I had the privilege of "hanging out" with Linda back in the early 70s when I was hanging out with Bernie Leadon. I was a shy young thing and she always made sure to talk to me. She was so kind, warm and gracious. She made me feel that I belonged. Bless you Linda. You are one of the greats in so many ways.
Saw Ronstadt a few months ago at a rare speaking engagement. She looked adorable, tiny in fact. Charming, funny, not a drop of self-absorbed bs, super smart and a wealth of eyewitness history to great music. She has a mind of her own. A treasure of a vocalist -
She looks great for 67. But more importantly, she seems so down to earth - never wanting fame (how refreshing), just the joy of singing. Taking her disease in stride. Great comment about how artists/young singers should expose themselves to all different kinds of art and how it will affect how your art turns out. Wise woman.
Age and disease can not take this woman's soul. She is way too complete and beautiful a person for that. I grew up in the 60's and 70's and have adored her all this time. Beautiful lady...
An extraordinary vocalist, a superstar who got off the celebrity treadmill by choice and brought us an array of brilliant musical sounds. The diversity and natural beauty of Ronstadt's music will not be matched. A smart, cool chick surrounded and beloved by the finest musicians for decades. She looks and sounds , as always ,natural with the warmest eyes on the planet. Ms. Roberts owes Linda a do over on the interview however as Roberts seems starstruck by the all too humble legend.
Can you see how star struck Robin is just interviewing her?. what a voice! what a presence! I have always just been floored by her performances. she was a perfection ist in the studio and her choice of material was brilliant. she has given us so much. I hope she is at peace at this stage. Thank you thank you thank you, Linda
Dear Linda, I cannot thank you enough for the years of joy and solace your music has brought me. You cannot imagine how you affected people with your talent and soulful renditions of great songs. I will always love you and be grateful for the continual gifts you sent my way. I am going to go buy your book right after I type this. May you be blessed with an easy journey during this rough part of your life and may you always know how loved you are.
Ditto to what Tango said. Don’t think she realized how much of impact she has left on us. She has outdone them all. Love you Linda & pray that you can do to Parkinson’s like you’ve done to music.
Oh bless her.....still a beautiful woman 67 or 27....Parkinsons or not. Despite the awkwardness of the interviewer she still puts across what made her so engaging in the first place.....a modest, genuine & ingenuous nature. xxx
I always loved her voice and she seems to be such a beautiful person inside out. With such a great career she does not display one diva attitude. Some people really stayed grounded. I wish her all the best as she goes through this new phase in her life.
Linda is so open and honest in her admissions on her condition, her music and her life... and through it all, she still has that beautiful smile and her positive attitude to match!
A singing voice so pure, so sad, so strong and heartbreakingly beautiful it is hard to believe it was delivered by the pinup gal of her time. She captured our hearts and the best musicians of the day swarmed around her. Fame seemed to be a drag as does this interview. Linda we get ya!
An extraordinary vocalist. Always a bit of an enigma - even when she was completely dominating the charts and much more open to interviews -she seemed to travel to the beat of a different drum. She is still the object of my affection.
She was the greatest female voice in Rock. She took incredible risks with her career and came out on top. She's a remarkable woman with an enormous talent. I will miss her voice.
Fell in love with her in the 1970s and still have a crush on her (looking over my shoulder to make sure my wife isn't watching -- I kid LOL ). Listening to Heart Like a Wheel as I post this.
I can't help but get emotional over this. She really did live a good full life and does look great at 67. I love when she says we should all sing that we don't have to be famous or be on the stage! I love singing her songs on karaoke. Like she says, it's about being free to release our emotions and that's what I experience when I sing her songs. Not only that but I feel I keep her songs alive from that era. it is paying her tribute. Love her and I pray for her.
Linda had perhaps the purest most naturally beautiful set of pipes in American popular music history. This interview is pretty limited but we wish her all the joy in the world. Her southwestern heritage (Mexican and Arizonian), her rare ability to distance herself from that self indulgent celebrity mindset, and a voice that seemed to be from another world is why she is so deeply adored and honored by music lovers and fellow musicians. Oh and she is still a doll to look at.
Yes her voice is "from another world". Mexican, German, Arizonian, Rock, Country, Pop - lables don't matter when the talent is so pure. Good Morning America should have her back and conduct a better, updated interview. Ask her how it felt to be President Obama's boyhood crush.
Lovely. And this is so true about Linda, she is the most modest person too. But it makes me sad when she said "I have had a pretty good life" I said Oooo don't say that I am sure you have got a long life ahead of you Linda. Always love Linda.
A singing voice so pure, so sad, so strong and heartbreakingly beautiful...(words from another commenter)...but I couldn't have said it better myself...I can't imagine her sadness about not being able to do what she loves more than anything else in life, but I hope she can appreciate the memories of how she has brought joy to so many people around the world for so long...Linda is simply the best voice I have ever, ever heard...
Ah, I should add a personal note to Linda. You and another singer really touched the inner heart and it was a real help to a troubled boy and then young man. Songs are doors to emotions and joys of heart and soul. You and many women in music shape that focus and make it real. It is therapy and release. Though I will never meet you, your music and you were a sister I needed to cope. You are and were an inspiration. Linda, thank you for sharing your life and heart in song and music.
Lanajean, thank you for the encouraging update. I will look up her book and read it. Linda, like many artists is one who has the ability to give with great artistic gifts. Singing is just one of her talents. She has the greatest gift of heart, sharing, with many talents to share in every stage of her life. I am thankful she is here sharing with the public. She has endured the music industry which is at best, brutal. I am very impressed by seeing the survivors, which are many. Linda being among them who are appreciated so much. To Linda, great job at your career while giving musical voice to your culture and heritage.
She is the voice of American pop/rock. I sold 90% of my albums over the years....I kept The Beatles, Abba (I love Agnetha Faltskog) , and Ronstadt...My favorite 2 albums are Hasten Down The Wind, and Heart Like A Wheel...
And I quote from 2004 Jazz Times (not an easy crowd to impress) "Linda Ronstadt is in possession of the most sterling set of pipes of her generation. Rarest of rarities, a chameleon who can blend into any musical background and yet remain boldly distinctive. It is a quality shared with few others. An extraordinarily gorgeous voice" This here interview is hardly worthy - her book was a fine read, her music however much more revealing. One day someone will give her the justice that musicians and listeners feel she deeply deserves. Linda never really went in for the star treatment. Until then ...just listen with LUV.
Always a bit of an enigma and elusive regarding her celebrity and much chronicled love life. Her remarkable singing voice, naturally gorgeous and flexible, is one of the great American musical treasures. Linda brought millions of us to fine songwriters and great musicians. Her memoir is charming, smart and poetic if a bit selective. She certainly deserves a better interview but really the music was what mattered. Hearing her sing live from Rock to Riddle to Rancheros was a thrill.
Greatest set of female pipes - an unusual songbird with a deeply musical heart and mind. Most interviews barely do her justice. None of her contemporaries were in her vocal universe back then and nobody comes close now. If someone says otherwise they're lying.
Linda Ronstadt’s music was the soundtrack of my childhood. Having grown up in the 70’s/80’s, I have so many memories of her music...my Dad always loved her, and my sister and I would listen to her on 8-track tapes on the way to camping trips and we would harmonize and belt out her songs. Her voice is a gift, and clearly she is also a wonderful human being. I wish her all the best with her health issues, and appreciate her attitude about having had a great life. It must be reassuring to know that she will live on forever in her music.
The most gorgeous set of pipes on the planet. Linda could be humble to a fault sometimes(she built the foundation for roots rock - while the long-haired boyz that played behind her get too much credit)and the interviewer is simply gushing at the legend. But really what difference does it make? We were there when Linda was doing her thing and there wasn't a man, boy, girl or musician that wouldn't crawl on broken glass to get near her voice, her warmth and her musicianship.
I spent my high school years in teenage angst and Ronstadt was my soundtrack. All those great and sad songs! I still listen to them and I can't say that about alot of my old records!
I absolutely agree with you, that every single person should sing and dance. One doesn't have to be famous or have a career as an artist. Simply to feel good!
lol--that is what practice is for. I always do that part alone in a separate room from other people. Give that a try and no more excuses for not playin' at home.
We have lost that...she grew up as a Mexican-American and has such a wonderful and fascinating story. What she says is profound...all people need personal music ( the way she explains it) God Love Her - i hope she lives to be 100❤️❤️
It is hard to have her wonderful voice silenced...thankfully for us there is a HUGE archive of her music so we can always enjoy it...Hard to believe that in September 2013 she was 67 and now 4 and a half years later she is in her 70's...her music, her legend will never die, though...
Growing up in the 60's and 70's her music was a part of my daily life and I came to love those beautiful brown eyes. When she shared the Mexican side of her musical talent I fell in love all over again...how I will miss seeing her performances but at least I can still enjoy her voice from all the recorded material available. God bless you Linda for sharing his gift to you with the rest of the world. You always have been and still remain a woman of grand class!
What a lovely lady she is. Such an upbeat attitude! And remember, though her glorious singing voice may be silenced, we still have all her songs and music to remember her by for always.
God Bless Linda! May she enter into new depths of understanding and meaning in her life as she draws closer to her Lord and Savior. She has a beautiful soul, and I pray that her soul continues to prosper and be restored day by day, moment, by moment!
Hard to believe she is 67. Still as sweet now as she was back in her heyday when she was one of the best. A beautiful person who should be a rolemodel for everyone about how to make music and singing a real part of your life. I really hope they find a cure for this awful disease.
I am crying!!! There's a tear rolling down my cheek this very moment .. I read a tweet recently quoting Bob Dylan, "Behind every beautiful thing there's great pain." All those hours of practice, 6 to 8 hours a day, and ten years before she thought she was singing properly; I gather the work she's proudest of are the albums she did with Nelson Riddle, the last released after Nelson's passing; and she was so particular about them; she'd done some test recordings with Jerry Wexler as producer she wasn't happy with (without you Jerry, we wouldn't have Aretha Franklin .. thank you (Jerry among so many songs produced 'I Say A little Prayer')); she felt too exposed, and ended up recording with Nelson; I feel those three albums are her best work, and Nelson's too. Years and years ago I was in a shopping center; I'd just finished a music exam I'd put my absolute heart and soul into and was kind of floating on air I was so happy; near where I was there was a conversation going on between a girl and her friend; she'd just been to see Linda, travelling a long way, and at great expense; the way she spoke of the experience was the same way the only guitarist I've ever met who saw Jimi Hendrix live expressed that experience (pardon the pun!) .. actually, he couldn't express it .. he had this kind of look, like he'd seen a ghost .. it was beyond words .. funny I've just been playing my guitar .. improvising .. developing some ideas .. very much in the zone .. blissing out .. no substances .. the music's all I need .. Jimi's been here with me, in spirit, and so has Linda .. the day I found out, a few months ago, I think, that Linda wasn't going to be able to sing for us anymore I went into a kind of shock .. and cried many tears .. but you know, she's still here with us, and in this short interview spoke of mentoring choirs, and most of all, encouraging us all to make music .. hmmm .. it just occurred to me .. just maybe I might get to sing in a choir mentored by Linda! Now wouldn't that be just SO beyond words .. perhaps I might see some of you there? Hopefully!
I've had many young people ask me in the past why I could sing the way I did and how could they learn. I told them the exact same thing as Linda said during this interview. I too used to ig for many countless hours a day using sound tracks that went from really low key, medium and to a high; I mean a high C to end. To feel the song with all of my heart and to listen to evry instrument when singing to my accompaniment soundtracks. Music truly is the universal language so I even sang at seniors homes and in a hospital for the elderly chronically ill, and most serious stroke victims. I called this music therapy 28 years before we've heard this term on TV now. I could see that when I sang songs from their past how their eyes would light up or tears would fall down their faces; not because they were sad but because it brought back good memories to them. To play one's instrument and to sing in as many places as possible is a gift to those who listen. I like you have never been into getting high on drugs nor even alcohol because the moment I listen to songs I love I get a natural high. I feel the music right into the depths of my soul; and yes, indeed, that's all I need. I know for everyone that knows about Linda; they too are sad. However as you've said, she'll always be in our hearts full of love for her, remembering the concerts we went to when she was sing and just mesmerized by her . To think of how truly humble she is about all of it just is so wonderful. I pray a cure is soon found because they are discovering cures for so many diseases that were once impossible to cure. lInda is a praying women right ong with Emmylou Harris; so nothing is impossible with God. Thank you so much for your words and don't waste your talent! The world always needs more music. Sorry for any typos in this.
Linda Ronstadt....what a babe! I'm 36 years old and my father played her music to me when i was kid and I still remember it. Great talent! Stone Ponies Rock!
Ronstadt had an incredible sound and style...she is a One in a Million performer. Be that as it may be, good wishes to you Linda and hopefully you can beat Parkinson's, or not allow it to beat you. Love you.
I had one of Linda Ronstadt's greatest albums In the 80 s .....BACK IN THE USA We listened to it all the time at our parties Tumbling Dice .....just turn it up !!! Love all the great songs !!! Thanks so much Linda !!! Wonderful voice...your e the best !! Dennis W
Powerful flexible singing voice. My favorite female rocker, balladeer, mariachi - whatever she sang. Always generous to other musicians. Linda had a mind of her own - she used it well - made it out alive. Hang in there -
There are reasons every musician from Keith Richards to Rosemary Clooney swarmed around her. Her one of a kind pure, intense, clear singing voice, her generous heart, and an honesty that made her a reluctant superstar. The memoir is a great read, her music lives on but she remains elusive. Be well Linda - thanks for the songs.
Great memoir by Linda Ronstadt. Linda will always have a special place in my heart. I grew up rewinding and replaying her music on cassette tapes... listening to her voice and sometimes imagining myself singing with her on stage. I love what she reminds us of here... In order to get good, you really have to work hard at it everyday.
I got to see her only once live, at Aqua Fest in Austin in the early 90s. Her voice was simply amazing live, nothing like the lip syncing that is so prevalent today. It was standing room only, no seating, but I could have kept on my feet all night, just to listen to her sing. Amazing lady. Glad to see she still has that strong will, too.
Saw here there too - was that the show that she was asking the audience for some Cutter because the mosquitoes were so bad? Loved the show I saw. Big wow that the AF developed into SXSW later...take care.
I was blessed to see her in a small local theater, the Capital in Passaic NJ, in I think 1977. Great live performance, it left an impression on me that I will never forget, of how great a woman can sing.
I first saw her live in August 1970, when "Long Long Time" was current on the radio. She was one of several performers (Tony Joe White, Classics IV, others) at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, and was trying to make it as a solo artist after having left the Stone Poneys. My sister and I went to the concert with free tickets from a friend, and I really wasn't familiar with her. But from the very first song she sang, I knew I had to buy her record! I went to every venue where she performed that I could get to (Disneyland, Palomino Club in North Hollywood, Valley State College - now Cal State University Northridge CSUN - and others) before she became famous, as she was gaining popularity. It went from paying $3 to see her at the Palomino Club in 1972 to $65 at Universal Amphitheater in 1976 (then I knew how Cavern Club Beatles fans felt when they became famous). When I got married in 1977 I had already made my husband a fan while we were dating. We went to every show we could get to; sometimes two nights in a row. Bought every album or CD as soon as they were released. I loved every style, as she could sing it all! So fortunate that she was able to share that voice with us for so many years!
Fiendish Thingy Probably the only other female singer that I love to hear (on record/CD) is Judy Garland (I never saw her live; she died shortly after my high school graduation in 1969).
Pure wisdom: "Be prepared. Read as widely as you can. Go to museums, look at visual art. Look at every kind of art. Listen to every kind of music. With verything you listen to, everything you see, everything you hear is gonna affect what your art is."
Linda's Midnight Special concerts on TV were always something special. Never got the chance to see her do live rock and roll. By the time I grew up she wasn't doing rock and roll concerts anymore but more ballads, swing music, latin music and opera. What a diverse career. What a person.
Her's has to be one of the finest voices ever to be recorded, my favorite songs by her are "Prisoner In Disquise" and "Faithless Love" (both written by John David Souther), Linda I'm praying for happiness and joy in your life now, it's got to be so hard to not be able to sing any longer.
I have always loved Linda. She is one of my all time favorite voices/singers. I am so sorry to hear about the Parkinsons but know that she will maintain herself with her usual grace.
My favorite female singer, Linda Ronstadt!!! SPANISH or English songs!!! She has an incredible & beautiful voice!!! GOD BLESS & KEEP HER HEALTHY & SAFE!!!
Yesica1993 Excuse me but according the the DSM manual, that happens to be an illness also. And Whitney wasn't that way before marrying an abusive addicted husband, which is another issue in itself.
She's an American treasure, no doubt. Incredibly talented singer, so many great songs! I've always admired her social activism as well, she took a stand against Bush when other artists were too afraid to say anything. God Bless! xox
Hi Linda!!!Yhanks for all the years you delighted us wirh your beautiful voice. You are such a great lady!!! ALL THE VERY BEST. GRACIAS POR TODO!!!!!!!!
Linda Ronstadt we still love you. You had the most heartfelt way to sing I'll never forget when I saw you in San Diego in 1972. It was special. You filled the auditorium with your voice, it was angelic.
In my view, I think Linda was the Best singer of her time, & most Beautiful, I have always loved her singing, & wish her well with her Battel against Parkingson,s .~ Arthur
She is so beautifully spoken and humble and is handling PD with such incredible grace. You continue to make our lives richer. The world loves you and wishes you the best, always.
You can't go away, Linda. I have everything you've ever sung, and I can hear your heavenly voice whenever I want. Thanks for the gift that you gave us. We remember.
How absolutely heartbreaking. When you consider what Linda has done and how she sings and what a superb artist she is, I won't say was, she is a real star among stars, still.
I just don't understand how some people could be so cruel. It must take a lot of hate to carry a grudge 40 yrs. My only Aunt died from this awful disease. Nobody deserves that. What goes around comes around I've always heard. Bless you Linda, and thank you for sharing your gift with us.
Rock's Venus. A humble superstar that everyone wanted a piece of. Crawled away from the muck and shuck to do her own thing. Greatest set of natural pipes on the planet - don't let any f!@"kers tell you otherwise. Linda was a very rare vocalist.
Linda Ronstadt is & always will be my favorite female singer. I have followed her & her music since the early 70's. I have all her albums & have always related to her as well. I was fortunate enough to have seen her in concert twice. There are many current female vocalists as well now that I like, such as Norah Jones, Annie Lennox, Mandy Barnett; but Linda will always be my favorite ! I just don't understand the negative comments. People can be so cruel. Thank you, Linda, for your music all these years. You are an amazing person.
A true talent that never had machines or props to make her look or sound good. She is phenomenal! Thanks for the memories Linda, saw you in concert and it was one of the best I've ever seen. Much love.....
Just finishing Linda's wonderful autobiography, "Simple Dreams" ... a GREAT read, especially for a huge fan like me who grew up on her music (and of all the great '70s artists she includes in her book -- from Jackson Browne and J.D. Souther to The Eagles, Neil Young and Emmy Lou Harris). You still ROCK, Linda!
My favorite singer of all time...… I was very young when Linda was popular but every time one of her songs came on the radio I would just stop what I was doing and just listen....I still do today.thank you very much....
+Ajax10449 Please. Olivia was top 40 and her songs totally sucked. Who can forget: "heart attack, heart attack, you're givin' me a heart attack"? Just really bad stuff. She's more in the Cher category.
Olivia was a victim of the time with that song..Even the Rollings Stones had bad songs and albums..Rod Stewart sang 'Gasoline Alley' then went along a decade later to sing 'do you think i'm sexy'..if you are around long enough everyone has some bad songs and albums...As a "Heart' fan i am well aware of this
One of the most talented vocalists of all time (if you said the most, I wouldn't argue) and yet so very humble. She laid the foundation for so many other artists after her, not least Jackson Browne and the Eagles. God bless her.
I wore out an eight track of the Stone Poneys until it squeaked and squawked, "Stoney End" just hissed. Love Linda's voice. Parkinson's has wrecked the lives of too many sufferers, family and friends. The best to you Linda.
Linda this disease may have taken your voice but you are still beautiful lady and may God bless you. You will always be one of the great singers of our time.
Such a shame that Parkinson's has quieted her great singing voice. But I like her speaking voice too--very cute, Minnie Mouse-ish (and I say that with all respect too). So smart too, she is. Love ya Linda!
I love what she says about using music and singing just to express yourself, even if you're not a professional. I suffered a teenage trauma of being ridiculed for my singing when I auditioned for a high school musical. Even the music teacher looked down her nose at me. After that I stopped singing except in private to myself. That was 41 years ago. Thank you, Linda. Ironically, I have permission from the greatest female singer of all time to let my pitiful voice out of its cage!
Ms. Linda ... you are the very first female singer who totally captivated me. I won't tell my age, just suffice it to say I've loved you since The Stone Poney days. I've got an armful of your album/cd's and it goes without saying - your legacy is within these. Thank you so much for teaching me to love ballads! You've been all that and then some in my eyes! Take care!
I had the privilege of "hanging out" with Linda back in the early 70s when I was hanging out with Bernie Leadon. I was a shy young thing and she always made sure to talk to me. She was so kind, warm and gracious. She made me feel that I belonged. Bless you Linda. You are one of the greats in so many ways.
She is so down to earth about life, I like her openness and honesty.
One of the BEST voices back in the day! ❤️❤️
Saw Ronstadt a few months ago at a rare speaking engagement. She looked adorable, tiny in fact. Charming, funny, not a drop of self-absorbed bs, super smart and a wealth of eyewitness history to great music. She has a mind of her own. A treasure of a vocalist -
Gustavino K did she seem healthy?
She looks great for 67. But more importantly, she seems so down to earth - never wanting fame (how refreshing), just the joy of singing. Taking her disease in stride. Great comment about how artists/young singers should expose themselves to all different kinds of art and how it will affect how your art turns out. Wise woman.
Age and disease can not take this woman's soul. She is way too complete and beautiful a person for that. I grew up in the 60's and 70's and have adored her all this time. Beautiful lady...
Paul Dirac ... dude just hush on up.
I totally agree.
Yes...yes totally I agree Linda forever and ever
Ditto!
Amen to that!!! She's my favorite Rock singer, a beautiful human being.
She is and always will be my favorite singer. Heart Wrenching.
One of THE most pure and powerful female voices to EVER grace our eardrums...
Linda, I hope you know you still have fans who love and miss you!
An extraordinary vocalist, a superstar who got off the celebrity treadmill by choice and brought us an array of brilliant musical sounds. The diversity and natural beauty of Ronstadt's music will not be matched. A smart, cool chick surrounded and beloved by the finest musicians for decades. She looks and sounds , as always ,natural with the warmest eyes on the planet. Ms. Roberts owes Linda a do over on the interview however as Roberts seems starstruck by the all too humble legend.
Thank you Linda for a lifetime of beautiful music. God Bless and hope you feel well.
Absolutely❤
Can you see how star struck Robin is just interviewing her?. what a voice! what a presence! I have always just been floored by her performances. she was a perfection ist in the studio and her choice of material was brilliant. she has given us so much. I hope she is at peace at this stage. Thank you thank you thank you, Linda
She is one of the best vocalists barre none! She has done it all!
She sang Somewhere Out there with the late James Ingram.
This woman and Roy orison Absolute great voices
Dear Linda, I cannot thank you enough for the years of joy and solace your music has brought me. You cannot imagine how you affected people with your talent and soulful renditions of great songs. I will always love you and be grateful for the continual gifts you sent my way. I am going to go buy your book right after I type this. May you be blessed with an easy journey during this rough part of your life and may you always know how loved you are.
Ditto to what Tango said. Don’t think she realized how much of impact she has left on us. She has outdone them all. Love you Linda & pray that you can do to Parkinson’s like you’ve done to music.
Tango Eliott gotis. Reddijng
Oh bless her.....still a beautiful woman 67 or 27....Parkinsons or not. Despite the awkwardness of the interviewer she still puts across what made her so engaging in the first place.....a modest, genuine & ingenuous nature. xxx
Agree and yes, that interviewer was tremendously annoying..
Linda Ronstadt is more beautiful than ever, so gracious in her cruel illness. Bless her.
I always loved her voice and she seems to be such a beautiful person inside out. With such a great career she does not display one diva attitude. Some people really stayed grounded. I wish her all the best as she goes through this new phase in her life.
Linda is so open and honest in her admissions on her condition, her music and her life... and through it all, she still has that beautiful smile and her positive attitude to match!
You can’t take away that beauty no matter what happens
Yes, she's a beautiful person, a great singer a great human being.
A singing voice so pure, so sad, so strong and heartbreakingly beautiful it is hard to believe it was delivered by the pinup gal of her time. She captured our hearts and the best musicians of the day swarmed around her. Fame seemed to be a drag as does this interview. Linda we get ya!
"Something's gonna getcha". Those words are so true, so live life while you still can. Love Linda.❤
So pure and so natural! How refreshing! True talent! True class!
I still can believe why she's not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, she was better than many on it.
Wayne Taylor She made it this year or will be make it this year?. I didn't heard anything about it, at least yet.
My gosh, if Madonna can be in it, Linda R. should be in it several times over.
Iggy Dickson I agree 100% with you.
Class of 2014, she finally made it - LONG overdue !
Andres Paz She is
An extraordinary vocalist. Always a bit of an enigma - even when she was completely dominating the charts and much more open to interviews -she seemed to travel to the beat of a different drum. She is still the object of my affection.
A Different Drum was her very first hit. Do you remember the name of her band? I think the year was 1967. I was in junior high school.
Barbara Winsor Stone Poneys
She was the greatest female voice in Rock. She took incredible risks with her career and came out on top. She's a remarkable woman with an enormous talent. I will miss her voice.
we are blessed to have her recordings. She sings on
Well said.
Ela morreu?😢
She still looks great .... She was a teenage crush of mine .... Bless you Linda.
Mine too! Fell in love with her back in the 70's..."Long, Long Time."
Fell in love with her in the 1970s and still have a crush on her (looking over my shoulder to make sure my wife isn't watching -- I kid LOL ). Listening to Heart Like a Wheel as I post this.
A Pullara qqq
I can't help but get emotional over this. She really did live a good full life and does look great at 67. I love when she says we should all sing that we don't have to be famous or be on the stage! I love singing her songs on karaoke. Like she says, it's about being free to release our emotions and that's what I experience when I sing her songs. Not only that but I feel I keep her songs alive from that era. it is paying her tribute. Love her and I pray for her.
I couldn't agree with you more! What she said was such an inspiration to me to sing her songs!
Amen!
Dee Deediro 😔😔
Linda had perhaps the purest most naturally beautiful set of pipes in American popular music history. This interview is pretty limited but we wish her all the joy in the world. Her southwestern heritage (Mexican and Arizonian), her rare ability to distance herself from that self indulgent celebrity mindset, and a voice that seemed to be from another world is why she is so deeply adored and honored by music lovers and fellow musicians. Oh and she is still a doll to look at.
Ronstadt is of German descent too.
Yes, the only fly in the excellent soup actually was the interviewer, who didn't do a great job and looked so artificial
Yes her voice is "from another world". Mexican, German, Arizonian, Rock, Country, Pop - lables don't matter when the talent is so pure. Good Morning America should have her back and conduct a better, updated interview. Ask her how it felt to be President Obama's boyhood crush.
+mannythanx not just Obama's.
Lovely. And this is so true about Linda, she is the most modest person too. But it makes me sad when she said "I have had a pretty good life" I said Oooo don't say that I am sure you have got a long life ahead of you Linda. Always love Linda.
A singing voice so pure, so sad, so strong and heartbreakingly beautiful...(words from another commenter)...but I couldn't have said it better myself...I can't imagine her sadness about not being able to do what she loves more than anything else in life, but I hope she can appreciate the memories of how she has brought joy to so many people around the world for so long...Linda is simply the best voice I have ever, ever heard...
Linda was more than her voice, that was such a beautiful gift and we enjoyed this. But, she was a woman who shared and gave us such joy. Thank you.
Ah, I should add a personal note to Linda.
You and another singer really touched the inner heart and it was a real help to a troubled boy and then young man. Songs are doors to emotions and joys of heart and soul. You and many women in music shape that focus and make it real. It is therapy and release. Though I will never meet you, your music and you were a sister I needed to cope. You are and were an inspiration. Linda, thank you for sharing your life and heart in song and music.
Amen.
Linda is still alive and well and has written a wonderful book about her life. She is still creative and inspiring others, with or without voice.
Lanajean, thank you for the encouraging update. I will look up her book and read it. Linda, like many artists is one who has the ability to give with great artistic gifts. Singing is just one of her talents. She has the greatest gift of heart, sharing, with many talents to share in every stage of her life. I am thankful she is here sharing with the public.
She has endured the music industry which is at best, brutal. I am very impressed by seeing the survivors, which are many. Linda being among them who are appreciated so much.
To Linda, great job at your career while giving musical voice to your culture and heritage.
She is the voice of American pop/rock. I sold 90% of my albums over the years....I kept The Beatles, Abba (I love Agnetha Faltskog) , and Ronstadt...My favorite 2 albums are Hasten Down The Wind, and Heart Like A Wheel...
And I quote from 2004 Jazz Times (not an easy crowd to impress) "Linda Ronstadt is in possession of the most sterling set of pipes of her generation. Rarest of rarities, a chameleon who can blend into any musical background and yet remain boldly distinctive. It is a quality shared with few others. An extraordinarily gorgeous voice" This here interview is hardly worthy - her book was a fine read, her music however much more revealing. One day someone will give her the justice that musicians and listeners feel she deeply deserves. Linda never really went in for the star treatment. Until then ...just listen with LUV.
Linda was the finest popular vocalist of the 20th Century to my ears. An unassuming charmer as well.
Rarest of rarities. indeed
+Beenthere Donethat "Average?!!!!" Puh-Leez, crawl back under that rock until your new ears are delivered!
Sally Sheridan Wonder if you got to see the 2019 documentary, and if you did, what you thought about it.
Always a bit of an enigma and elusive regarding her celebrity and much chronicled love life. Her remarkable singing voice, naturally gorgeous and flexible, is one of the great American musical treasures. Linda brought millions of us to fine songwriters and great musicians. Her memoir is charming, smart and poetic if a bit selective. She certainly deserves a better interview but really the music was what mattered. Hearing her sing live from Rock to Riddle to Rancheros was a thrill.
Harry C She is still adorable! It’s nice that she can still get out sometimes. Bless her heart.
She was born with spectacular voice.
and then she worked to be the best singer and stylist she could. She did say she felt she learned to sing after about 10 years, so modest.
Greatest set of female pipes - an unusual songbird with a deeply musical heart and mind. Most interviews barely do her justice. None of her contemporaries were in her vocal universe back then and nobody comes close now. If someone says otherwise they're lying.
agreed!
I wish I could give her a hug and kiss on the cheek and tell her how much I loved listening to her back in the day.
I think mostly because s he was a country singer more than anything else not a rock and roller
Linda Ronstadt’s music was the soundtrack of my childhood. Having grown up in the 70’s/80’s, I have so many memories of her music...my Dad always loved her, and my sister and I would listen to her on 8-track tapes on the way to camping trips and we would harmonize and belt out her songs. Her voice is a gift, and clearly she is also a wonderful human being. I wish her all the best with her health issues, and appreciate her attitude about having had a great life. It must be reassuring to know that she will live on forever in her music.
P Story
You got to love warp 8-track after playing Linda Ronstadt’s music over and over again. We wore them out as kids.
The most gorgeous set of pipes on the planet. Linda could be humble to a fault sometimes(she built the foundation for roots rock - while the long-haired boyz that played behind her get too much credit)and the interviewer is simply gushing at the legend. But really what difference does it make? We were there when Linda was doing her thing and there wasn't a man, boy, girl or musician that wouldn't crawl on broken glass to get near her voice, her warmth and her musicianship.
I spent my high school years in teenage angst and Ronstadt was my soundtrack. All those great and sad songs! I still listen to them and I can't say that about alot of my old records!
I absolutely agree with you, that every single person should sing and dance. One doesn't have to be famous or have a career as an artist. Simply to feel good!
"Roslyn Picton" If I sung and danced people would not feel good and they would let me know it.
lol--that is what practice is for. I always do that part alone in a separate room from other people. Give that a try and no more excuses for not playin' at home.
...and it's clear that she loved to sing
We have lost that...she grew up as a Mexican-American and has such a wonderful and fascinating story. What she says is profound...all people need personal music ( the way she explains it) God Love Her - i hope she lives to be 100❤️❤️
Read her early 1980 interview in Playboy. R&RHOF can't recognize greatness if it fell on its head.
It is hard to have her wonderful voice silenced...thankfully for us there is a HUGE archive of her music so we can always enjoy it...Hard to believe that in September 2013 she was 67 and now 4 and a half years later she is in her 70's...her music, her legend will never die, though...
Growing up in the 60's and 70's her music was a part of my daily life and I came to love those beautiful brown eyes. When she shared the Mexican side of her musical talent I fell in love all over again...how I will miss seeing her performances but at least I can still enjoy her voice from all the recorded material available. God bless you Linda for sharing his gift to you with the rest of the world. You always have been and still remain a woman of grand class!
What a lovely lady she is. Such an upbeat attitude! And remember, though her glorious singing voice may be silenced, we still have all her songs and music to remember her by for always.
God Bless Linda! May she enter into new depths of understanding and meaning in her life as she draws closer to her Lord and Savior. She has a beautiful soul, and I pray that her soul continues to prosper and be restored day by day, moment, by moment!
Sending Healing, Prayers for you Linda.🙇 Love your Music,will be a Fan 4ever ♡ ☆ ♡
Loved how she sang 'Desperado' with such feeling and compassion in her voice..A true gem..
Hard to believe she is 67. Still as sweet now as she was back in her heyday when she was one of the best. A beautiful person who should be a rolemodel for everyone about how to make music and singing a real part of your life. I really hope they find a cure for this awful disease.
Oh, I could just cry! My very favorite female singer of all time!
I am crying!!! There's a tear rolling down my cheek this very moment .. I read a tweet recently quoting Bob Dylan, "Behind every beautiful thing there's great pain." All those hours of practice, 6 to 8 hours a day, and ten years before she thought she was singing properly; I gather the work she's proudest of are the albums she did with Nelson Riddle, the last released after Nelson's passing; and she was so particular about them; she'd done some test recordings with Jerry Wexler as producer she wasn't happy with (without you Jerry, we wouldn't have Aretha Franklin .. thank you (Jerry among so many songs produced 'I Say A little Prayer')); she felt too exposed, and ended up recording with Nelson; I feel those three albums are her best work, and Nelson's too. Years and years ago I was in a shopping center; I'd just finished a music exam I'd put my absolute heart and soul into and was kind of floating on air I was so happy; near where I was there was a conversation going on between a girl and her friend; she'd just been to see Linda, travelling a long way, and at great expense; the way she spoke of the experience was the same way the only guitarist I've ever met who saw Jimi Hendrix live expressed that experience (pardon the pun!) .. actually, he couldn't express it .. he had this kind of look, like he'd seen a ghost .. it was beyond words .. funny I've just been playing my guitar .. improvising .. developing some ideas .. very much in the zone .. blissing out .. no substances .. the music's all I need .. Jimi's been here with me, in spirit, and so has Linda .. the day I found out, a few months ago, I think, that Linda wasn't going to be able to sing for us anymore I went into a kind of shock .. and cried many tears .. but you know, she's still here with us, and in this short interview spoke of mentoring choirs, and most of all, encouraging us all to make music .. hmmm .. it just occurred to me .. just maybe I might get to sing in a choir mentored by Linda! Now wouldn't that be just SO beyond words .. perhaps I might see some of you there? Hopefully!
I've had many young people ask me in the past why I could sing the way I did and how could they learn. I told them the exact same thing as Linda said during this interview. I too used to ig for many countless hours a day using sound tracks that went from really low key, medium and to a high; I mean a high C to end. To feel the song with all of my heart and to listen to evry instrument when singing to my accompaniment soundtracks.
Music truly is the universal language so I even sang at seniors homes and in a hospital for the elderly chronically ill, and most serious stroke victims. I called this music therapy 28 years before we've heard this term on TV now. I could see that when I sang songs from their past how their eyes would light up or tears would fall down their faces; not because they were sad but because it brought back good memories to them.
To play one's instrument and to sing in as many places as possible is a gift to those who listen.
I like you have never been into getting high on drugs nor even alcohol because the moment I listen to songs I love I get a natural high. I feel the music right into the depths of my soul; and yes, indeed, that's all I need.
I know for everyone that knows about Linda; they too are sad. However as you've said, she'll always be in our hearts full of love for her, remembering the concerts we went to when she was sing and just mesmerized by her . To think of how truly humble she is about all of it just is so wonderful. I pray a cure is soon found because they are discovering cures for so many diseases that were once impossible to cure. lInda is a praying women right ong with Emmylou Harris; so nothing is impossible with God.
Thank you so much for your words and don't waste your talent! The world always needs more music.
Sorry for any typos in this.
Linda Kostin
Thanks so much for your encouraging words Linda!
God bless.
Stevie!
(-:
Linda Kostin Such agreat post! Thank you.
Linda Ronstadt brought me here
Linda Ronstadt....what a babe! I'm 36 years old and my father played her music to me when i was kid and I still remember it. Great talent! Stone Ponies Rock!
Very special songbird. Divine voice - a champion of songwriters and fellow musicians. People still make up stuff about her.
Ronstadt had an incredible sound and style...she is a One in a Million performer. Be that as it may be, good wishes to you Linda and hopefully you can beat Parkinson's, or not allow it to beat you. Love you.
Linda is a total sweet heart and I dearly hope she lives for many many more years.
I had one of Linda Ronstadt's greatest albums
In the 80 s .....BACK IN THE USA
We listened to it all the time at our parties
Tumbling Dice .....just turn it up !!!
Love all the great songs !!!
Thanks so much Linda !!!
Wonderful voice...your e the best !!
Dennis W
Powerful flexible singing voice. My favorite female rocker, balladeer, mariachi - whatever she sang. Always generous to other musicians. Linda had a mind of her own - she used it well - made it out alive. Hang in there -
There are reasons every musician from Keith Richards to Rosemary Clooney swarmed around her. Her one of a kind pure, intense, clear singing voice, her generous heart, and an honesty that made her a reluctant superstar. The memoir is a great read, her music lives on but she remains elusive. Be well Linda - thanks for the songs.
My husband has been diagnosed, 😢😢 Parkinson’s, I cried that day, now it’s 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Best Wishes Linda Ronstat
Great memoir by Linda Ronstadt. Linda will always have a special place in my heart. I grew up rewinding and replaying her music on cassette tapes... listening to her voice and sometimes imagining myself singing with her on stage. I love what she reminds us of here... In order to get good, you really have to work hard at it everyday.
I got to see her only once live, at Aqua Fest in Austin in the early 90s. Her voice was simply amazing live, nothing like the lip syncing that is so prevalent today. It was standing room only, no seating, but I could have kept on my feet all night, just to listen to her sing. Amazing lady. Glad to see she still has that strong will, too.
Saw here there too - was that the show that she was asking the audience for some Cutter because the mosquitoes were so bad? Loved the show I saw. Big wow that the AF developed into SXSW later...take care.
I think it was, because as I recall the mosquitoes were awful that night. :) Take care to you too.
I was blessed to see her in a small local theater, the Capital in Passaic NJ, in I think 1977. Great live performance, it left an impression on me that I will never forget, of how great a woman can sing.
I first saw her live in August 1970, when "Long Long Time" was current on the radio. She was one of several performers (Tony Joe White, Classics IV, others) at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, and was trying to make it as a solo artist after having left the Stone Poneys. My sister and I went to the concert with free tickets from a friend, and I really wasn't familiar with her. But from the very first song she sang, I knew I had to buy her record! I went to every venue where she performed that I could get to (Disneyland, Palomino Club in North Hollywood, Valley State College - now Cal State University Northridge CSUN - and others) before she became famous, as she was gaining popularity. It went from paying $3 to see her at the Palomino Club in 1972 to $65 at Universal Amphitheater in 1976 (then I knew how Cavern Club Beatles fans felt when they became famous). When I got married in 1977 I had already made my husband a fan while we were dating. We went to every show we could get to; sometimes two nights in a row. Bought every album or CD as soon as they were released. I loved every style, as she could sing it all! So fortunate that she was able to share that voice with us for so many years!
Fiendish Thingy Probably the only other female singer that I love to hear (on record/CD) is Judy Garland (I never saw her live; she died shortly after my high school graduation in 1969).
I grew up with her music since childhood. she had a hell of a voice!
Pure wisdom: "Be prepared. Read as widely as you can. Go to museums, look at visual art. Look at every kind of art. Listen to every kind of music. With verything you listen to, everything you see, everything you hear is gonna affect what your art is."
Beautiful Spirit! Thank you for following your gift.... And then sharing it with those who have an ear and wanted to hear! Blessings Love!
67 and still so beautiful . . .
Neil diamond I am I said
Sad that people need to face diseases which are not mcureable
She looks incredible! What a beautiful lady and so sweet!
Linda, you made so many of us happy sharing your beautiful songs. You're loved !!!
Linda's Midnight Special concerts on TV were always something special. Never got the chance to see her do live rock and roll. By the time I grew up she wasn't doing rock and roll concerts anymore but more ballads, swing music, latin music and opera. What a diverse career. What a person.
Her's has to be one of the finest voices ever to be recorded, my favorite songs by her are "Prisoner In Disquise" and "Faithless Love" (both written by John David Souther), Linda I'm praying for happiness and joy in your life now, it's got to be so hard to not be able to sing any longer.
I have always loved Linda. She is one of my all time favorite voices/singers. I am so sorry to hear about the Parkinsons but know that she will maintain herself with her usual grace.
My favorite female singer, Linda Ronstadt!!! SPANISH or English songs!!! She has an incredible & beautiful voice!!! GOD BLESS & KEEP HER HEALTHY & SAFE!!!
So many people from around the world love Linda Ronstadt a truly gifted lady!
I love her. I'm extremely pissed off that she is sick and lost her voice. That VOICE. Life is so unfair.
I felt the same way about Whitney Houston. And addiction is a sickness.
Lanajean Vecchione
Very sad that Whitney died from her illness. She was so talented.
How cool is it that it even happens at all.
FleurPillager Whitney had no "illness". She was a drug addict.
Yesica1993 Excuse me but according the the DSM manual, that happens to be an illness also. And Whitney wasn't that way before marrying an abusive addicted husband, which is another issue in itself.
She's an American treasure, no doubt. Incredibly talented singer, so many great songs! I've always admired her social activism as well, she took a stand against Bush when other artists were too afraid to say anything. God Bless! xox
Hi Linda!!!Yhanks for all the years you delighted us wirh your beautiful voice. You are such a great lady!!! ALL THE VERY BEST. GRACIAS POR TODO!!!!!!!!
Linda Ronstadt we still love you. You had the most heartfelt way to sing I'll never forget when I saw you in San Diego in 1972. It was special. You filled the auditorium with your voice, it was angelic.
I play 'Different Drum' almost daily. Never has a song touched me so much. Linda needs a special word to describe how special she is!
In my view, I think Linda was the Best singer of her time, & most Beautiful, I have always loved her singing, & wish her well with her Battel against Parkingson,s .~ Arthur
arinvests
She is so beautifully spoken and humble and is handling PD with such incredible grace. You continue to make our lives richer. The world loves you and wishes you the best, always.
You can't go away, Linda. I have everything you've ever sung, and I can hear your heavenly voice whenever I want. Thanks for the gift that you gave us. We remember.
I want to thank you on behalf of my adolescent self for your music back then guided me thru times of confusion and sorrow I will be praying for you
How absolutely heartbreaking. When you consider what Linda has done and how she sings and what a superb artist she is, I won't say was, she is a real star among stars, still.
I just don't understand how some people could be so cruel. It must take a lot of hate to carry a grudge 40 yrs. My only Aunt died from this awful disease. Nobody deserves that. What goes around comes around
I've always heard. Bless you Linda, and thank you for sharing your gift with us.
A lovely human being...contributed so much beautiful music...your music will live on...
A most amazing lady. The best vocals on the planet. Even now she has a voice that mesmerizes...been a fan since the first song she recorded! ❤️
Rock's Venus. A humble superstar that everyone wanted a piece of. Crawled away from the muck and shuck to do her own thing. Greatest set of natural pipes on the planet - don't let any f!@"kers tell you otherwise. Linda was a very rare vocalist.
Blue Print ditto - very special
Linda Ronstadt is & always will be my favorite female singer. I have followed her & her music since the early 70's. I have all her albums & have always related to her as well. I was fortunate enough to have seen her in concert twice. There are many current female vocalists as well now that I like, such as Norah Jones, Annie Lennox, Mandy Barnett; but Linda will always be my favorite ! I just don't understand the negative comments. People can be so cruel. Thank you, Linda, for your music all these years. You are an amazing person.
A true talent that never had machines or props to make her look or sound good. She is phenomenal! Thanks for the memories Linda, saw you in concert and it was one of the best I've ever seen. Much love.....
Just finishing Linda's wonderful autobiography, "Simple Dreams" ... a GREAT read, especially for a huge fan like me who grew up on her music (and of all the great '70s artists she includes in her book -- from Jackson Browne and J.D. Souther to The Eagles, Neil Young and Emmy Lou Harris). You still ROCK, Linda!
I can empathize with Linda as I too, have Parkinson's Disease. It is a very tough disease to deal with. My prayers are with her.
God Bless,
Jeff :)
My favorite singer of all time...… I was very young when Linda was popular but every time one of her songs came on the radio I would just stop what I was doing and just listen....I still do today.thank you very much....
Linda always was beautiful and always will be beautiful with a voice that was beautiful. God Bless Her!
Linda Ronstadt and Karen Carpenter are the best singers of the 70's!
+Eliana Absolutely
+Eliana I was just telling someone that when I die I want two angels singinging to me, one is Karen and the other Linda.
+Eliana
I totally agree and then there was Olivia Newton John
+Ajax10449 Please. Olivia was top 40 and her songs totally sucked. Who can forget: "heart attack, heart attack, you're givin' me a heart attack"? Just really bad stuff. She's more in the Cher category.
Olivia was a victim of the time with that song..Even the Rollings Stones had bad songs and albums..Rod Stewart sang 'Gasoline Alley' then went along a decade later to sing 'do you think i'm sexy'..if you are around long enough everyone has some bad songs and albums...As a "Heart' fan i am well aware of this
she was and still is a beautiful woman....how time flies...!
One of the most talented vocalists of all time (if you said the most, I wouldn't argue) and yet so very humble. She laid the foundation for so many other artists after her, not least Jackson Browne and the Eagles. God bless her.
Linda, you are so talented and lovely. Thank you for all of the joy your music has brought!
so beautiful, down-to-earth and talented. I drove so many miles with her music in the 70s.
Yes Missusri, listening to music while driving is such a joy. I love her music, she is one of a kind !
Gorgeous voice, broad interests from rock to Mexican, country to standards, and she was awesome at all of it.
Robyn is so special and gracious. She says everything we would want to say to Linda. Such a lovely interview.
I wore out an eight track of the Stone Poneys until it squeaked and squawked, "Stoney End" just hissed. Love Linda's voice. Parkinson's has wrecked the lives of too many sufferers, family and friends. The best to you Linda.
Linda this disease may have taken your voice but you are still beautiful lady and may God bless you. You will always be one of the great singers of our time.
Such a shame that Parkinson's has quieted her great singing voice. But I like her speaking voice too--very cute, Minnie Mouse-ish (and I say that with all respect too). So smart too, she is.
Love ya Linda!
Yoda speak very well, you do.
William Murray what . Not sure what you mean
I love what she says about using music and singing just to express yourself, even if you're not a professional. I suffered a teenage trauma of being ridiculed for my singing when I auditioned for a high school musical. Even the music teacher looked down her nose at me. After that I stopped singing except in private to myself. That was 41 years ago. Thank you, Linda. Ironically, I have permission from the greatest female singer of all time to let my pitiful voice out of its cage!
Ms. Linda ... you are the very first female singer who totally captivated me. I won't tell my age, just suffice it to say I've loved you since The Stone Poney days. I've got an armful of your album/cd's and it goes without saying - your legacy is within these. Thank you so much for teaching me to love ballads! You've been all that and then some in my eyes! Take care!
Linda Ronstadt -- One of the all time great vocal talents.
James C. Talbot vfhjk,