“Parkinson’s disease had rendered her unable to sing, ending a musical career that had left an indelible mark on the classic-rock era and earned her ten Grammy Awards.” https://t.co/5KrmD6Y0sK— Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) September 1, 2019
I heard Linda Ronstadt in the "Super Drum," a basketball arena/performance facility, on the campus of UT Austin. She didn't start the concert with a guitar riff or a drum beat or a chord from the keyboard: she started with her voice.
The spotlight was on her alone, and in that cavernous space she began the song "Save Me" a cappella, just as it is on the album. The courage to step up and hit that note perfectly, like ringing a bell, to start her performance, has never ceased to amaze me.
She had one of the best voices in popular music. I practically grew up on her music (along with that of Judy Collins, whom I equally admire). You don't have to agree with me; I just wanted to remember it again, and note this interview.
I had her album of Mexican songs, but somewhere along the way it disappeared, I think. All of her work was, to me, sheer magic, especially the albums she recorded after voice training for "Pirates."
I like how she did all kinds of music and did it well. Carla Bley hired her to sing the recording of Escalator Over The Hill, Carla Bley didn't hire bad musicians and singers. I liked her Mexican songs, too. She had one of those great voices that transcends some of the music she sang.
ReplyDeleteAnother recording I'll have to look for.
ReplyDelete