Linda Ronstadt on the Merv Griffin Show (1970)

In ths rare clip the lovely Linda Ronstadt performs her hit song Long, Long Time on the Merv Griffin Show in 1970. Was this really 50 years ago? Linda, you will always remain my childhood crush! No ownership of this material is claimed.

[@dans9463]

One year later... It's 1971, Grad Night at Disneyland.. Matterhorn line too long. Therefore resting at an empty outdoor small stadium... People start to take seats. Linda Ronstadt, a few yards in front, starts to sing. Future members of the Eagles are her back up. Smokey Robinson also performed. And I think I'll remember this night for a long long time.

[@retromaven2159]

Wonderful story, thanks for sharing!

[@tonylombardi4661]

I recently read that the Disneyland performance occurred. Unbelievable. Amazing. Unforgettable. Lucky you.

[@joemcmahon9604]

There are two kinds of men in this world.. those that have a crush on Linda, and those that don't know of her ~ Willie Nelson

[@angiek6799]

Willie’s comment was actually about Emmylou Harris, but the sentiment is the same.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

@@angiek6799 I love Emmylou.

[@tribecop]

Well said.

[@muck6852]

I love me some Emmylou !

[@baritonebynight]

Said back when gay people were hidden from mainstream society....the comment hasn't aged well.

[@JB19504]

Merv and the others didn't seem to be taking her too seriously. Little did they know they were witnessing one of the greatest singers of the 20th century.

[@matthatter2849]

Well, that's Glen Campbell on the far left, and he most definitely took Linda's talent seriously.

[@johnhamilton5290]

This was kind of standard in those days, to disrespect young performers, and really anyone. Merv Griffin was a total TV guy, played for the cheap laugh. He created Jeopardy and some other shows, got cheated by Donald Trump, which Trump loved to brag about. And so it goes.

[@stevenmeyer9674]

@@matthatter2849 Yep

[@gregmoore7709]

Jeffrey Bank your so right and i miss her.That horrible disease has her...

[@luckyshow]

@Yippee Skippy Yeah a straight-laced generation or two who super indulged with tobacco and drank morning noon and night having entire comic personas around being drunks; and laughing over hangover woes. Just as addled as anyone else...

[@TheLions1957]

50+ years later, everyone knows Linda Ronstadt, but who remembers Merv Griffin, so casually mocking her back then? I guess she was a little more talented than Merv could comprehend.

[@lewisc215]

off topic

[@lylegleason6844]

Me and all my musician friends in the 70's all agreed that she held every world record for CUTE, and we all had massive crushes on her! What a voice, she could sing, (and did!) every style of music, hard rock, folk, country, operetta, Mexican mariachi, big band chanteuse, and excelled at all of it! That she now has lost her voice due to Parkinson's is one of the biggest tragedies ever. But we still have all her recordings.

[@stevemikk]

Dear Lord, that voice is absolutely heavenly.

[@jamesbyham1156]

Oh yeah, oh yeah!

[@michaelrose5614]

One of the VERY BEST female voices forever.

[@mikemacdt1]

And Karen Carpenter

[@toddstratford7685]

I agree. She did backing vocals on Neil Young’s Old Man and Heart of Gold. I would add Ann Wilson to that list.

[@michaelrose5614]

@@toddstratford7685 Don't mind sister Nancy's occasionally lead vocal either.

[@toddstratford7685]

@@michaelrose5614 I concur.

[@rickmays8868]

This woman did me in as a teenager absolutely gorgeous and what voice

[@sabyegrp]

I was in Vietnam at the time and heard this song on armed forces radio. Suffice it to say we missed Calfornia and were in love with Linda.

[@StephenS-2024]

I KNOW we're gonna love her for a long, long time.

[@terrybutler649]

Every time i see this, i fall in love again.

[@superorangeish]

I love her more than I realized

[@rrmarshall3239]

I saw her in concert in 1979 and she was just as lovely to behold in person as she is here. Not to mention her incomparable voice. Long live Linda!

[@lakemichigan6598]

I saw her in 79' too. Such a little thing with this immensely beautiful voice. And here she communicates the hurt in this so very sad song perfectly. One of the great singers of our era.

[@elwooddowd1525]

Incredible voice, amazing pitch, one of the greatest of all time. I loved her music. Tumblin Dice Live in Houston is a great video. She is awesome.

[@ChrisDeWine]

No one can color their voice like Linda. You can hear the heartache in every word.

[@67Zink]

Karen Carpenter?

[@TheZayne34]

Linda is about the purest voice contemporary music has ever heard

[@salmuleville7660]

Wow. What a voice, what a vibe. What a natural charmer and she didn't answer to the fools and predators swarming around her. Gorgeous, warm, heartbreaking and tough.

[@4tuneagent]

Besides being such an outstanding singer.. when members of her backing band were so talented that she encouraged them to start their own band.. They took her advice and formed the beginnings of The Eagles..

[@grayyshots]

This song will rip the guts out of anyone who has ever loved and lost, it’s been doing it to me from the first time I ever heard it, nearly 50 years ago.

[@lorijohnson2348]

You are so right! Me too. 😢

[@mr.roaddogwade7107]

Perfection

[@ceciliawilson6328]

So strange these days looking back, to see a female singer just come out in her own clothes hair and make up, so natural and just sing. What a voice.

[@tarstarkusz]

Her own clothes? Take a closer look. No woman would voluntarily wear that.

[@sharonramone7186]

She was the voice of a generation! No one else even came close. There wasn't any type of music she couldn't knock out of the park. Incredibly amazing voice.And I loved that she did it barefoot, Merv!

[@debrakish9659]

Even without singing the third verse, the heartbreak in her voice came through just fine with two. Makes me cry every time.

[@RichardVeliky-vv3dv]

Love her voice undeniably one of the great women singers of the 60's. Always enjoyable now 53 years since and still GREAT!!!

[@andredegraaf1643]

Sorry that I had to wait until I turned 60 to really appreciate what a rare talent Linda Ronstadt is. The only album I bought was her Spanish one.

[@curtisemery807]

Such a talented, poised, polite and intelligent woman and brilliant singer, no wonder she didn't like performing on these so-called 'tonight shows' that seem, to me, to often be hosted by a bunch of creeps. Her dignity and stunning voice rose above them and their puerile jokes.

[@andythrush3341]

This song makes this 66yr old mam tear up. Her singing of this song on the Bobby Darin show is my favorite version of this song. Love this women's voice!

[@leobrussel9471]

An amazing rendition. Linda at this time was at the peak of her adorableness. That song hit home to me when I was young. I was on the wrong end of that dynamic, and I did indeed hurt for a long long time. Then I got married and experienced a whole different kind of pain.

[@jimratliff2753]

Man oh man... What a doll and what a voice. I sure was lucky to be in my late teens at the time she was becoming a bombshell.

[@tedtimothy9074]

How can some people have so much talent

[@TangoEliott]

She was an unbelievably excellent live performer. I saw her about 5 x and she always knocked it out of the park.

[@nazmoking3171]

Some kind of singer that Linda - and a real beauty in those days!

[@HS22181]

She has duende.

[@shellyott5898]

Happy Birthday Linda July 15th 🎂

[@VIncentSunflowers]

That's today!

[@richardhopp8378]

Have seen Ms. Ronstadt more times in concert than any other. Back in the 70's, when I first came into the NAVY, saw her every year in concert. I may not agree with her politics, but still love her talent and never tire of her beautiful music.

[@lawrenceclaytonusmc2833]

Seeing and hearing her live was transformational for tough guys. No other female pipes come close. Terrific band leader as well. These early TV spots hardly do Linda justice. That voice, that vibe though just wow...sigh

[@Mike82ARP]

A poignant song for anyone who has ever loved and lost. Linda's rendition will never be surpassed. She will forever own this song.

[@lakemichigan6598]

Sounds like you've been there. Well, if so, I have too..

[@christophermiller159]

She’s beautiful I wish her the best.

[@UpnorthHere]

She was the best, and the most highly paid female rock singer of her time. You got your wish. Now she's 75, with Parkinson's and hasn't really sung for over 10 years.

[@chasca23]

@@UpnorthHere Oh, thank you for sharing that; I had no idea. How sad. I hope that she can at least afford good treatment.

[@MrETcallhome55]

Her Majesty Linda!

[@gilbertsanchez3277]

I love her spanish songs.

[@warrenvoy3272]

Linda could be so unadorned and yet so mesmerizing. Rare and remarkable vocalist - even on these dopey TV shows where her devoted bandmates are nowhere to be found. Still...Linda...sigh.

[@philiptucci2458]

Linda is a brilliant singer, very proud fan for over 50 years, absolutely beautiful and talented

[@acousticshadow4032]

This is the first ballad I heard Linda sing & I was SOLD! Still love you, Linda - always will.

[@123Goldhunter11]

Doesn't get any better than this.

[@lazarwolf7359]

Tell Linda we still love her. Tell Linda we still need her. Only female vocalist we can listen to over and over. A very special gal with some rare divine pipes.

[@eturfrey]

What a voice.

[@IMEMINE.]

remarkable voice, easy on the eyes, something we call timeless

[@mwilk19]

No auto tune or any of the other gimmicks that most singers use now. Just pure talent.

[@joejones9520]

knew thered have to be one, i wish there was a filter to remove all uninformed auto-tune comments.

[@jaimehudson7623]

Linda and Karen Carpenter were 2 of the best. Amazing Voices & I Love Them So!

[@harlanchess8056]

Oh please. Carpenter was a sour thin voiced cornball - she couldn't carry Ronstadt's toothbrush.

[@Branner]

Linda started with enormous talent - and then spent her life developing it into a glorious instrument.

[@slowhypno]

There are many great female singers but two rise to the top. Linda Ronstadt and Judith Durham of the Seekers. Both are national treasures.

[@norwood1956]

Both are incredible, but Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin can not be left off of the top tier of ANY list of female vocalists

[@lagatita1623]

Agree am fans of both

[@patricias5122]

Hmmm, I'd say Joni Mitchell was a pretty great singer! Bonnie Raitt! K.D. Lang! Emmy Lou Harrs.

[@lagatita1623]

@@patricias5122 yes very good I like them too

[@scoutfinch2466]

So emotionally clear. Heartbreaking. Even on these often dopey TV shows that voice just knocks you out. Love her forever.

[@ahones2255]

Impresionante, una artista extraordinaria, qué pureza en la ejecución, admirable.

[@h.walkermaan8857]

Pure, powerful voice. Always an original interesting woman. Merv is so lame. Linda is divine.

[@vintagekart2]

How right you are, Merv, Phil Donahue, and a slew of others including all current host were totally lame except Johnny Carson and Dick Cavett.

[@fredsalter1915]

Agreed. Huge beautiful voice! Great song, too. And such a ridiculously cute face!

[@billrobbins5874]

She is also stunningly beautiful. ❤️🇺🇸❤️

[@gbeachy2010]

Well, he did create Jeopardy! but this was not his finest moment.

[@danc3693]

@@fredsalter1915 Cute, beautiful and sexy all rolled into one, IMO.

[@sonnysoldies5288]

Simply the best song by this beautiful lady. She took a good song and made it a fantastic one.

[@AuLily1]

Wow, It's been eons since I've heard this gem of a song. Linda's powerful voice, talent and tribute to her familiar roots in later years really left an indelible legacy. Merv may have produced many TV programs, but as a host and interviewer, he was something of a yawner.

[@kc9056]

Sad but it's finally hit me just how fast time really flies ... wow. That said, what a GREAT voice she had !!

[@johnnyjensen6067]

One of the greatest singers of all time. Love her music.

[@mrtruthforever]

I don't think there is a guy who grew up in the 70s who didn't have a Linda Ronstadt poster or crush on her.

[@CupCaked]

...or a young girl who didn’t want to be her ❤️😊

[@fasteddie9529]

I've been in love with this lovely lady since I was 7 or 8...still in love with her at 54...and her in her 70's.

[@chasca23]

One of the first singers who brought Mexican singing stylistic shades and employed them in American pop songs. And she was beautiful. We loved her in my house growing up.

[@lnl3237]

Thank you so much for uploading this. Popped up when I was searching for her at the '70 Monterey Pop Festival. Never saw this before. In her memoir, she said she did not enjoy her television appearances. Although Mr. Griffin probably meant no harm and was just going for some cheap laughs, I don't imagine a 24 year old Ms. Ronstadt appreciated this intro. Regardless, so pleased to view a previously unseen live nascent performance of a 24 year old Linda Ronstadt. Unlike some of the commenters, I was not wise enough to get myself to a myriad of venues in which she performed near my home to experience directly her colossal talent. Thank you again for posting this video.

[@retromaven2159]

My pleasure. As someone once said, there are Linda Ronstadt fans and those that never heard her sing.

[@lnl3237]

@@retromaven2159 That voice really was something. Thank you for being one of its "keepers."

[@raymondthomas8719]

Merv Griffith such a class act. What a dignified intro.

[@OzarkMan]

Wow!

[@macaro28]

Phenomenal

[@Mona.555]

I remember watching this because Merv asked her about her not having any shoes on. I wish they wouldn’t have cut it off. Such a powerful and beautiful voice.

[@CupCaked]

I would have loved to hear the comments and conversations post- musical number between Linda and the others.

[@Mona.555]

@@CupCaked Just looked in. I really really hate that Linda’s music is being forgotten. With the cacophony of all the incredible talent of the 70’s & 80’s, she had so many great hit songs. I still listen to her music. She had such a powerhouse voice and so pure. I remember watching this and putting my hands up my mouth in awe. I was only about 15. I saw her being at The Kennedy Center Honors in 2019. Great tribute. Ok, I’ll stop now. Dang I’m getting older.

[@CupCaked]

@@Mona.555 - LOL, old? Me, too 😊

[@scottstegall6315]

Dear God, what an angel's voice. I hate to ask, but where has such talent gone?

[@roberthuddle6307]

Who ever put this up thank you. I was in the audience for that show, the first Merv Griffin Show on CBS when the program moved from NYC to LA. Yes if you knew what I looked like 50 yrs ago you could pick me out in the audience shot and no I don't remember if she stayed and answered questions.

[@rudycantarini4649]

A beautiful voice and oh so talented. So glad she shared it with the world.

[@alvarosaucedo267]

Beautiful Creation.😳

[@jfjusa1]

SUCH A BEAUTIFUL LADY AND AN INCREDIBLE VOICE!

[@zapdelivers]

Pure heaven.

[@EJSmith-dk3yg]

Thanks for this, I first saw her in 1970 but didn't catch this show. Went to her concert six years later in 1976 at Universal Amphitheater in L.A., she puts on a great show. She's the whole package, brains, beauty, and the best voice I've ever heard!

[@ynotttt]

What a fabulous, fabulous voice!!

[@corinnerobinson4949]

She was so beautiful,,my brother was in love with her for along time, my husband thinks she the greatest and he said she is so good looking,,I always loved her singing,,her style and she also sings beautiful in s panish too,,she has some Latin in her ofc...she is still one best singers ever and you C ant take that away from her...thank you Linda, you made some beautiful music ever..

[@steventhomas9822]

Just beautiful.

[@willminkorea2010]

Genuine and true

[@eddychs]

Makes me cry

[@lakemichigan6598]

This song, and Linda's rendition in particular, communicates as well as any song ever has the enduring pain of losing the greatest, most passionate love of your life.

[@ethnicmusiclover]

Have all her albums and keeping them. She is wonderful!

[@cuznjoey1976]

amazing

[@colindant3410]

Glad we have the music. I hope it's a comfort to her as well as it is to her fans.

[@gli7utubeo]

Yeah, Jeez, what a voice.

[@leonardshevlin7260]

Merv Griffin was a genius and this couldn't have been a proud moment. A host should never risk upsetting a performer in his introduction [possible exception: a punk band].

[@dethray1000]

what a voice and cute too,love her hair

[@rosie_amo]

Thanks for posting Linda Ronstadt

[@randyn2396]

Ah, real music. How refreshing. I miss the 70s.

[@lakemichigan6598]

I miss being the age I was during the 70's.

[@nashdrifter3629]

Glen taking up for musicians and gifted singers. Bravo dear and gifted soul. RIP

[@adrienneterzen2604]

Linda Ronstadt is amazing. Just the best. Timeless.

[@jimlaforte1755]

Merv's CBS shows were all erased after he was fired by the network and days later, began airing in syndication with a new show via Metromedia. Merv was shrewd. LOL. CBS was p'd. Thanks for posting this rare gem!

[@CarlosGonzalez-yv1tg]

No auto tune, no ass hanging, no misogynistic or offensive lyrics, just pure magnificent talent and a voice only match by a few

[@corvairkid63]

Oh my what a finish. the most perfect voice.

[@avasark]

Of course they didn't know who they were making light of .

[@tribecop]

So talented and so beautiful.

[@bobapbob5812]

Love her and her voice.

[@stephenbrinckerhoff3510]

Fantastic voice. Powerful voice like Mama Cass Eliot.

[@anthonydixon452]

Pure perfection; every note sung by Linda is simply pure perfection.

[@annetteturner5954]

Still love her forever beautiful voice.

[@audiovisual1943]

God she is awesome!! Love her voice so much. So beautiful and strong.

[@kathykb8123]

I've been a fan of Linda's for a Long, Long Time.

[@willrockell3703]

A diamond to shine bright for years to come. What a delight she was to have in our midst for such a Long Long time. Long live Linda!