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Post by sliderocker on Jan 18, 2012 0:39:14 GMT -5
I doubt that Dolly held it against Linda for making that comment about Parton being more of a stranger to her (Ronstadt) than Mexican singers. That sounds like something out of sleezy gossip rag you find in the check out ile. I think Parton gave her word, didn't stand by it because she thought she had more important things that needed to be completed and promoted first. Ronstadt was not too happy about it. I wouldn't doubt Linda wanted things to be perfect as much as possible and that caused issues as well. Parton might have felt the project was taking to much time to complete and maybe used that as an excuse to put her other projects before Trio 2's release and promotion. It would take a pretty childish 48-49 year old to take that Mexican/Tenn. comment as a put down...IMO. They had their problems to work out, but I doubt it had anything to do with the Mexican/Tenn. comment. I can't imagine Linda leaving the real story out of her memoir. I hope she explains what really went on. I've known some pretty childish adults in my time, including some older than 60 who have carried grudges over innocuous comments made by others. Unfortunately, the pop-rock music world is full of less than shining examples of bands whose musicians didn't get along because they said the wrong thing or did the wrong thing (in the other person's mind) and who conntinue to carry grudges to the present time because of those comments or actions. It will be interesting to read Linda's take on the feud with Dolly in her memoir, if it's included. She may however choose to exclude it in the interest of peace, especially if there could be a small bone of contention between the two that could blow up their friendship yet again. Better to leave some things alone than to bring them to the light again, you know?
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Post by sliderocker on Jan 18, 2012 0:52:24 GMT -5
I should've remembered this interview as I was a subscriber to Goldmine during that time. In fact, I was a subscriber from the late 80s up to last year when the magazine kept devolving in the same way Rolling Stone did. Goldmine was the same magazine where I first came across Linda's dislike of her own albums and an account of her getting onto her daughter upon her daughter finding a copy of Rhino's "The Very Best of Linda Ronstadt," which Linda had put away somewhere in her home, unopened.
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Post by erik on Jan 18, 2012 10:24:44 GMT -5
I do think that they managed to patch up whatever hangups they had back in '94 quite well. As recently as last summer, Dolly named Linda as one of her favorite singing partners...in fact, second only to Porter Wagoner: www.thestar.com/article/1014143--hello-dollyAnd then there is her famous quote: " There's really only three female singers in the world: Barbra Streisand; Linda Ronstadt; and Connie Smith. The rest of us are only pretending." It may have been hyperbole on Dolly's part to have said that, but it's not always easy to tell for sure, given her energetic personality.
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Post by MokyWI on Jan 18, 2012 12:46:54 GMT -5
Dolly made that statement about Linda being one of her favorite singers along with Connie Smith and Streisand way back in the late 1970's.
My take on their patching things up is this; Ronstadt and Harris decided to go ahead with the release of Trio 2 in 99 because they thought it a waste for those unused tracks that Emmylou and Dolly sang lead on to sit on a shelf collecting dust. $$$ was the other reason. Ronstadt's records were not selling at that point, Emmylou's were doing a bit better. To me it seemed like Ronstadt was doing her best to promote the record, but it didn't look her and Dolly were as chummy as before. Ronstadt has not worked with her since but Emmylou has.
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Post by erik on Jan 18, 2012 13:28:16 GMT -5
Quote by mikekoecher:
All of these things are true, at least to some extent. Linda did make at least two very good albums during the 90s--Winter Light; and We Ran--and three if you count Feels Like Home. However, I firmly think her insistence on recording Mas Canciones and Frenesi, neither of which did especially well except in the much smaller Latin markets, before going on to Winter Light adversely affected both her record sales and, to some extent, her standing with music critics. Of the eleven albums she released after 1990, none went any higher on the Billboard Album Chart than Trio II; and that was only to #62, not terribly impressive.
If there are any actual differences between Linda and Dolly, I think they are more geographical than anything else. Emmy can work easily with Dolly because they both live in or around Nashville. Linda, however, lives in San Francisco and just doesn't like to travel all that much anymore. And if Linda feels that her voice can no longer cut it like it used to, there's not much either Emmy or Dolly can do, because they sure can't find anyone in Nashville (not even Trisha Yearwood) who can duplicate Linda's vocal intonation and capacity. It just ain't-a gonna happen.
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Post by Guest on Jan 18, 2012 20:27:27 GMT -5
I am especially looking forward to their version of When I Stop Dreaming. Sure hope Linda sings lead on that one.
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Post by erik on Jan 18, 2012 23:37:23 GMT -5
One can always hope.
I had also heard a while back that there was a version of Dolly's "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" that the Trio did with Linda singing lead. If such a version does exist, I hope strong consideration is given to putting that version on the Box Set.
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Post by fabtastique on Feb 4, 2012 12:01:42 GMT -5
Which label will this be on do you think? I noticed that the two Trio albums were available from Rhino but have been removed from their site now?
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Post by erik on Feb 4, 2012 14:23:23 GMT -5
Quote by fabtastique:
Either on Warner, Rhino, or Nonesuch would be my guess. We'll see next month.
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Post by eddiejinnj on Feb 5, 2012 9:35:48 GMT -5
western wall was a number 6 country album. For the late 90's early 00's (the Garth years I think) that was pretty good. she also had 3 Grammy nominations that year also. eddiejinnj
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Post by erik on Feb 5, 2012 13:15:45 GMT -5
It's kind of a shame, though (or rather a monumental shame [IMHO]), that Trio II didn't get the airplay it deserved from country radio, simply because the three of them had suddenly gotten "old", in the opinion of the corporate country music radio culture.
Western Wall would have had an even tougher time anyway because it really is a melange of different contemporary folk and country styles and not just one narrow format. "He Was Mine", however, could have been given a chance as a single at country radio, and probably should have (IMHO).
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Post by nashvilleguy on Feb 15, 2012 0:27:58 GMT -5
I am so excited about this release, I hope the bonus songs are not just those that were included on Emmy's box set.
I would imagine that the animosity behind Dolly & Linda is far gone now.
As far as the comments about Dolly having a temper, this is far from the truth. I have spent lots of time around Dolly and she is by far the most kind, energetic, and supportive person you will ever encounter. I have also worked with her in the studio a couple times and her statement about her nailing a song the first time is most definitely true. Her first take is more than good enough to be the final cut.
One thing about Dolly that may rub people the wrong way though is that she is very professional. She is ALWAYS very busy, and is very prompt, and quick. Dolly is an international superstar, not just a recording artist. She has multiple business ventures that need her attention, and her daily schedule is always full. If she is scheduled to be with you for an hour, you get exactly an hour.
I've also worked with Emmylou quite a bit as well. She is also a very kind lady, not quite as personable and bubbly as Dolly is, but she is a joy to be around. I think she loves animals more than music.
I've never even seen Linda in person, so I don't have any personal reflections of her. Although both Dolly and Emmy have both spoken very fondly of her.
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Post by rick on Feb 15, 2012 5:39:46 GMT -5
I didn't see these quotes by Emmylou posted from an interview she gave in Michigan at the end of January in this thread -- www.billboard.com/#/news/emmylou-harris-following-hard-bargain-with-1005833352.story Meanwhile, this year also marks the 25th anniversary of the first “Trio” album with Ronstadt and Parton. The Grammy Award-winning, chart-topping collaboration will be celebrated with a box set that will combine it and 1999’s “Trio 2” as well as session outtakes that Harris says “might be a real nice surprise for people.”
“That was a great thing to do,” Harris remembers. “Linda and I are really good friends ... and when we first actually met, the first thing we found out about each other was our favorite girl singer was Dolly Parton — and that was before either of us had met Dolly.
“It’s hard to believe it was that long ago, but I’ve got a lot of stuff that was a long time ago now. I’m just happy, and grateful, there are things going on now, too.”
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Post by marksuth on Feb 18, 2012 18:42:29 GMT -5
Just re-joined after being off for a long time. I really enjoy reading all the posts.
I was so excited to hear about this anniversary edition! Has anyone heard Palms of Victory or Softly and Tenderly? Both were Trio II outtakes (I think). Emmylou included them on her Songbird boxed set. Softly and Tenderly is a devastatingly beautiful song. The liner notes by Emmylou say something to the effect that Linda didn't want to use the song because she thought it was too religious. I'm paraphrasing because I don't have it in front of me right now, but it is a beautiful song.
Mark
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Post by rick on Feb 18, 2012 21:35:41 GMT -5
Has anyone heard Palms of Victory or Softly and Tenderly? Both were Trio II outtakes (I think). Emmylou included them on her Songbird boxed set. Softly and Tenderly is a devastatingly beautiful song. The liner notes by Emmylou say something to the effect that Linda didn't want to use the song because she thought it was too religious. I'm paraphrasing because I don't have it in front of me right now, but it is a beautiful song. Mark Yes, Mark, I bought "Songbird." Actually, one of my favorite tracks by Linda, Emmylou and Dolly is "When We're Gone, Long Gone." I believe it is the last track on the fourth and last disc. Am hoping that details about this release will be announced soon.
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Post by nashvilleguy on Feb 20, 2012 14:44:24 GMT -5
"Palms of Victory" was actually an outtake from the original Trio sessions back in the 70s. "When We're Gone, Long Gone" is one of my favorite songs as well.
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Post by erik on Feb 20, 2012 15:06:35 GMT -5
Quote by nashvilleguy:
I think that may have been what happened back in '94 with her and Linda. Not being immersed as Dolly is in all those ventures, Linda by that time tended to submerge herself for months, and sometimes even years, in a single project because she was, rightly or wrongly, a perfectionist. This could have been why she and Dolly were at odds over the Trio II album back then. They have managed to patch things up, though, and Dolly did say just recently that Linda was one of her five favorite collaborators.
And if I'm not mistaken (someone please correct me if I am), even though Dolly walked off with a Brink's truck full of royalty checks from Whitney Houston's recording of "I Will Always Love You", she still saw Linda's 1975 version of it as her favorite.
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Post by nashvilleguy on Feb 21, 2012 13:07:54 GMT -5
Yes, I've heard Dolly say that as well. She has been known to point out that Linda did the very first cover of it in interviews as well.
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Post by rick on Feb 21, 2012 16:05:04 GMT -5
It seemed that there had been more "buzz" of late surrounding this 25th anniversary release. I emailed the guys over at The Second Disc blog where they write about upcoming releases.
Here was the reply --
" We don't have any more news yet on the Trio box set as a release date hasn't yet been scheduled, but rest assured, we're watching this story closely and will have full coverage once the plans formally come together. Can't wait! On behalf of Mike and myself, thanks for reading! "
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Post by nashvilleguy on Feb 21, 2012 20:14:48 GMT -5
I hope we know some details soon. I'm dying to hear these bonus tracks. I hope it doesn't fizzle away like the last Trio set that Rhino was doing.
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Post by philly on Feb 25, 2012 2:37:51 GMT -5
Linda & Dolly seem busier than ever these days, (sigh) if only Linda felt the same way more Emmylou quotes: And even though she turns 65 in April, Harris - who’s making her fourth career Ann Arbor Folk Festival appearance this weekend - isn’t close to being finished.
"No, I don’t understand this retirement contest," she said with a laugh. "They asked Willie (Nelson) once when he was going to retire; he said, ‘All I do is play music and play golf. Which one do you want me to give up?’
"I don’t play golf, so..."
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Post by sliderocker on Feb 26, 2012 0:57:13 GMT -5
Linda & Dolly seem busier than ever these days, (sigh) if only Linda felt the same way more Emmylou quotes: And even though she turns 65 in April, Harris - who’s making her fourth career Ann Arbor Folk Festival appearance this weekend - isn’t close to being finished.
"No, I don’t understand this retirement contest," she said with a laugh. "They asked Willie (Nelson) once when he was going to retire; he said, ‘All I do is play music and play golf. Which one do you want me to give up?’
"I don’t play golf, so..."Good story, and likewise wished Linda felt the same way but with her saying the power in her voice isn't what it used to be and she doesn't want to disappoint her fans, I guess she realized we would be as equally disappointed anyway by news of her decision to retire. But, it was her choice to make, not ours and as a performer she has more than given of herself. So, she has earned her right to retire and enjoy her life in retirement and life with her kids and family.
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Post by Poseur on Feb 26, 2012 14:15:26 GMT -5
Aren't Linda's kids grown and either in college or out of the house now?
The actual 25th anniversary of the release date is March 2 I hope they get this released soon.
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Post by erik on Feb 26, 2012 14:22:57 GMT -5
I think they may be by now. Linda herself, however, stated just last year that she doesn't feel her voice can cut it any longer, and it wouldn't be fair to us the fans, or, more importantly, to herself. If this is the case, so be it. I don't think she really has anything left to prove anyway.
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Post by Partridge on Feb 26, 2012 23:51:30 GMT -5
I think they may be by now. Linda herself, however, stated just last year that she doesn't feel her voice can cut it any longer, and it wouldn't be fair to us the fans, or, more importantly, to herself. If this is the case, so be it. I don't think she really has anything left to prove anyway. Her standards are too high. Has she heard Dionne Warwick, Loretta Lynn, Diana Ross, Thelma Houston-- having trouble recalling names although I hear them all the time- singers who are much farther past their prime than Linda but still get out there. Linda said she didn't have the power any more, so I can see if she wants to give up live concerts, but I am sure she hasn't lost any of the beauty of her voice. The world needs an album of Jimmy Webb songs. And surely she could be talked into a couple of Americana/real country albums. Maybe after the book comes out she can find the time.
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Post by fabtastique on Feb 27, 2012 0:19:00 GMT -5
I agree Tony.... Streisand is another sings whose range has dramatically diminished over the last 10 years, far more so than Linda's but her recent album is truly lovely - she's accepted her vocal limitations. I know Linda loves the Mariachi and Nelson Riddle songs but they are tough songs to sing in concert so retiring those and keeping that wonderful legacy is good thinking.
But I really hope that she changes her mind and records some new material, being in the studio is far more kinder to the voice and I would still love that Jimmy Webb album too.
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Post by sliderocker on Feb 27, 2012 1:22:49 GMT -5
I think they may be by now. Linda herself, however, stated just last year that she doesn't feel her voice can cut it any longer, and it wouldn't be fair to us the fans, or, more importantly, to herself. If this is the case, so be it. I don't think she really has anything left to prove anyway. I think Linda's daughter is either 20 or 21 but I thought I'd read her son was born in 1996, which would make him 16 this year. You can say he's grown but like any parent, Linda's kids are always going to matter to her no matter how old they may be. As for proving anything, Linda doesn't have anything left to prove but if she were to record an album today, she could do it for her own enjoyment with no pressure that it had to sell in the millions. With downloads or even artist vanity labels, she doesn't need to be signed to a major label. Maybe she will record again one day but if that never happens, what she did record and release is worth many repeated listenings.
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Post by fabtastique on Feb 27, 2012 3:08:03 GMT -5
Absolutely, Linda has nothing to prove but I do find it difficult to understand how someone who has repeatedly said how much music is part of her daily life can give it up and not miss it dearly. I live in hope but this Trio reissue is a start. How about a Cry Like A Rainstorm reissue/remaster with I'm Restless and Every Little Bit Hurts as bonus tracks... Plus there must be more hiding somewhere!
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Post by Partridge on Feb 27, 2012 11:47:00 GMT -5
I agree Tony.... Streisand is another sings whose range has dramatically diminished over the last 10 years, far more so than Linda's but her recent album is truly lovely - she's accepted her vocal limitations. Actually, I did think of Streisand as someone whose voice is not what it once was, but is certainly worthy of being heard. I didn't want to be seen as criticizing her because some Streisand fans are even more unforgiving of criticism than Ronstadt fans.
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Post by sliderocker on Feb 27, 2012 12:50:54 GMT -5
Absolutely, Linda has nothing to prove but I do find it difficult to understand how someone who has repeatedly said how much music is part of her daily life can give it up and not miss it dearly. I live in hope but this Trio reissue is a start. How about a Cry Like A Rainstorm reissue/remaster with I'm Restless and Every Little Bit Hurts as bonus tracks... Plus there must be more hiding somewhere! One can always hope she will but as for giving music up and missing it dearly, it may be there's some other reason for her retirement that we don't know nothing about, like a health issue. It's hard to believe that just because her voice isn't as powerful as what it once was, that rather than work with a weaker voice, she'd choose to retire. Then again, maybe she looked at some of those who are her peers who continue to carry on with weaker voices but who struggle with those voices. And perhaps she just felt the time was right to call it a day because she felt tired and needed to rest.
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