Whenever a friend got dumped/cheated on/ emotionally abused by some guy, we used to gather around her in the hallway of the school and sing "He's no good. . ." Greatest breakup song ever, made even more powerful with Linda's talent and passion.
Phil in My Opinion The Greatest Female Singer of all Time, Rock, Country, Opera, Jazz , Blues, Standards, Mexican/Spanish There is No Genre she could Not Dominate...An Amazing Talent unsurpassed by No One.
@Stu Peters - And she sang dynamite duets and triplets with other great singers, always blending beautifully and carefully so as not to overwhelm them with her dynamic voice. She was especially great, I think, with Smokey Robinson..
Why can't music like this still be recorded today? Linda didn't need 30 back up dancers to distract from her lip syncing. She just needed her voice, a band, and a great song to put on a great show.
My grandad used to ask me that same question when I'd be listening to my music back in the 70s, although the "music like this" he was referring to was the swing bands he loved in his youth.
As someone from the UK, I first came across Linda Ronstadt in 1976. I have loved all her music ever since. Why she wasn't so successful in the UK, I just can't fathom!
It is probably because her first recorded genre was county rock, which didn't really take off in the UK, until the Eagles (ironically, her backing band) took off.
I rank Linda in the top 5 female vocalists of my generation. I have to include Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin. All had something different that made them special.
@@doowoppyify Karen Carpenter had a fantastic voice...silenced way to early. Same for Patsy Cline. Linda had a much longer career...I would also add Whitney Houston to the list...all Superlatives.
Linda sang with PASSION. I loved her, my late dad loved her...everyone loved Linda! The '70s and '80s were magic. So much talent and passion like this. No lip synching, no half-dressed girls, just kick-ass music. Thank God I was in high school then. Graduated in 1980. Her band is also awesome. That bass! Oh my gosh!
Man that girl could sing. Surrounded by devoted musicians who developed their own chops around her glorious voice. She always let her bands shine. Very special - thanks mate.
As did I, mid-70's. She just walked out, and in one of the worst acoustically sounding building known as the Cowbarn, nailed with perfection every song. ( and as always, san shoes & undies 😜)
Saw her three times live. Always excellent. Pitch perfect. She could belt it out one minute...and sing softly the next. Such a natural. And her personality comes through with a kind of sassyness and an intimacy that just drew you in. Love her. Thanks so much.
@@gerard1954 just to make it clear linda is not dead she is alive and well but she is ill with Parkinson's disease which she cant hit the high notes anymore or sing like she did once upon a time. When she ess inducted into the rock n roll hall of fame she did not show up for her induction due to this cruel disease that ended her singing career.
Linda could sing anything and make it a hit, and she did Rock, Country, Soul Mexican Ballads ,and Opera.hard for me to understand why she wasn't bigger in England.
mbsnyderc Probably no ad money pushing her in the UK- So there was no reason to fly so far to perform there with low album sales. Another avenue to research, Is at the time Lindas hits we getting heavy AirPlay in America what were the big hits in England at the time? If you’re competing with songs by Beatles ,Stones, Pink Floyd and you sound like a great country singer.... Good luck
Regional artists do exist. Kiki Dee has been a lifelong star in England, but about all we've heard of her in the States is her duet with Elton John. Similarly Nina in Germany. She's still singing there; more than 99 Luftballoons. The Eagles toured well in England and Europe in the '70's, but didn't have the following over there that they have had here.
In my opinion, Linda is one of the greatest singers of all time. Her voice can be sweet, melodic or powerful, all in the same song. As Fil pointed out, she can sing any genre and sound amazing. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to hear her sing in her prime. Thanks for giving her the credit she deserves.
MrMrwilson11, a very concise and insightful comment. The recognition Ms. Ronstadt received in 2019 (documentary and Kennedy Center honor) gave her peers and public a chance to thank her, and I pray it gave her an opportunity to truly grasp the monumental impact her singing had-and continues to have- on our lives.
Lovely Linda. She had all the boys in her yard! Such an amzing woman, there was not anything she couldnt sing. She's a rocker, still to this day (albeit in her head like we all do). Rock on, Linda, Rock ON.
She was absolutely incredible, most people would probably sell their souls for this talent, she's still my favorite female artist, I'm 61 I've heard them fr
Your insight is impressive, love listening to your analysis, and you always throw in interesting tidbits... you seem to do big research of your subject. Big cheers.
Linda was always a love of mine. So very sad she lost her voice that was stilled by illness. Linda could sing a dictionary and make it remarkable. She has always had great band members, the best. The earlier performances, with guys like G. Frey or Waddy W. or Andrew Gold or L. Knetchel and the others that passed through her bands. She encouraged them to move on to their own greatness. Even the guys from her old Stone Pony days. Literally EVERY songwriter WANTED Linda to do their songs.
Fil, there are only 2 Singers I know of who could take someone else's song and make it their own that is Elvis and Linda Ronstadt. I consider Linda the Female equivalent to Elvis in her success and the scope and depth of the music she recorded and interpreted.
It shocks me to hear that Linda wasn’t popular in the UK. as far as I’m concerned, she had the best voice in the business. Whether country, rock, operetta, ballads, she nailed it. Hearing her perform live was an incredible experience. I suggest you check out Long, Long Time. Her control and vocal prowess in the song is mind blowing.
I don't know why she wasn't popular here but she was popular in my house! I have eight of her albums. Mind you there were some great bands here who aren't well known in the USA too.
@@BoingBB I didnt know either! I cant understand! I am from Spain, And we had her records since late 70's And we used yo think she was amazing. Warren Zevon was perhaps not popular either And however he was Also super
Also, when I think of Linda, i think of her generous nature. She would bring people into her band and then if they wanted to branch out on their own she was very supportive of them not everyone wold be that gracious. I love her!!!!
One of the most beautiful woman to ever grace this plant with a set of pipes that could rip the rust off a bumper. She was the crush of millions of boys, a true heart and eardrum breaker
I wonder what the MeToo movement would say about one of her last rock/pop hits, "Get Closer" ("Hold her hand! Be forward! C'mon, be a man... & get closer!"---whoops, I guess that's sexual harassment, huh?).
The purest female voices of that era were Linda Ronstadt and Joni Mitchell. They did not require the aid of auto-tune, the glitz of thousand dollar gowns, or the distraction of flashy choreographed dancers behind and around them. They were true artists making REAL music. Nobody today can equal them.
@@ToddSauve Karen Carpenter was not fit to carry Linda Ronstadts mic stand.She had no versatility,no range and had a couple of smash hits, period.Even her record company canned one of her later albums because it was rubbish.
For me there were two female voices that were perfection Aretha and Linda. The power she holds, her vocal control and range are amazing. The verification of that can easily be seen by watching her in the movie version of 'The Pirates of Penzance'. I came across it by accident back in the late 80s. Just Amazing how she can sing...😔
One of my favorite female vocalists of all time. So sad her physical affliction deprived us all of one of the most beautiful voices to ever come along. To hear her sing in Spanish accompanied by Mariachi musicians is such a treat.
I just love how the talented singers just come on stage - pick up the mic - and sing - and it makes chills run down my spine!!!! no costumes, no fires and spiraling lights, no nakedness - just pure raw talent that is memorable forever. Thanks for doing this series. you are very smart for doing this its adding to your notoriety too!
Oh, man, I was/am SO smitten with Linda Ronstadt! Not only did she have that incredible voice, but she is so beautiful. A major part of her appeal in the 1970s in the US was to young men. I got goosebumps all over again watching this video when she really digs into the phrase "I'm gonna say it again". Very sad that she can't sing anymore.
From an interview out today in the NEW YORKER MAGAZINE. Linda is asked if she was surprised by which tracks off of HEART LIKE A WHEEL became hits. She is characteristically humble. "I was surprised anything of mine was successful, because it always seemed so hodge-podge. I just tried different songs that didn’t necessarily have anything to do with each other, but which expressed a real urgent feeling that I just had to express. “You’re No Good” was an afterthought. We needed to have an uptempo song to close the show with, and that was a song I knew from the radio."
"Heart Like a Wheel" was written by Canada's Kate & Anna McGarrigle and gave their career a big boost. They had a quite individualistic sound with their band and sounds. (Rufus Wainwright sprung from the union of Kate and Loudon Wainwright III). Linda had an affair with Lowell George and gave a boost to Little Feat by recording Lowell's "Willin'". Ive been lucky enough to see K & A in concert in a terrific hall but never Linda nor the Eagles
Everything that everyone here has said about Linda is spot on, as is Fil's analysis! So I will just add that there may have been other "Queens of Rock and Roll," but Linda is Number One!
Elvis WISHES he could have sung like LINDA there were a number of singers just as talented as Elvis during his era but the only problem was they were Black!!!!
In the era of the _Singer Songwriter,_ Linda very seldom wrote. What she did do was pick great songs to do and great musicians to back her up. Her voice was really all she needed. Even a cappella, she could have filled stadiums.
Jas Holden the problem with singer song writers is that most of them have a few good songs on each album and the rest is mediocre. Frank Sinatra, Dione Warwick, Ella Fitzgerald to name a few relied on gifted songwriters to use their talent so that they could focus on their own talent, their voice and interpretation of the song.
Even though Linda R. was one of my favs in the 70's, on the radio and bought her albums, saw her in a big arena (can't remember if it was The Hollywood Bowl or The Greek Theater) and was dissappointed. She sounded good but had not much stage presence ( in my opinion). She didn't connect with us audience members (as Fil likes to point out is a part of putting on a good show) didn't chat between songs and made no eye contact at all (kept eyes closed most of the time). But I did wear the T shirt that I bought that night until it was a rag and I love her still. BIG HUGS LINDA
@@joannaedwards6325 Linda Ronstadt suffered terribly from stage fright. It wasnt until after 'pirates' that she actually developed enough stage craft She has always said that she loved singing but struggled with performing.I remember reading a Newsweek review about a concert during the big band period with Nelson Riddle.The Critic said when the curtain opened he could see from 24 rows back the nervous rapid blinking of her eyes.Then she unleashed 'that voice'.He said it was just incredible,but you could see the terror.
@@anthonyarmstrong14 thank you for your informative responce. I wish I had known that was the prob. I might have been more understanding. She's still the Queen of the Rodeo. Beautiful beautiful brown eyes.
@@joannaedwards6325 Nonsense. I saw Linda at the sold-out 10,000-seat Worcester Centrum in 1985 - during her final all-rock tour and she (and lead guitarist legend Waddy Wachtel) had everyone wrapped around her little finger. Picture Linda at 36 years old, wearing a bright red, pleated cheerleader's skirt, a bright white letter sweater with a big red "S" on the front, white bobby sox and red and white saddle shoes...belting out every one of hits during a 2-hour show. Her surprising outfit, innocent appearance and natural beauty belied the incredible voice of the tigress before us. No woman, before or since, can match Linda's uniquely powerful, full-register voice, versatility, effortless good looks and high intelligence to boot! Yes, Linda really could roll out of bed at 3:00 a.m. and belt out a song WITHOUT needing to warm up. As a gifted singer, Linda Ronstadt is one in a million - but in many more ways than one. P.S. And she did talk to us between songs!
There is just so much to love about Linda. One of my favorite duos that she did was with Aaron Neville with "Don't know much". The unique sound of both these voices sound like they were made in heaven. Thank you Fil for sharing your thoughts on this beloved singer.
Oh yeah that gal can sing along with some other nice attributes. I'm glad you covered her professor she's a true musician through and through. Thank you for all your hard work and giving us this nice platform to enjoy. Peace Boogie Woogie. PS s'more Skynyrd more Gov't Mule
Fil, its unfortunate that Linda's no longer sings publicly due to a muscular disease. Having said that, Linda has had a well lived life! Her vocal talents are so amazing ! The last thing anyone can donis to place her in to one genre. Regardless of type of song, she puts her heart and soul into it. For those who may not know who she is, her life is worth the read. RU-vid has biographys on her life. Thanks for sharing this remarkable talent*, Fil.
Linda's performance and voice were so good that every song she covered became the version that the Radio stations played. The original artist version got left behind and they play Linda's version still to this Day.
Interesting that she wasn't bigger in the U. K. . She was the girl of every red blooded American boy's dreams in the '70's. Thanks for bringing her back to us Fil. Really there's never been a better female rock singer than Linda.
@Steven Curtis Agree with you in part but I have never liked the "best ever" or "better" when it comes to anything- musician, singer, etc. Let us just say there have been a lot of great ones deserving of our admiration. I loved listening to Linda back then, still do, BUT it wasn't just American boys enamored with her!
Another great female vocalist who performed with Neil Young besides Linda was Nicolette Larson. “Give a Little” and “Lotta Love” and back up on “Four Strong Winds” were superb vocals. Sadly, she passed away at a young age in her career. Mr. Young knows his female talent.
Everyone had that iconic, doe-eyed poster of her with a flower in her hair. Linda is the real deal, and even in her early days, her destiny was written. Her demure performance with Johnny Cash in her early days gave her exposure, but her pure voice was its own best promotion. Many years later, her voice proved to be the perfect instrument for the sweet harmonies of Paul Simon's Under African Skies.
Thank you for another trip back to my youth!! She was such a fantastic singer and it's so sad that her voice has been stifled. Gotta thank her for helping the Eagles with her version of Desperado that saved their 2nd album.
Always loved listening to and watching Linda Rondstadt. Great song and no one could sing it better. In the 70s, she did TV shows and toured extensively all over the US. She could belt it out with the best of them. Expressive singer.
Her voice it does not do what she wants it to do, sometimes even when only speaking. She was not as popular in Europe. I recognize her as one of the greatest female singers in pop but I regret so much of her carrier was spent on sugary and soft pop songs. May she have still many happy years ahead.
Thank G-d we have all the rainbow of musical colors she recorded, for us to listen to, & it would take up plenty of time! I just want her to feel good, she made us feel those songs she sang so well.
Steve Vai said Frank Z told him "I hear Linda Ronstadt is looking for a guitar player" after Steve couldn't play some impossible thing Frank asked him to play.
Linda wasn’t just popular here...She was “a trailblazer with the best female voice and talent till she became ill”! No one compares to her perfect voice! Even with her awards she remains the most underrated female singer of our time. She became immensely popular in Mexico as well when she turned to her family roots and learned the most difficult Mexican songs to perfection, completing three albums...2 traditional and one ballads. She was commended by the very best Mexican singers! Not to mention that she learned opera to perfection to perform Pirates of Penzance in New York City. There’s nobody to compare her to!
Linda Ronstadt, Karen Carpenter, Barbra Streisand, Toni Tennille, Carol King, Dolly Parton: just naming a few great female artists who didn’t have to strip, go half naked, simulate sex - but entertained based solely on their talent. No, I am not saying sex is bad, but there is a time and place for everything.
I hadn't listened to this since the late 1970's or so. She really had skills that I hadn't remembered very well, that raspiness, the deep growl, I'm impressed all over again. And yeah, dog me if one must, she was quite beautiful as well.
Damn Parkinson's Disease to hell. She had her voice silenced by this and far too soon. A great voice and solid performer. She and I have PD in common and it's hell
I think she's the true Queen of Rock and Roll! She was so sexy and her voice is second to none in this genre. She can literally sing anything and no other woman can do it like Linda. Without her there'd be no Eagles.
When i read people saying,that this singer or that singer could out sing Linda Ronstadt,i always imagine them trying to sing 'La Cigarra'.The answer always comes up to be a resounding NO. Karen Carpenter and Ann Wilson are the two names that are thrown up constantly as being ,'better' vocalists than Linda.I just don't get it,they just didnt have the capabilities of Linda. When Linda Ronstadt went to play Mabel in 'Pirates of Penzance',she had a grand total of NINE voice lessons.Can you imagine ? Nine lessons to sing Colouratura Soprano in the Operatic style.There is no other singer that was this capable.
I'd never listened to any of the Mexican stuff until recently and it just wow-ed me. I have no idea what she is saying, but her range is amazing on those songs!
Great point and overlooked ... How many great singers could go into the Mexican musical genre and bring that music to American pop lovers successfully?
I never thought about it, but this is a soul song with a rock guitar. Linda sings like Aretha here. LR has had a storied career. She has sung in a variety of genres Soul, New Wave, Country, Cajun/Louisiana, Spanish, Duets, as part of a trio with Dolly and Emmylou. I can't think of a singer who is more well-rounded and done it all.
Kabob Hope, so glad you included Cajun/Louisiana in the list of genres Ms. Ronstadt covered. Her final album, Adieu False Heart with Ann Savoy, is absolutely beautiful in a mystical, melancholy, haunting way. Reach for it if you are feeling wistful or mournful about the past or a loss-it's like a salve for the soul.
Any performance that can lift you from this crappy world and transport you too that place where the magic lives is worth it's weight in gold . And smiles . Love ya baby !!!!!
One person I always wanted to hear live! Her bands have always had the best musicians. My brothers, both guitarists in bands for 20 yrs, love watching every person on stage. We have music night and it's just like watching you. They discuss the intruments, vocals, etc... Love hearing your insight. Thank you 💞✌
Great talent sadly not thought of often. Great set of pipes. Love Blue Bayou. If you have looked at her, try Ann Wilson of Heart, not to mention Chrissy Hynde, Annie Lenox, and the greatest female in my opinion ever, Janis doing Sumertime. I like the you take the chance to move away from specially guitar and look at the overall product. Nice job Fil.
I saw Linda just once, a concert at the amazing Kleinhans Music Hall here in Buffalo NY. It was her 30th birthday, and she wore blue lipgloss, (for something different to do on her B-day) and just mesmerized me with her skill-- phrasing, intonation, everything.
I still have my "Love That Linda Rondstat" bumper sticker!! Had a real crush on her, which many of us did, back in the early 70's. Such control of her voice. She could go very soft and belt it out when needed. Today's singers could take a master class just watching her. She surrounded herself with professional (Eagles among others).
Linda is the #1 female singer in the rock era. Others you can add are Rita Coolidge, Carol King, Carly Simon, Judith Durham (The Seekers, You should do a video on them) and Judy Collins. Just to name a few.
Alot of people dont realize the eagles was her band! I believe it was frey said there mite not of been the eagles if it wasnt for ronstat they also said she real knew music! What a set of pipes
Actually, all the Eagles only played with her on one occasion, at Disneyland. Frey and Henley probably had the most exposure to her. It’s a bit of a stretch to suggest no playing with Linda, no Eagles.
Linda Ronstadt my favorite! She does not get enough credit for being a master interpreter of songs. Elvis and Sinatra are good at this too. Jann Wenner held her RRHOF selection back because she didn’t write her own songs.
And yet, she still has no idea or acknowledges the impact she's made on a generation. She keeps her Grammys under her bed and has always doubted her own talents to the point of leaving for a time to re-evaluate her own abilities. Now looking back while all she can do is reminisce is just be thankful she got to live the life she's led, but boldly says that she's "had her time at the trough" and is enjoying watching other women dominate the world of music she once dominated. And yet, through it all, she still maintains her sweetness, positive outlook and still, despite her daily frustrations, laughs and says, "it's just a part of life. Nothing you can do about it now so just celebrate what good things you can."
Linda was an amazing singer. One of my favorite female vocalists of all time...right up there with Joni Mitchell, Billie Holiday, Patsy Cline & many others. I saw her several times in the early to mid 1970's & was blown away. Always had a top notch band & backing vocalists as well...
Linda Ronstadt is one of those rare talents who can sing a ballad and belt out a rock tune and her voice is beautiful in all cases. Great analysis and appreciate all the b/g info you bring.
She was so beautiful. That, along with her amazingly strong voice, made her a complete package. Andrew Gold was responsible for the iconic guitar bridge in the original version of this song. The original song is one of those songs that I will not pass up when it comes on the radio. I have to listen to it. Andrew Gold went on to have a very good solo career in the 70s. His song "Lonely Boy" was an amazingly well put together song of odd time signatures. I listen to it over and over trying to make sense of the timing. I think you would like it. Lastly, I'll bet the sound man lost his job - or a few teeth maybe - for dropping the ball on the guitarist playing the black Les Paul while boosting the gold top player just a smidgen too much.
I couldn't agree more about the sound man dropping the ball on the guitarist playing the black Les Paul. He had key portions of the solo that were nearly inaudible even though you could see what he was playing.
Jazz Cat, and Marco too, conversely, ZZ Top did a real nice version of another of Ronstadt's signature songs, "I Wanna Thank You" as well. "You didnt have to love me like you did, like you did, like you did....."
When you are listing the greatest female vocalists of all time. It doesn't take you long to get the Linda. You could argue she's number 1. Why? But she could sing just about anything. And nail it perfectly with that voice of hers. Some might be better at rock. Some country. Some classical. But few could do it all at well as she could. We lost a giant when her health troubles robbed her of her voice. It's was a sad day indeed. And oh my she was and is still a pretty thing:)
This is just pointing out something that has NOTHING to do with this particular video or artist. You’ve made me realize that I don’t have to like the music... I just have to appreciate the talent. I’ve been hearing music in a new way, thanks to you.
Artist, Performer, and Entertainer- she was a respected "stylist." A very strong female vocal. Known for covering other people's songs and doing them very well. She did well in the charts- 21 in the top 40, and 10 in the top 10 according to Billboard Magazine. She consistently came up with a good product. Rock on Linda!
Linda Ronstadt was a rocker, but also good slow song vocalist as well. She sang a song Black roses, white rhythm and blues. Loved it. Thanks Fil because it was nice to hear Linda sing again. 👍👍
You raised the question of why Linda wasn’t bigger in the U.K. perhaps it was her choice every step of the way to do her music her way. She pretty much stopped producing rock n roll half way thru her career. From then on she focused on what she liked and wanted to experience. AND she kept making money hand over fist. Had she followed a more traditional path, you can be sure her handlers would have started focusing on Europe and Japan/Asia. As it was she sold more albums than any female in history, and when you add the careers she helped early on, the results are mind staggeringly exponentially phenomenal.
Queen of hi-fidelity Vinyl, even more mesmerizing live. The Centerpiece of the LA Rock Scene and she made it out alive. Took that voice elsewhere. Linda really had no vocal peers.
I saw a documentary about Linda after she was forced to retire in which Dolly Parton said that she thought Ronstadt was "the greatest female singer ever and that includes Barbra Streisand".
She had the most powerful voices I think I've ever heard and such fantastic control , able to adapt to almost any style of music , always will be one of the best to me ,
In 1971, her backing band was Henley, Frey, Leadon and Meisner. During Linda's tour, they decided to leave to start their own band. She was really gracious and helped a lot of people along the way. Always loved her.
that's true she was the mama.. young eaglets decided to leave the nest she gave her blessings and next thing you know the Eagles spread their wings and flew
@@icatz actually they were flying before Desperado came out that came out in 1973 and 72 the first Eagles album came out they were already powering up the charts with the Jack Tempchin written peaceful easy feeling along with Jackson Brownes take it easy which put them on the map to stardom
@@taocpa yep during this time this was indeed Russ here on this particular Little Live clips... of course you another friend that used to sing backup with Linda and whole bunch of the other West coasters Nicolette Larson..rest in peace died too soon was married to russ for about the last I think 10 years until she passed away in 97?? don't quote me on that.. I don't remember when they married but I know when nicollete tragically died she was married to russ and her and Linda were almost like BFFs back in the day
I'm a fan,. Ha, so was EVH. This song opened Van Halen II. sadder note, She sang at the televised church service for Polly Klass and sang her favorite song, Somewhere Out There. yes, i cried.
Being over 50 I loved Linda just like almost every other boy. I saw her once. I sat 15th row in back of the stage. Being 15 at the time I was very happy with the view as well as the show. Hey Phil thank you for the minute details in all stages of the process. I've seen 100 A shows but I don't play a instrument. These little tidbits like the back up singers here are gold nuggets to me. Thanks for the good work.
Of course I love everything about Linda, but I think I enjoyed the extended instrumental just as much. She could sing so many genres and had some of the most talented musicians come alongside.
