Monday, November 18, 2013

Spotlight on Singer Linda Ronstadt

I was saddened to recently learn that Linda Ronstadt, 67, is unable to sing anymore  - she has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.
I grew up with her music in the 70s - her voice always seemed so pure and innocent . 
She was essentially the master of the re-make - not sure if any of her big hits were originals - but her version of others' songs was usually very well done 
Here are my top 5 faves….starting at 5 and working up to my overall fave….

#5.    It's So Easy, 1977, #5 peak 
About as much as a rocker as Ms Ronstadt ever got - very catchy and up-tempo song 

#4.   You're No Good, 1975, #1peak 
Her only #1 song - as a 12 year old listening to it back then, I just thought this was as naughty as a song could ever got (boy, would I be proven wrong!) 

#3.   Don't Know Much (with Aaron Neville), 1989, #2 peak 
One of the best duets of the past few decades - their voices blend beautifully on this ballad 

#2.   Blue Bayou, 1977, #3 peak 
This song took me right back to the bayou that I never had growing up in small-town Ontario….the tempo of the song reminds me of a slow hula dance 
….I still love the line "if I could only see….that familiar sunrise……through sleepy eyes…..how happy I'd be" 

#1.  Blue Train,  1995, (album cut - never released as a single) 
My all-time have from Linda was never a hit single - but is performed with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris on the Trio album.
It's one of those deep, mystical songs….and it's a truly spectacular ballad - I can listen over and over ….a very calming song much like Blue Bayou is


Hope you enjoyed our little tribute to Linda Ronstadt - have a great week!

Kevin 

No comments:

Post a Comment