:50 GMT -5
Great insider news Charlotte! Thank you.
|
|
|
Post by laurenm57 on Jul 19, 2013 21:53:28 GMT -5
Here is the Kirkus review of the book:
Kirkus Reviews A personable and engagingly written memoir, though reticent and short on personal revelation. The subtitle reinforces the focus, but even readers who don't want to wallow in gossip might be expecting more than, "I was keeping company with then-governor Jerry Brown" and, "I was keeping steady company with journalist Pete Hamill," without any context about how these and other relationships began or developed. The epilogue begins, "I live these days with my two children," which is the first mention of them. Yet for those content with an illumination of the artist's musical eclecticism, and what music means to her, the book is informative and heartfelt. It suggests (without the singer ever belaboring the point) that Ronstadt deserves more credit than she often receives for popularizing country rock, for taking the then-daring but now commonplace initiative to interpret the pre-rock Great American Songbook, to follow her instincts wherever they might lead her, from The Pirates of Penzance to traditional Mexican mariachi. "I never felt that rock and roll defined me," she writes. "There was an unyielding attitude that came with the music that involved being confrontational, dismissive, and aggressive--or, as my mother would say, ungracious." She also explains, "I felt some stagnation setting in, and the relentless touring and endless repetition of the same songs over and over again promoted a creeping awareness that my music had begun to sound like my washing machine….I was beginning to feel miserable. And trapped." So she made choices that others considered unwise, or at least noncommercial, and reaped all sorts of rewards. Whatever's missing (including more context of how popular music was changing while her own music was changing), what's here is consistently interesting. Show Less
|
|
|
Post by MokyWI on Jul 20, 2013 11:09:39 GMT -5
I either got things backwards or sales have really turned around in the last 24 hours.
|
|
|
Post by rick on Jul 20, 2013 17:37:38 GMT -5
OK, so at 3:35 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time on Saturday, July 20....
Here are the rankings:
LINDA RONSTADT: 'Simple Dreams' -- Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,970 in Books
GRAHAM NASH - Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #96,772 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
I interpret this differently.
If the Number One book were by, say, Dan Brown, giving it a ranking of # 1, then that means that of all of the gazillions books that Amazon sells, Linda's pre-order sales are ranked at 14,970 th, which is far better than being ranked 96,772th.
That is my take.
I see it as a ranking. An order. NOT the number of units/books sold
|
|
|
Post by eddiejinnj on Jul 20, 2013 17:44:32 GMT -5
yes, it is in rank order not the number sold. eddiejinnj
|
|