geno
A Number and a Name
Posts: 9
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Post by geno on Jun 25, 2020 10:23:59 GMT -5
I became a fan of Linda's in early 1974. While visiting with friends her Don't Cry Now album was put on the record player. When the first track ended (I can almost see it) I can remember saying Wow, what a voice. Debbie my friend said it only gets better. No truer words have been ever been spoken, prophetic.
When Scott Pelley interviewed her in 2012 for Sixty Minutes, he claimed he had a crush on her I can remember chuckling to myself that I was a few years ahead of him. Since then there have been a number of men who have claimed that infatuation. Since Linda's retirement a year hasn't gone by without a tribute concert going on not only in the US, but around the world. It has taken awhile but from time to time in the last 8 years I have really begun to appreciate what Glenn Frey said, when he inducted Linda into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, "she has inspired every woman who ever sang her heart out in front of a microphone."
Not long ago I did a YouTube search of "ronstadt cover". The results were very interesting. When you scroll down you get a number of Linda's songs being done by herself, but so many more of not only women and girls making their own covers of Linda's covers in their home. There are covers of men covering guitars & drums.. Linda according to Dolly Parton is a perfectionist, so it only stands to reason Linda was heavily involved with the musical arrangements, Peter Asher has attested to this also. There are covers of rock, country, mariachi and from the Great American Songbook
So this is her legacy as I see it. Linda has inspired musicians as early as Different Drum, Stevie Nicks not only on stage at RRHOF during the medley with Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow, and Carrie Underwood. There is also a good after event clip. But it has continued to those youngsters on YouTube. It could also be said that Linda has influenced buy way of the artists influenced by Linda.
Check out inflooenz.com Their list is incomplete though. It is missing Stevie Nicks, Emmylou Harris, the 3 wonderful young women of country's latest supergroup I'm with Her, who all claim Linda as a common influence. Tristan McIntosh is another she is paying her dues and getting her chops in as a member of the Linda Ronstadt Experience. Can you name others? For I am sure there are many.
PS... In Sound of My Voice" Emmylou with a bit of emotion said "no one has a voice like Linda's." I liken Linda's voice to a flood plain. One like hers comes along every 10, 20, 50, 100, or 500 years. Only time will tell when someone comes along that is comparable to Linda's. Plz remember this when making comments about others emulating our Linda's covers.
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Post by eddiejinnj on Jun 25, 2020 14:14:49 GMT -5
Geno, welcome to the forum!!! I am glad you joined. Excellent commentary which you can feel your emotional connection to Linda and her legacy. There are a number of artists like Nora Jones and Diana Krall especially (even the late Amy Winehouse) that have done many songs that Linda has done. TMK, Krall is a big fan (her hubby, Elvis Costello recently posted an apology letter recently to Linda for basically being an incorrigible youth. It all played into the punk thing). But not to digress, Krall is a fan and of course Trisha. I have seen one Linda tribute band, Heart Like a Wheel, here in NJ and they were very good. It was a little bittersweet as the next tribute band up to close the night was an Eagles tribute band. Welcome, again, Geno!!! You tell great stories and look forward to more posts. Here's to Linda's Artistic Legacy!!! eddiejinnj
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geno
A Number and a Name
Posts: 9
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Post by geno on Jun 25, 2020 20:31:09 GMT -5
Thank you, Eddie. Norah Jones, huh, I have often wondered about Norah. I have most of her studio releases and love the sultry texture of her voice. And as far as the Eagles go, just think of Linda being the mother of that bunch of boys. They are another that I have all studio albums of. Even if when they were starting out they were called Poco (all studio releases too) wannabees... lol.
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Post by erik on Jun 25, 2020 21:24:51 GMT -5
Quote by geno:
So the rock critics would love to make them out to be...but that's not really the case--and, in my opinion, it's unfair not only to the Eagles themselves, but also to that vastly underrated country-rock outfit they got compared to initially.
As for Linda's legacy--well, the fact that she pretty much essayed every style of music that was in her DNA (folk; rock; R&B; gospel; pop ballads; the Great American Songbook; Mexican rancheras; opera; blues; Afro-Cuban jazz; left-of-center C&W) is something that cannot be overstated.
But one fact that also can't be overlooked, in my opinion, is that Linda has arguably influenced more female singers, particularly in rock, mainstream country, and alternative country, than any other female singer that has come along since the 1960s, in terms of sheer professionalism and vocal acumen. Linda has sold something on the order of 100 million albums; and as such, she becomes influential just on the basis of a few tens of thousands of those albums catching the ears of young girls and inspiring them to become singers. It's not hyperbole to say that Linda became a spiritual role model on the level of Elvis or the Beatles. Just ask, say, Trisha Yearwood, or Martina McBride, or, of more recent vintage, Tift Merritt.
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Post by musedeva on Jun 29, 2020 18:12:26 GMT -5
Per Geno;
"it only stands to reason Linda was heavily involved with the musical arrangements, Peter Asher has attested to this also. There are covers of rock, country, mariachi and from the Great American Songbook"
THIS! this Geno.....her musicianship is largely her EAR, in my opinion...whatever that could be worth...even on her recent documentary she said she "has very good hearing" "can hear really really well"
THAT EAR perfected her VOCAL as well as totally "flipped" the standard arrangements of ALL OF THOSE songs...THAT is what made her unique....was the arrangements (backing band props much?) and her absolute EMOTIONAL POWER to communicate
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Post by eddiejinnj on Jun 29, 2020 18:42:39 GMT -5
You know about it , muse, but she seems to also hear her voice in her head well that is why she covered one ear at times. eddiejinnj
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geno
A Number and a Name
Posts: 9
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Post by geno on Jun 29, 2020 19:11:57 GMT -5
You are totally correct on the ear musediva. I can remember a clip of one of Linda's interviews after she retired. She was asked what she would do differently or advise someone else (don't remember it exactly). Linda replied that she would seriously learn an instrument. That way she could coherently explain what she had in mind.
You know the tragic times we are currently going thru have given me and many others I bet, time to explore other interests even time for contemplation.
When I likened Linda's voice to a flood plain, I really believe that, it was done to get people from comparing those that didn't do as well as Linda's version. Can't remember the clip but linda has said talent never leaves the gene pool. I'll add some people just have more. Because of the internet we've learned a lot about Linda. Some of that we've learned is the type of person she is from those that know her well. What I've learned in my approaching decreptitude is Linda will either be embarrassed or scornful of those comments. Can you see her turning "When will I be Loved" into something like Don't you ever want to be loved. After all Mike Pompeo found out how out spoken she is. I've gone a bit off track... I think I should have said voice/talent. In the documentary (which I watched 3 or 4 times when it aired on CNN, I even made a CD of it) JD Souther said she was a student (of song) and he also said she new what a good song was and that she could sing it better than you.
Her intelligence & her musicianship was her talent. When her incredible pipes and talent combined you got one hell of a package.
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Post by Richard W on Jun 29, 2020 19:18:22 GMT -5
Welcome, Geno!
We had approximately the same Ronstadt exposure experience. Same year, same reaction. I caught her on the Midnight Special only because I tuned in to watch the Eagles.
Went out next day and bought Don't Cry Now with the babysitting money I'd made that night ($4.99 at K-Mart, fyi).
Haven't been the same since.
I agree with all of the comments on her influence / legacy completely. Only I'd add that it is the distinctive tone, the unique color of Linda's voice that makes it one of a kind. There are many strong voices out there, but few of them with the chromatic brilliance of hers.
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geno
A Number and a Name
Posts: 9
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Post by geno on Jun 29, 2020 20:21:40 GMT -5
Richard this is a bit to close. I waited till pay day only a couple more days.
I bought at k-mart also but I got Don't Cry Now & there was also Linda's self titled on the checkout counter when I paid to leave. Just couldn't resist those big brown eyes.
Couldn't agree with you more. Your mentioning color and texture made me remember sitting on the couch watching the Grammies on HBO in 1980, my ex became a fan thru me & I became a parrot head thru her. Gail had always said she loved Linda's coloring. Anyway Linda was nominated for rock or pop artist of the year female. Pat Benetar edged her out. When Ms Benetar went to accept she said, You know there are a lot of good women singers out there. But Ronstadt is still alive!!!
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geno
A Number and a Name
Posts: 9
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Post by geno on Jun 29, 2020 21:07:38 GMT -5
Quote by geno: So the rock critics would love to make them out to be...but that's not really the case--and, in my opinion, it's unfair not only to the Eagles themselves, but also to that vastly underrated country-rock outfit they got compared to initially. As for Linda's legacy--well, the fact that she pretty much essayed every style of music that was in her DNA (folk; rock; R&B; gospel; pop ballads; the Great American Songbook; Mexican rancheras; opera; blues; Afro-Cuban jazz; left-of-center C&W) is something that cannot be overstated. But one fact that also can't be overlooked, in my opinion, is that Linda has arguably influenced more female singers, particularly in rock, mainstream country, and alternative country, than any other female singer that has come along since the 1960s, in terms of sheer professionalism and vocal acumen. Linda has sold something on the order of 100 million albums; and as such, she becomes influential just on the basis of a few tens of thousands of those albums catching the ears of young girls and inspiring them to become singers. It's not hyperbole to say that Linda became a spiritual role model on the level of Elvis or the Beatles. Just ask, say, Trisha Yearwood, or Martina McBride, or, of more recent vintage, Tift Merritt. |
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geno
A Number and a Name
Posts: 9
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Post by geno on Jun 29, 2020 21:19:22 GMT -5
Erik, critics at times really confuse me. I just never really understood it. After all first Miesner came from Poco to join the Eagles when they were Linda's backup band. Then when he left Schmit crossed over. As far as the 100 mil albums you can't discount the other 120 albums she lent her voice to.
Thanks for the heads up on Tift. Not up on anything she has done.
Wish the songs that Trish and Garth did together and what Trish did on her own for Linda was still online. Got to love what Garth said about Linda at the Kennedy Center Honors but I believe he had it wrong. It was something that burned inside her to do and the only way she could extinguish the flame was to do it. To summarize Glenn Frey at Linda's R&R Hall of Fame Linda didn't care about the trappings of being a super star she did it for the art.
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Post by musedeva on Jun 30, 2020 1:47:08 GMT -5
Goddess Bless Pat Benatar....man was she right!!
those 5 are my "vocal ear" God/ess Icons since I was a baby girl,,,,in ORDER;
Robert Plant
Linda Ronstadt
Pat Benatar
Mariah Carey
Eva Cassidy
(I'm leaving out Stevie Nicks...who actually was #2 for her "Pre Tusk" vocals.....something bout the Timbre of her LINDSAY produced vocal that intoxicated me...but ONCE I started in on LINDA...the Nicks Fix...was all.....OVER)
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Post by eddiejinnj on Jun 30, 2020 7:08:19 GMT -5
Love reading all this!! Geno, Linda and Pat were both nominated for Rock Performance, Female. I believe it was the first time that category appeared at the Grammys. Linda would also be nominated in that category for the single "Get Closer". She never won that category. Then the category (not sure what year) did not separate gender and had Rock Vocal Performance and might still be that way. I would have to check. I never knew that Pat said that at the Grammys. I thought it was for a written form of some kind, originally. I am sure I bought some of Linda's albums (I started with GH in Dec. '76.) at K-Mart. I know and I have told this on here way back that I had to return "Simple Dreams" like 3 times as the ones I had had skip/s on it. Of course, I had to have a perfect copy.
I, too, bought them with my babysitting money. One of the first times I saw the Johnny Cash Prison concert, I was babysitting. I had quite a few customers. I started at age 11 or 12 until 15 when I got my working papers. A lot of us had similar experiences and it is very interesting and appreciated being able to read them.
As far as mates, I am into Linda and he likes her a lot and I like Jimbo because of him. I wouldn't say I am a parrothead but I like the style of "License to Chill" best. He listens to Jimmy all the time but isn't like me with Linda as far as facts and following a forum like this etc.
To be honest, I always disliked "Margaritaville" even in '77. I have tempered on it now. We have seen him together at least 4 times and Linda probably 5 maybe more.
Thanks all for sharing!!! eddiejinnj
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Post by erik on Jun 30, 2020 9:13:18 GMT -5
Quote by eddiejinnj re. Best Rock Female Vocal Grammy:
I think the Female Rock Vocal category has only in recent years been eliminated from the awards, largely out of the belief that there were too many categories and sub-categories in an already-too-long Grammy telecast to go through. I quite frankly don't buy that argument, given the fact that so many of these awards are handed out before the show even begins.
But indeed Linda and Pat were nominated in the Female Rock Vocal category in the same years, 1980 and 1982, with Pat winning both times. In fact, both were nominated in the Female Pop vocal category in 1985, Linda for her second Nelson Riddle collaboration Lush Life and Pat for "We Belong"; in that case, though, I think Whitney Houston beat them both.
Quote by geno:
With respect to the critics vis-à-vis the Eagles and Poco--I think it's sometimes their modus operandi to pit bands and/or artists against one another. Needless to say, it's a rather ridiculous thing, especially in a scene like the one that flourished here in L.A. between 1965 and 1975 that both those bands, and Linda herself, were a part of.
Re. Tift: She is one of the truly wonderful women who have sprouted up during this millennium in the alternative country/America field, as several of us, yours truly included, can attest to, through albums like Bramble Rose, Tambourine, and her most recent one, 2017's Stitch Of The World. She has her own singer/songwriter style, but she is also very much a believer in the classic country-rock of Linda and Emmylou.
As for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Kennedy Center, and all the other honors: be assured that Linda has always felt it nice to receive these accolades, but at the heart of it all, she always did this for the work, and for the burning need to express herself in the ways she did. As she has said, "If you're working for prizes, you're in big trouble."
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Post by eddiejinnj on Jun 30, 2020 9:49:00 GMT -5
The first award for the category was the year before Linda was first nominated and Donna Summer won for "Hot Stuff." It does seem to have more hx than I thought as an independent category. Thanks, Erik, for inspiring me to look it up. eddiejinnj
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geno
A Number and a Name
Posts: 9
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Post by geno on Jul 6, 2020 18:53:12 GMT -5
I loved the version Carrie Underwood did of "Blue Bayou" at the Kennedy Center Honors. The Riddlesk arrangement for her classic hit was spot on. It's funny to me because "What's New" took me time to really appreciate. The one thing I noticed though was how much Linda's voice had improved. I remember thinking when I first bought What's New that she was going to put her own stamp (country rock) on those classics like Jimmy Buffett has done with 2 older songs on every studio album he has done or the way Willie Nelson did with his "Stardust" album. But by the late 90's I added the other 2 she did with Nelson and I treasure them as much as her early work. Speaking of Willie Nelson when you look at all the ladies he sang with on his "To All the Girls" (2013) if Linda had been healthy would he have included Linda.... ah, wishful thinking or what might have been, I guess cause I would have really loved to hear the 2 of them singing with Trigger being strummed in the back ground. Lily Meola his partner on "Will You Remember Mine" the only newcomer. She's been referred to as being his protégé, I think is one to watch for. She has a sold out 2016 album "They Say", done duets with Kris Kristopherson (Bobby McGee) and Jamey Johnson (Baby it's Cold Outside) and did "Pick Up My Heart" on "King of the Road: A tribute to Roger Miller". She has just 1 song I don't like. It's "Gangsta", a rap song and I now know what my parents and grandparents thought of R&R... lol
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