Linda Ronstadt, Long, Long Time - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction

[@VirginRock]

Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to help me reach 100k before August 3rd, and we’ll make one BIG Celebration together here, at VirginRock! And if you have any questions, please write them here as a reply. BUT, please, questions ONLY! Thank you!

Hey Amy! I love all kinds of music: classic, jazz, urban, but what I prefer as gender is Reggae. Some put it as a sub-gender of Rock, but I don't agree because Reggae has itself many sub-genders: Ska, Rock-steady, Dance-hall, Ragga, Reggaeton, or Dub (not exhaustive). Its use of technology had a great influence over American and European music production. I'd love so much that you'd be introduced to that music. Any Bob Marley's song will do. Is it in your plans? Best regards.

[@selflessself]

Are you aware that for most of the history of classical and romantic music, or orchestral music that the musicians were treated, and seen merely as servants? Are you aware that classism elitism and racism are rife within the orchestral music community now and for the whole darn time? This might account for the fact that, for the first time in the history of music, since perhaps the renaissance that the performer or the musician was also celebrated, and not just the composer. I really like this channel, but I’m becoming increasingly disturbed with the carried over nastiness from the orchestral world, however, unintended, and inadvertent.

[@selflessself]

This is in response to a comment you made at the very beginning of the video

[@steveh7108]

I can't believe that you're not at 200,000 already. But I keep passing the word to other music lovers. I'm sure they will catch on eventually because this is by far the best channel for music lovers to really dig in and understand new music as well as their old favorites.

[@happypuppy-i4k]

Some performers don't dabble in coming up with musical ideas, unless I'm wrong. I don't get it. Why? An actor never writing a screenplay makes sense because a screenplay is a little more than plucking notes until a "melody" comes out. Unless I'm wrong. I mean classical music performers

[@danchristopher7957]

We were so spoiled during the early '70's. Beautiful music. Beautiful people.

[@Stephen-nd1sx]

You can say that again!

[@urbangrouse]

It was definitely a very special period for music!

[@pvajit1109]

50s , 60s, 70s were the most beautiful times of 20th century. Right after the war, every one lived up, explored and created. Amazing years.

[@MrElapid]

True! And Karen Carpenter.... a wonderful time.

[@T-bone1950]

It was so very much better being a twenty year old in the 70s than now being a seventy year old in the 20s. WTF happened to us? 😢

[@lamusiclover2264]

She has done lyric opera. She was in Pirates of Penzance. She also sings Mexican folk songs, country, rock, new wave, and pop, folk, and blues, and the American Songbook...All to perfection. She's quite young in this song, and her voice just got better as it matured.

[@VintageSewingMachineGarage]

Oh yes. There are videos here on YT that showcase some of those performances and her range is just incredible. The operetta work reveals parts of her incredible range that appear in ways that her wonderful Pop songs don't always highlight.

[@jnagarya519]

"Pop" is short for "popular". It is not a "genre"; rather, popular music embraces numerous "genre" -- that is, whatever is on the pop[ular music] charts.

[@maybedrinkin3241]

Such a true statement that she just got better. And she was already sooo good!

[@glennamico2374]

... don't forget Big Band Jazz

[@lamusiclover2264]

@@glennamico2374 I said that. The American songbook includes jazz

[@TangoEliott]

Linda is in a class of her own. Her voice is unique and magnificent. She can sing any genre and do it with a depth and passion. She is so wonderful

[@warpig4942]

Linda Ronstadt has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard.

[@ed.z.]

Amen.

[@judywingo4905]

She wrote a ​lot of her music

[@ccpizzarotti]

@@judywingo4905 Wrong! Just three songs.

[@LlyleHunter]

She wrote some of her music. Mostly she was an interpreter of music.

[@zenrand688]

You are listening to one of the great voices and talents of her generation. She stands in a class of her own.

[@ChasBeauregarde]

A special artist: one of those rare, gifted performers who could move easily between different genres Country, folk, rock, 20th century pop standards, Latin, operetta and excel in each style. The only other 20th Century vocalist that had the potential for that breadth of scope is Patsy Cline but while Patsy dabbled in pop from her original country style, Linda actually sang all of the styles I mentioned.

[@roxannekabotsky2997]

One of my favorite unrequited love songs. I was lucky enough to grow up in the 70s

[@shaunbrachmann2636]

❤. Linda was a rarity among rarities. The level of her abilities has not been matched by many people in recorded history.

[@douglasgonzalez7561]

My favorite by Linda is Blue Bayou. It evokes emotions from me every single time I hear it. It just moves me in a way I really can’t put into words.

[@boblozaintherealworld3577]

AGREED. But for now we're listening to 'Long Long Time'. Stay focused.

[@jnagarya519]

That's a cover of the Roy Orbison. And her "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" is a cover of Buddy Holly's hit released just before or after his death.

[@MagicGoblinPrincess]

Linda had a glorious set of pipes, that's for sure.

[@johnstinchcomb8156]

Love that song. And her singing it.

[@T-bone1950]

Most every one of her songs can make me emotional, usually bringing a tear.

[@GaryNoone-jz3mq]

Linda Rondstat was the goddess of control.

[@NoShiiitSherlock]

You are no joke one the coolest people on KZbin. That was so awesome. Thanks

[@franklopez2803]

The pride of Tucson, Arizona. ¡Viva, Linda!

[@botwitaprice]

From 17 to 71, I love Miss Ronstadt everytime I hear this song,

[@nmt2k2]

This is one of my favorite Linda Ronstadt track. Such a painful longing in her voice makes this absolutely the most heart wrenching take on unrequited love. Perfection!

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

Yes yes yes... Do it ! A harp cover would be so perfect . And no one better to do it than you !

[@bobbistevens5648]

What a wonderful reaction! So lovely that you added your touch at the end. Please do more of Linda Ronstadt's music?

[@ronbock8291]

I hope you have an opportunity to hear her Mexican music as well, the power and expressiveness of her voice in that is unmatched.

[@brucedillinger9448]

Linda is in my top 5 vocalists. Was blessed to have seen her live at least 5 times. Never off key, never forgot lyrics, always had the best musicians. ✌

[@O8080808O]

Linda was an instrument. She was so expressive. She could take the simplest, most common lyrics and capture the listener. Draw a conclusion after you've heard several albums, one song won't do.

[@ccpizzarotti]

Going down the rabbit hole with Linda is an incredible adventure.

[@alanarakelian5021]

Surprisingly, this song only made it to #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 on 1970. Deserved way better. Her lead vocal on "Different Drum" with the Stone Poneys in 1967 is worth checking out, too.

[@zaphodjuniorjr7292]

Linda did so many genres, against her manager recommendations, and she crushed everyone of them. Even an entire Spanish album for her dad

[@ccpizzarotti]

Two, actually: "Canciones de mi Padre", and "Más canciones.."

[@ronmasters751]

I remember hearing “Different Drum” by the Stone Ponies, and thinking “That’s not a rock group, that’s a female vocalist with a backup band.” Very few pop singers in her class.

[@GaryNoone-jz3mq]

Linda always had a deep respect for the composition of the lyrics and the music.

[@anthonymaniscalco7890]

What makes Linda Ronstadt so great is she is so versatile can sing so many different styles of music and does everyone perfect from white opera, to mariachi, to American standards, to punkish, new wave, country, blues If you listen to something like, how do I make you or poor wandering one, it’s a total opposite end of the spectrum from long long time

[@GaryNoone-jz3mq]

Linda Rondstat was a force of nature! She sang pop, rock, country, jazz, blues, mariachi and light opera and did all excellently.

[@jacquescousteau217]

Linda lived not far from me in the eighties - nineties . She was just so human if,and when you passed her on occasion on the sidewalk . Just said hi in passing . Then when she did the Great American Songbook with Nelson Riddle live I was BLOWN AWAY ! She sang “ Someone To Watch Over Me “ to the point it brought me to tears . Linda has hit every genre except Italian opera . Long,Long,Time is another tear jerker if you let yourself feel it. Beautiful melody especially the bridge . Great song you picked to review. I might suggest you listen to the two albums she did with Nelson Riddle. I believe it was recorded live in Germany * * Not certain, I must look at the albums to see. Glad you appreciated what a great vocalist Linda is …

[@ccpizzarotti]

"Linda has hit every genre except Italian opera". Close, but no cigar! She actually sang Mimi in La Boheme, in a really bizarre production that everyone involved tries very hard to forget.

[@Yowza78]

Why do I get the impression that she is listening only to her voice and not to the lyrics? In my mind, the one-two punch that made Linda a star is as her ability to balance the two.

[@fredwds5178]

Loved your spontaneous harp interpretation!

[@laurabrevitz3944]

I think we could all feel it coming. 😊

[@GaryNoone-jz3mq]

It's Linda Rondstat. Of course she delivers.

[@alexmctear5420]

In the early eighties Linda was cast to sing on Broadway in the Pirates of Penzance, a role she repeated on film, she has an amazing vocal range.

[@stevenblock9712]

There is a KZbin video of Linda singing this live on a TV show and on it she sounds every bit as good as this studio version, which rarely happens.

[@GaryNoone-jz3mq]

The very best can sound as good as the studio version, if not better. The best of the best always stand out.

[@incamoran9532]

Linda's voice was always outstanding. There was never a note that came out of her mouth which she didn't perfectly design. She is a rare talent.

[@porphyrus]

This was a wonderful song. It was unique for its time, and still resonates today. Linda’s voice was absolutely perfect for this. I also liked your harp accompaniment , I’d love to hear more of that.

[@goldenruletv7301]

I grew up listening to Linda. Thank you, Linda. One of a kind.

[@marietaziki2437]

Linda made it look easy. When you watch her sing, it seems effortless for her. As I grow older it’s apparent that IT WAS effortless. Raw talent and beauty.

[@robertdaniels2549]

And a hell of a lot of work

[@LeeKennison]

I really enjoyed your reaction and I am happy to see you do Linda Ronstadt. She is a great singer in many genres (rock, folk, country, Latin, etc.) having success in all of them. This song was her first solo hit. She does have several other hits that more clearly fall in the rock category. While her last name is German, her father was of Mexican descent, with the name coming from one of his German ancestors that immigrated to Mexico. She grew up in my home state of Arizona. Her Mexican roots is where her love for Latin style music comes from that she has performed in her later career. Thanks for answering my silly question.

[@willheil7591]

And light opera! I think of this one as her folk mode.

[@steveh7108]

She definitely had the ability to touch the soul of people from many genres. I'm guessing I was about ten years old when I first seen and heard her on the movie FM. You would have to be deaf and blind not to have a crush on That Woman😊 It broke my heart when I heard about her losing her ability to sing at a relatively young age. Does anyone here remember what exactly caused it ? I just remember her doing an interview in the 80s or maybe early 90s and she was saying something about completely losing the ability to sing because some medical anomaly.

[@steveh7108]

Lee. Do you remember her doing something that was almost like soul? I vaguely remember totally belting out a powerful raspy song or two. I could be wrong but I think one of them was like "Youngblood". I will probably start googling it but I thought I would ask you because you seem to be pretty knowledgeable. And because I know you and the rest of us Rock fans are the coolest😉👍

[@bongodave13]

I think her first hit was with the Stone Poneys: Different Drum. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWrUpHeddpakbrs This was her first solo hit.

[@LeeKennison]

@@steveh7108 Hey Steve, I don't have a great recollection for a lot of her songs, until I hear them again and I don't often hear her much these days. I would not be surprised at all if she has done some soul songs. She certainly has (or did have, not sure how her voice is today) the ability to sing soulfully. I think the only album of hers I owned back in the 70s was "Living in the U.S.A." (the one where she is wearing roller skates on the cover).

[@mirandak3273]

Linda was connected to many other notable artists. One is the Monkees. Michael Nesmith composed her first hit with the Stone Poneys: “Different Drum.” Then he became a Monkee. The other is the Eagles. They began as a backing band for her then went on to be the enormous success they became.

[@robtgoldstein]

This song is nostalgic for me. Linda is my favorite singer ever, and her dedication to her craft is unparalleled in pop music history. It’s difficult not to get emotional when listening to this song, knowing her outward voice (she still sings in her mind) has been silenced by disease.

[@-Locomotive_Breath]

You're the best thing to happen to the internet in 20 years.

[@lathedauphinot6820]

I saw Gary White perform this song once. He didn’t have Linda Ronstadt’s voice, of course, but the emotion was there. It was very personal. He said “I didn’t know Linda when I wrote this song. I wrote it for Charlotte.” Linda saw him perform it and asked if she could cover it. Rich, beautiful music.

[@michaelharden1388]

Absolutely beautiful lyrics!

[@richardhallin6679]

Thanks for that. . . must look this guy up. . . . Charlotte must have been one hulluva woman.

[@merriwinkle7631]

Absolutely gorgeous piece of music. You stated that she draws us in and forces us to listen and to hear what she is singing. That is certainly true. In addition, my experience is that it draws me in and forces me to feel. Also, her phrasing is so fresh and free that it transcends any kind of saccharine triteness or cliched sentimentalism. It strikes my ear as completely authentic. Thank you for reminding me of this jewel that I heard so many times on the radio, but had just not thought about for a long, long time.

[@billbabcock1833]

She can sing anything. Rock, Country, Folk, she's sung on Broadway and film. She was the highest paid female singer in the 70's and filled arenas. What many people don't know is that she had all four founding members of The Eagles in her backup band. in fact Glenn Frye and Don Henley toured with her. After all four played on Ronstadt's third album, The Eagles were formed.

[@carolhayward7369]

I was surprised and happy to see that you were being introduced to Linda. She is one of my favourite singers. She has such a varied repertoire. That was so beautiful played on the harp. I would LOVE to hear you play the entire song! Blessings from Canada.

[@Mariposa_46]

Oh my! Your addition playing to your harp!t was beautiful!

[@theodorejeremenko8256]

The 'ensemble' is actually a pedal steel and a violin.. It was arranged by producer Norbert Putnam. Ronstadt said "...As soon as the fiddle player and Weldon Myrick, who’s the steel guitar [player], began to play those chords, they got real into that and became personally involved.”

[@jacquescousteau217]

Are you sure about that ? I’m referring to the intro - outro . It sounds like a small chambre ensemble . I agree with you in the verses - bridge …

[@elysium619]

Amy, you're so right! As beautiful as the song is as recorded , it would have been even better with a harp! The sound of the harp, in the all too short sample you offered, is so soft and perfectly dovetailed with the emotion of the song. You have an uncanny ability to capture with words what the music expresses and ergo, why it resonates with the audience. I think your being an accomplished classical musician explains such ability. Love your vids!

[@happycactus]

Well Linda Ronstadt is from my neck of the woods, and she grew up speaking Spanish as well. She sings Mariachi like a goddess too.

[@LR-qq3ni]

She doesn't speak Spanish. She can sing in it.

[@DyreStraits]

@@LR-qq3ni Actually she heard the songs sung in Spanish when she was young.

[@dacramac3487]

@@DyreStraits The songs were from her aunt Luisa Espinel who was a famous singer of the 1920s and 30s.

[@danielcottrell1707]

The extra note about Linda's repertoire, she was also mezzo-soprano in the opera by Philip Glass called one thousand airplanes on the roof. She really had a pair of lungs on her!

[@rasraster]

So interesting that I have listened to this song about 30 times in the last week, after not hearing it for many years - and then you review it! She has so many other things that I think you'll appreciate.

[@brettdrought6181]

Linda is one of a trio of spectacular female voices from the late sixties to the early seventies. Their careers all lasted much longer but the early seventies were their dominant years. Along with Linda there was Olivia Newton-John and Karen Carpenter. Linda showcased the emotion in her voice, Olivia the pure sweet pop voice and Karen was just pure voice at its best. These are my favorite three female singers but I have to say that Ann Wilson of Heart, from the mid seventies is firmly into fourth on my list. I would suggest that you give these ladies a listen. Another young lady that I would recommend is Lucy Thomas. Her videos are available on KZbin. She is not a commercially successful artist as the others but this young lady has a voice that must be heard.

[@remmymafia3889]

My favorite Linda Ronstadt song- just beautiful.

[@brucedillinger9448]

I encourage you to create a harp version of this. It is a perfect match.

[@MitchellWilkinson-m8n]

Linda Ronstadt was a singer of exceptional quality possessing a magnificent singing voice. I wish we had women performers like her today instead of the attention seeking over rated celebrity entertainers hanging on NFL football apes and rap gorillas.

[@MitchellWilkinson-m8n]

Yes Linda is an accomplished singer and she moved into many genres including rock & roll, classic country, trendy new-wave, contemporary pop, lush big band ballads, traditional Mexican Mariachi - all with astounding critical and commercial success over 5 decades.

[@kovie9162]

Although I'm familiar with and really like this song and have since I first heard it, it came out a bit before I started paying attention to music and Ronstadt when I was growing up in the 70's, and it's a bit different from and more gentle than most of the classic Linda Ronstadt songs I heard back then, like Heat Wave, Back in the USA and That'll Be the Day, in which she established herself as a singer who could really belt out high energy songs that could fill an amphitheater without amplification. She was also well-known for covering many popular 50's songs originally made famous by other performers like Buddy Holly and Martha and the Vandellas. But in this song, while it never occurred to me back then as I didn't have the knowledge in musical styles and history that I do now, it's clear, to me at least, that she has a Latin musical background, specifically Mexican, in the tone and phrasing of her voice. Her interpretation of this song may as well be an English translation of a song original composed and sung in Spanish. I don't know the name of the style in which she's singing it, but it reminds me of Freddie Fender and even Jose Feliciano a bit, also well-known Spanish language singers of that era. Very soft, lovely and evocative, but without being overly syrupy or drawing attention to itself, as you'd imagine that a young woman's first true love would make her feel, for a long, long time.

[@douglasgonzalez7561]

I wrote the last comment before the end of your video. Your ear for music is incredible. I really enjoyed your harp accompaniment on the fly. You have been surprising me since I found your channel in its infancy.

[@bob___]

When Linda Ronstadt was growing up, her family used to listen to records, and it's said that she refused to sing any genre of music unless it was played in her family's living room when she was 10 years old, because she didn't think she could be authentic with any other genre. Fortunately, her family had eclectic tastes, and that's why she was able to do Gilbert and Sullivan in addition to country music and pop standards.

[@marcsailers534]

To me Linda is the very best at expressing emotion (in every genre she delves in to)

[@paulyhoffmann]

I love this woman's interpretations of the songs from long ago. There were so many great singers back then.

[@edgarsnake2857]

I saw Linda with the Stone Poneys over 50 years ago and she was great. It was during the lull in her career between 'Different Drum' and 'Long, Long Time.' Some of the Eagles were in the Poneys. They were the opening act. A night to remember.

[@teddtarr]

Actually, after the Ponys broke up, Linda took on Henley & Frey in a new band to fulfill her recording contracts. They later formed the Eagles w/ Leadon & Meisner.

[@mjwaldrep]

You should listen to Different Drum and her version of Blue Bayou. Such a great talent!

[@mikeconway9849]

Great reaction and analysis Amy! I really enjoyed it. Just listening to this performance reminded me of why I rushed out and purchased the Stone Poneys LP way back in the day. I've been a fan of Linda ever since hearing their song Different Drum.

[@StevesFunhouse]

That was an beautiful accompaniment ... never would've thought of that. I guess I'd say it was stunning ... so much so that I'd like to hear more, much more !!! Your reaction was brilliant, as well. Thank you for that.

[@michaelyork4554]

Linda's voice has captivated many over the decades, and this, is one of my favorites. LeeAnne Rhimes also, with "How Do I Live", is a beautiful example of an amazing, distinctive, female voice.

[@joycejohnson7164]

Cry in her voice...

[@rodneygriffin7666]

Happy birthday America!🇺🇸

[@pickjam4700]

I've been really enjoying your analysis and reactions on rock! I definitely appreciate the sincerity of your reactions and your thoughtful insights as well. Looking forward to hearing more!

[@beatlessteve1010]

Two other female great performers and even greater composers that would bring many viewers are Carol King and Joni Mitchell. Thank you for sharing!

[@roybarbara4756]

Beautiful singer! Your inciteful and thorough analysis is much appreciated. My favorite singer and whom I think is the greatest cover singer of all time is Eva Cassidy. Listen to what she does to a song called the greatest ever written; "Over The Rainbow" Her emotion and stunning changes to tempo and subtleties are now being covered by other cover artist. Same with her version of "Autumn Leaves". Thank you.

[@mojorider8455]

I love both singers but I agree that Eva rivals Linda as well and I give Eva the edge in her timbre and tonal qualities

[@joeterp5615]

Judy Garland’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow is one of the top performances of all time to me. It’s on my list of “5 songs I would broadcast out into space to best represent humanity.” Maybe even #1. It’s one only 2 or 3 song performances I don’t sing along with when I hear it, I just can’t ruin the sublime perfection! Then I personally put Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s version next. Amazing. And I agree that Eva has a great and unique version too. It’s really quite something to think how such varied performers as these can make this song their own while still conveying all the emotional weight of the song. This speaks not only to these singers, but also to the song’s composer Harold Arlen and lyricist Yip Harburg. I had no idea of these names until I just looked it up - but they really did put together a classic song for the ages.

[@jimbar99]

I agree completely. Eva's rendition of Rainbow brings a tear to my eyes without fail. The liver performance of Rainbow and Autumn Leaves are both on YT. The fact that she plays the guitar so skillfully while singing is amazing.

[@richdiddens4059]

The emotive content of her voice tells the story as much as her word do.

[@boblozaintherealworld3577]

I really appreciate your reaction and observations. sidebar: she grew up in Arizona with strong rock influences as well as Mexican music...like my mom's family. (and btw, Linda knew exactly when to use that "broken" sound. very effective)

[@richardanderson2742]

Personal opinion is that she was the best female vocalist of the second half of the 20th Century and maintained her standing well into this Century. Her medical complications of course have cut her singing career, but she remains a behind the scene force in the industry.

[@larrimos]

No performer effects me like Linda. Somehow she is able to convey emotion like no other.

[@debbiechang5781]

The perfect blend of sweetness and power produced the most heavenly sound I have ever heard emanating from a human soul. I’m late to this party so it’s quite likely nobody will ever read this. Regardless, I always take any opportunity to tell the world how much I love Linda Ronstadt’s voice! I’m of the opinion that hers is the most beautiful female voice on the planet. It’s tragic that her ability to sing has been taken away by Supranuclear palsy and she was forced to retire in 2009. Thank goodness for the many recordings and live performances available. I hope you have explored more of her music. I will browse through your videos to find out. I have just discovered your channel and will subscribe. I have enjoyed this video. 🌺✌️

[@mikeakers3453]

Linda Ronstadt, early Elvis Presley, and Jackie Wilson had great voices but they also pulled you into the song and made you believe it. Different Drum by Linda Ronstadt (and the Stone Poneys), in my opinion, is the greatest Rock 'N Roll song of all time by the greatest Rock N' Roll singer of all time. Dean Martin had the voice to do be in this pantheon, but he didn't have the serious interest in it, nor was he a Rock 'N Roller. When you think about it, Linda Ronstadt had, in addition to her astonishing musical talent, the most beautiful face of any performer, whether actor or musician.

[@keithlatham4500]

Most beautiful voice of the 2nd half of the 20th century. Cruelly silenced by Parkinsons.

[@Carln0130]

I did not know that. So sad.

[@dacramac3487]

It has been re-diagnosed as Progressive supranuclear palsy.

[@rhscubadiver4379]

The GOAT

[@SanJoseBob]

She was ‘70’s top Rock Artist. The thing is she was also in Country genre, Opera, Operetta, and even Spanish ( flawless). She won the all-time Best Selling Non English language in her “Canciones de Mi Padre” ( Songs of My Father) Mexican Rancheras. PBS Television even covered the Whole Concert by the same name. Try her “La Cigarra” or “La Charreada she is Phenomenal! Welcome to the Linda Ronstadt rabbit hole….. SanJoséBob

[@GaryNoone-jz3mq]

She sung everything from pop to rock to country to mariachi to jazz and light opera.

[@mikes9305]

Ronstadt can also be seen in a major singing role in the early 1980s Pirates of Penzance film (adapting Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta).

[@jazzgrubsmoor6007]

There is such variety to her music and so much of it has a timeless quality. Back in her prime and my youth, one wall of my dorm room was a Linda Ronstadt shrine. She was that amazing to me. If you have never heard the Trio performances of Linda, Dolly and Emmy Lou, do so. They were a wonderful treat. It is rare when three great individual singers come together with such a great group blend of voices. Great reaction and analysis!

[@dlmullins9054]

If the sound is great and the voice makes you emotional, then it is a great performance. Linda Ronstadt to me is the greatest with the voice of an angel. I am 71 now and still remember the great lady.

[@Vader1138]

Your harp playing went beautifully accompanying the song. Blue Bayou is another great song of hers, and one of her biggest hit songs.

[@steveullrich7737]

You've just heard one of the greatest female voices of all time. Her vocals perfectly captures the emotions of unrequited love. She has a depth of different musical styles which I hope you'll explore. You won't be disappointed. There are many more songs that Linda has recorded such as "Blue Bayou", "Desperado" and "Someone to Lay Down Beside Me" that showcase her beautiful voice and great music.

[@maybedrinkin3241]

I love your comment that she "never sounds forced or ugly". It's true. Linda had a way of opening her mouth and just letting it out. 'Opening the wound'

[@rittherugger160]

Yeah, Linda was a performer. But she was more than that. She was a 'Producer' too. She had a very good eye for talent and a sense of how the diverse talents should be presented and merged to create the art of her 'performance'. Don't just look at the number of awards she gathered, look at the diversity of those awards.

[@billdomitilli8125]

Linda commands the ownership of every song she covers, e,g.: Tracks of my Tears. Blue Bayou, It's so Easy, Poor. Poor, Pitiful Me, Tumbling Dice, When Will I Be Loved, and on and on and on. THE voice of the 20th Century.

[@splitimage137.]

Linda does a very nice cover of The Rolling Stones' "Tumbling Dice," and unlike Mick Jagger's vocals, I can actually understand the words when Linda sings them - and they're pretty good, too!

[@kevinh753]

Thank you Amy. I hope you will be doing an in-depth review of this performance - apart from Linda Ronstadt's beautiful vocal expression and interpretation, the music and lyrics are wonderfully written and arranged so as to evoke all of the emotions that come with unrequited love - from the opening strings to the closing on a chord that is not "home", leaving the listener hanging just like the feelings of love that have not ended. The song recently regained some popularity due to its use in an episode of the TV series "The Last Of Us". Coincidentally, just before that series was released I became interested in Ronstadt's music for a different reason, and have since become a fan. I am 65 years old, so I was in my late teens to early twenties at the height of Ronstadt's career but I never paid much attention to her music, although I did hear it on the radio. I confess it was KZbin's algorithms that recently brought her to my attention and quickly hooked me. Having since listened to all of her solo albums I can confirm (as others have said) that her voice , skills and apparent confidence improved as she got older, going through all of those different genres that she has become famous for - the diversity is astounding. Throughout it all, one common thread is the Torch Song (of which Long, Long Time is an early example) which she always delivered with a depth of feeling that brings tears to my eyes. In my opinion, she was an absolute master of the art of interpreting the songs of others. Finally, I would recommend to anyone interested in reading an analysis of her skills by a master music, dance and arts critic to read "Living In The USA" by John Rockwell, which he wrote for the book “Stranded - Rock and Roll for a Desert Island”, edited by Greil Marcus (1978). This is a link to the essay posted on a fan's website www.ronstadt-linda.com/desertisle.htm.

[@gironez]

Yes you should!!!! Thank you for your reaction it wa lovely

[@djackson6379]

Lunda had some gorgeous important pipes. Powerful, flexible and tender. She sang loops around her contemporaries without vanity. Unadorned sorow and robust joy. On the right night - rockin' or crooning she was mesmerizing live. Sigh...

[@EricBlackmer]

She was very young when this was recorded. She is something of a chameleon. She has sung in many, many styles and nailed all of them. One of my favorite singers.

[@EricBlackmer]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5a0qqKKfraCha8, kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIfWg6Gggt6CsM0, kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5a0qqKKfraCha8,

[@EricBlackmer]

Blue Bayou- kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaGceGOwoNSln9E

[@EricBlackmer]

Her first hit kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoCYnaRvo5t2b5o

[@Jacktors]

I said it before Amy, it behooves you to do classic rock covers on the classical harp!!!

[@stevewilson7961]

You would really love Joni Mitchell Live at the BBC television centre in London. 1973. What a voice.

[@ochjim]

Brandi Carlile, no mean vocalist herself, has been covering this song - including in London on Monday night just past (available on you tube) - and has admitted how difficult it is to sing and how much she's in awe of LR's version . . .Lovely reaction. Thank you.

[@EddieReischl]

Linda was my dad's favorite singer, one of mine too. A lot of people had a thing for her in the 70s, gorgeous woman. What was better about her singing for me, and this is kind of a general rule for singers back then, is that they read the lyrics and understood what the song was about, so they put belts, cries, and hushed voices in appropriate places. We all know the name(s) of the show(s) that ruined all this and turned singing into an Olympic competition. You choosing to play a bit with the harp was an inspired choice. It sounds perfect for it. Guitars, of course, go out of tune when humidity changes, lose their intonation eventually, although that's party thru bending strings. Even the guitar I have tuned down to Eb with drop Db tuning, I still break the low string often, so sometimes I take a spare 4th string that I have and put it in the 6th string place, and tune that to Db or Eb. It kind of gives it an interesting change of tone.

[@skroehr]

If you'd like to hear her beautiful voice married with a standard American song by Gershwin, and arranged and played by the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, I can't recommend her take on "Someone to Watch Over Me" enough. But, yes, Linda Ronstadt in my opinion is the greatest female interpreter of songs that we've ever had. A real treasure.

[@danielvincent6182]

Thanks, for your brief harp interpretation. Very lovely.

[@tarascotland408]

Adding the harp was lovely. Linda Ronstadt was an amazingly beautiful singer.

[@tarascotland408]

@The_Virgin_Rock Wow 🎉