Is This Linda Ronstadt's Best?! "Blue Bayou" Vocal ANALYSIS by Opera Singer

[@edhorton2766]

Linda broke Elizabeth's pause button. A remarkable feat.

[@bluesdoggg]

Yes!!

[@phantom8906]

Pretty sure she broke it herself by being overzealous with it

[@deangordon7783]

I agree. It's very annoying that she stopped at so many times. Maybe just watch the video all the way through one time then come back and give your impressions on the song. Just my opinion​@@phantom8906

[@ZoeyPaigeLunaPhD]

I thought that thing was indestructible 😂

[@michaelm1546]

Right!? 🤣

[@steve9199]

Willie Nelson I believe was quoted as saying... "There are 2 kinds of people in the world... people who LOVE Linda Ronstadt, and those who haven't met her yet."

[@LSBBD]

Close. "Crush" instead of Love.

[@Roger-go6jc]

Yeah that is Golden,that comment. Doesn’t matter if we’re man or woman, the ‘crush’ is just inevitable.

[@jab7429]

I think the instrument is a steal guitar. ?

[@TheStonedstone]

If you not in love with Linda you are probably deaf ar dead

[@dallasarnold8615]

@@jab7429 That would be "steel" not " steal " guitar.

[@chipjones817]

That guitar is called a pedal steel guitar and is a staple of country music. beautiful reaction Elizabeth

[@midi510]

David Gilmour also used one regularly on Pink Floyd albums. If you didn't know, you'd probably think it was a synth.

[@SANSd20]

Is it still used? I know it was big in the 70s and 80s

[@concertalleyrail]

That guitar is a steel guitar. Yes U can trace it's roots in Hawaii.

[@shelby477]

​@concertalleyrai The way I've heard it is that Spaniards and Mexicans brought guitars to Hawaii in the early 1800's. Then the Hawaiians created different tunings and came up with the horizontal steel guitar. Then in the early 1900's, cowboys from California went with cattle to Hawaii and they brought back the Hawaiian steel string. l know there is a recording of country music from the 20's with a musician named Hoot something, sorry can't remember his exact name, with a Hawaiian player playing the steel guitar. Anyway the point being it was full circle. So we can thank the Hawaiians getting into the the cattle industry and the cowboys from California bringing it back.

[@michaeltelson9798]

My father played steel guitar. He played mostly Hawaiian style which was popular in the 1940’s as well as country music. His guitar was a black body double neck that laid on his lap.

[@philliprice1640]

Linda covering Desperado is out of this world as well.

[@InspectorVol]

Yes! Please do that one. It is magnificent!

[@judithboulden3456]

My favorite too.

[@gailjacobson7088]

Agree 100%

[@LordDragon1965]

Also her cover of The Waiting (Tom Petty) was genius. But let's be honest I'd listen to her sing the phonebook. Additionally grab her with Dolly and Emmylou Harris doing Silver Threads and Golden Needles.

[@erickvermeulen9734]

Yes, the Blue Bayou performance is great, one of her signature songs, but her live interpretation of Desperado makes me cry, Wonder if that was at the same show.

[@RandallVentresca]

The greatest most versatile vocalist of her generation.

[@EstimatedEyes68]

Of any generation

[@gailjacobson7088]

Pop, rock, operetta, the American songbook, Mexican folk music. She did it all

[@rdm1000]

I don't know a single teen boy who wasn't in love with Linda during this period. Not only was she as cute as can be, but that voice was dripping with sass and honey, and every time she sang, particularly while wearing her cub scout uniform, teen hearts both melted and were crushed the world over. A truly monumental talent as she proved by singing in so many genres. That such a great voice lost her voice to illness is tragedy of the first order. A perfect song choice for you Elizabeth.

[@CharlesHoward-ud6qv]

I am a lead guitarist and a huge Linda Ronstadt fan since the beginning with the Stone Ponies and like you said I had a huge crush on her. I met and dated a girl that could have been her sister. We had different personalities so it didn’t work out but, let’s put it this way, I never forgot her lol.

[@What_Makes_Climate_Tick]

When I was a teenager, one of my high school teachers admitted to having a thing for her.

[@davidrodenkirk5561]

I was definitely one of them.❤

[@dougim]

I had a poster of her in my room.

[@michaelmurray6525]

@@dougim I had two.

[@johnhoslett6732]

Thanks to Roy Orbison for writing Blue Bayou. His version is also very, very memorable. 😎

[@Algux]

you mean "Better" 😉

[@davidtullis2810]

​@@Alguxapples with oranges

[@trol68419]

@@Algux I adore Roy Orbison but when Linda sings someone's song, it becomes hers. Her covers have always become the definitive version, it's part of what makes her special. But yes, taste is subjective. Roy was a legend as well.

[@TracyN67]

@@Algux No. They are both master singers who absolutely slayed this song. Neither is better.

[@alexconnor9680]

Elizabeth definitely needs to review some Roy Orbison. I'd recommend she do "You Got It" since it was produced by Jeff Lynne and she loved his ELO stuff

[@johnwoodworth9127]

Yeah that was the reaction I was expecting. When she starts to belt it out the look on Elizabeth's face was exactly what I was expecting.

[@rowanmayfair9249]

It's pretty much how we all looked when first hearing her hit that chorus. It still hurts my soul to know her voice is silenced forever.

[@grimmone09]

That STARE then multiple eye blinks as her brain resets? 😂

[@EricRoosma]

God dang, she's so good. Back then there were so many colossal people rockin'; singing and acting and trying to redirect the world for the better; on the stages, the screens, in the end zone, past. the "GOAL" -line, in the White House, and Shooting for the Moon; in that 69's to 79's period. (give or take 5 years before and after). Liz, your words were perfectly. synchronized with me, as always. "I like was actually smiling so hard I started to have tears."(E Zharoff). I wasn't going to watch today, because in this melancholy, healing song, the Bayou is blues! And I got enough of those today. I'm a man, but I would weep like a baby if I won a super bowl or held a newborn child or having said goodbye to a friends & strangers who've died. I never met the president, but RIP Jimmy Carter, was a superior man. and he was living history; in the time of Linda's reign. Last time I saw her live, was on the Kennedy Center Honors. She has Parkinson's now. Huh, it's not Fair or funny that she and Tim Curry are in chairs. but if you sail that high, + you're going to have to pay the yin - to understand the experience of our lives. I have Parkinson's and it makes me grieve for the precious things and times I gave away for nothing, not even magic beans.🤣 "Saving nickels, saving dimes Working til the sun don't shine Looking forward to happier times ... If I could only see That familiar sunrise Through sleepy eyes How happy I'd be"... Grief, Healing (Acceptance) & Hope; In a 4 minutes song. How do you do that? You're Roy Orbison & Joe Melson, that's how. Linda's voice is chocolate for the soul; with a heart of country, the lungs of a a rockstar & breath, range control of an Opera Chanteuse, but I don't think she was ever a diva. Linda and her manager John Boylan, helped birth the Eagles by bringing together their heartbeat(Don Henley)and their singing holes (Glen Frye-rip). I'm always late on these posts somebody told the story of The Eagles already, I will bet a quarter. In 1987 she released her first album of traditional Mexican Mariachi songs "Canciones de Mi Padre". Are you not entertained? what more do you want? to live on Laurel Canyon? Outside of RHPS, there's no time warp machine; so as for me I'm going to go dry my eyes, check out that Pirates of Pandas. I'm going to smile and laugh so much, "I'll probably start to have tears."(ez). I'm going to play something beautiful to make me remember everyone I love, but have gone on, and are lost to me; except in where they're eternal, my heart & my mind. "Yes they call me Mimi" (Puccini) & "Don't Laugh at Me" (Peter, Paul & Mary),"Tea For One" (Zeppelin). Lastly, of course "Georgia On My Mind" (Ray Charles). I found and American singing version of La Boheme; another Christmas gift to me, yay! Faith, Peace, & Love, M.R.=E ps that was a pedal steel guitar, I think? (see): Steve Howe of Yes, Jeff Healey, and John Paul Jones, for some very very good start as examples.

[@rowanmayfair9249]

@@EricRoosma That was so eloquently stated.

[@johntiggleman4686]

@johnwoodworth9127 Yep. Those who know this song knew what was coming. I also was waiting to see her reaction. So great to see any reviewer get blown away by Linda.

[@surferdjnj]

Let's talk about how the audience, back then, appreciated amazing singing. No dancing or theatrics, just a voice and a band!!! BRAVO

[@EstimatedEyes68]

No cell phones being held up

[@DQ_Mine]

​@@EstimatedEyes68 If we had cell phones, you can know we would have used them, of course! 😂

[@MacBigUSA]

Women singers of a bygone era didn’t wear sparkly figure skating outfits. To me, such outfits detract, not enhance, the singer.

[@rainiaananda9327]

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE rabbit hole this extraordinary singer!! It's not just a good voice, or good song, her LIFE is the most beautifully lived and tragically strangled of any singer I can think of. She stretched boundaries of the time, didn't give a crap what people/labels/media wanted from her. She lived her career on her own terms, then unfortunately was struck with a crippling diagnosis that took her voice. She still "sings" at home with her family, but in her own words, "this isn't singing". She changed female led bands, and the confines of that time's constrictions had on what women could or could not do. All singers then and now owe a debt of gratitude to this legend.

[@bluesdoggg]

I’m sad that her health has taken away her voice, but glad she’s still with us 😢 A true legend of music.

[@genny5309]

Every time I hear her sing, I feel that tinge is sadness because I know how much she must miss it.

[@stephgreen3070]

100% recommend watching the documentary Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice”. The whole thing is amazing, but they interview her at the end and it’s clear how much losing the versatility of her instrument has changed her. It’s quite heartbreaking. It’s such a good film.

[@dougim]

I SO admire that she stopped singing when it wasn’t up to her personal standards.

[@stevenmeyer9674]

@@stephgreen3070 It was sad when she told the interviewer that her singing along with her family "wasn't singing"

[@davidparkerguitar]

That "flat guitar" is a steel guitar. I think this one is a pedal steel, which not only has a dizzying array of strings, but also pedals to sharp and flat, and even knee levers to manipulate. You're right in thinking it was first known and marketed as a Hawaiian instrument (the lap version with no pedals or levers), and then it became a signature country and western/western swing instrument. It's used all over genres though; Sleepwalk by Santo and Johnny and Teach Your Children by CSNY come to mind-

[@RabbiSteve1]

Was going to make this same comment. I thank you for saving me the trouble. You explained the pedal steel (sometimes, it’s just called that for short) perfectly. One of my favorite instruments. Even prog bands have used it to good effect (eg Pink Floyd & Yes).

[@stuBdoc]

@@RabbiSteve1 Even Led Zeppelin! And since you're a rabbi, a Reform temple near us has a house band that uses a pedal steel as the only guitar, and it is surprisingly effective in that setting.

[@markg454]

Like you wrote, it is a pedal steel guitar and it is the HARDEST guitar to play well.

[@cryn6519]

Pedal steel, right?

[@davidparkerguitar]

@@stuBdoc There's a whole tradition of "Sacred Steel" in some Black American churches where the steel guitar is the centerpiece instrument because organs are so expensive. Robert Randolph started that way. The Lee Boys are a fabulous Gospel band that is steel-centric and they came up through the church.

[@johndavidwolf4239]

If you are impressed with her "all in one breath" in this song, some of her songs in Spanish on her album "Canciones de Mi Padre" are IMHO even more impressive.

[@xyz-yf2kr]

Yes :)

[@pj-fx7gx]

I wore out the “Canciones” LP. Then the CD. Now iTunes

[@julianortiz4151]

Yup! I recommended that Elizabeth check out “La Charreada” from that album on the last Linda Ronstadt reaction video.

[@TheNationOfTexas]

Absolutely! La Charreada is my favorite!

[@raju-bitter]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h17Jp6akgdSWeK8&ab_channel=fabtastique

[@susanne_berlin]

Germany here ... I admired this song when I was a girl. Now, due to your fabulous analysis, I understand in depth why I was so moved. I am still in tears, after all these years.

[@shortaybrown]

Germans like a lot of American music for some reason.

[@tswizard13]

My dad played a steel guitar for over 60 years, he passed a few years ago at 89. He was in high demand for most of that time. Steel Guitar Rag was his signature song. The steel is held in the left hand and is slid up and down the neck to get the desired sound, the right hand has metal "picks' to pluck the strings.

[@boroblueyes]

I was an usher for this show at the Fabulous Fox Theater. Every note was perfect. I instantly fell in love.

[@Jude_196]

ENVIOUS!! :)

[@SeanOHanlon]

You lucky dude. I lived in Atlanta throughout the 90's and went to several shows at the Fox after it had been restored. I never knew that Linda performed there. My experience would have been very different had I known that.

[@boroblueyes]

@SeanOHanlon It was a blast. The head usher was one of my fraternity brother's neighbor. He had several people call out for a John Davidson show and he needed help. Two of us helped out then and after that we got to work some really great shows. We didn't get paid, but we got some free snacks and drinks. We usually did 3 or 4 shows per month.

[@ornotgortwormiii8731]

@@SeanOHanlon I grew up in Atlanta, was mostly a heavy metal and classic rock guy. I saw a multitude of shows at the Omni but the best show, by far, was a night at the Fox seeing Sting on his Dream of the Blue Turtles tour. Great venue, great artist.

[@markvanderstelt8999]

yes i think i got a Beer from you at that show

[@Leks3777]

Dolly Parton said in all the years she sang with Linda she has never heard hit a bad Note. Please more Linda please!

[@stevenmeyer9674]

She also said (In jest) that Linda was a pain in the you know what because of how much a perfectionist she was.

[@threecedarshomestead1330]

Listen to Trio (Linda, Dolly, and sweet, sweet Emmy Lou.

[@davidgrubbs4480]

@@stevenmeyer9674yes she did!

[@beverlyleonard7052]

@@threecedarshomestead1330 that trio is so magic. Three amazing singers with such recognizable sounds, but they blend so sweetly.

[@Fletcher-Boy]

@@threecedarshomestead1330YES

[@DeepThawts]

There are two rabbit holes to follow here -- one is the Linda Ronstadt repertoire, which is, as others have said and you are discovering, is incredibly varied. The other rabbit hole involves the original writer of this song, Roy Orbison, who was an amazing vocalist in his own right, with a haunting, sometimes ethereal style. Can't wait to see you continue this journey of discovery!

[@dugferd2266]

Came looking for Orbison references as possible topics for future analysis.

[@willjohnson8446]

Cowboy Junkies are a third Blue Bayou rabbit hole.

[@mr.knowitall6440]

Elvis apparently said he wished he could sing like Roy Orbison. 😎

[@BlackSmokeDMax]

Plus the rabbit hole of the Eagles spinning off from some of them being part of LInda's band.

[@fleetskipper1810]

Orbison is fantastic.

[@mattp422]

I saw Linda in Philly, opening for Neil Young, Spring ‘73. If she’s not the greatest pop singer of her generation, then she’s definitely in the top 3. I think her very best performance available on YT is her televised performance of “Long, Long Time". Her voice and those incredible eyes! Oh my! Oh, and then there’s her cover of the Eagles "Desperado".

[@bobbatten5365]

Elizabeth, you absolutely grew up under a rock! Slide guitars are a staple of country music.

[@regis387]

be nice :)

[@MC-je7qm]

Finally the great Linda Ronstadt on the channel. Not only is she one of the greatest Rock singers, she was very instrumental in helping the Eagles get their start.

[@markvanderstelt8999]

she has been on before

[@EstimatedEyes68]

Correct! Don Henley and Glenn Frey were actually part of her backing band, and she encouraged them to go start their own band.

[@raynavarro7997]

That's the first thing I noticed, you took forever to pause....you looked mesmerized!

[@bipolarbear7325]

I loved watching Elizabeth during those first few lines. I could only think "Wait for it. She's lacing up her boots."

[@dogsmusicbookstravelscience]

Same here. Then patiently waited for Elizabeth to get to the final line... We were well rewarded!

[@zackreuter6344]

Yep. I thought, "she's just warming up."

[@steveames5797]

Best female pop singer ever. Remember kids, this was live with no pitch correction, etc.

[@reginapontes5672]

For me, Karen Carpenter and Whitney Houston were better. 😊

[@Cyannah117]

@@reginapontes5672- all three of them were phenomenal!!! Karen was just one of those out of this world artists, someone we really knew who wouldn’t be with us for long, Whitney was a pop star extraordinaire with a phenomenal vocal and Linda was the country/blues star. ❤

[@RandallVentresca]

​@@reginapontes5672 Karen Carpenter didn't have the versatility in her voice as Linda Ronstadt. She mainly sang low key mellow poppy songs within a similar range.

[@stevenmeyer9674]

@@Cyannah117 And, lets not forget that most of what we hear from Whitney is on recordings.

[@raysalsa1]

@@RandallVentresca I prefer Karen's voice overall. She is more conversational but, i believe being a contralto has a lot to do with that. A warmer voice! Listen to Karen sing don't cry for me Argentina of passage Lp 1977. It is glorious! Karen had versatility but the carpenters had that same kind of signature sound from 1969 to 1976. BTW, i have listened to Linda's entire catalogue and she incredible. I like her latin LP"S being someone who used to DJ latin music (salsa).

[@stevegriffin5681]

Yes. I was waiting to see the look on her face when Linda finished. It was worth the wait.

[@lizjo7213]

Me too!!!

[@DEPARTMENTOFREDUNDANCYDEPT]

How about the musicians supporting this amazing performance? They lightly fill the audio space behind and underneath her, giving her all the room to soar with that magnificent voice, never overshadowing her but always supplying the rhythm and framework for Linda's perfect delivery. Elizabeth's analysis and commentary make me enjoy the song and appreciate Linda's unique talent even more.

[@runuphill]

Literally perfect accompaniment.

[@edminchau811]

Well, they are the Eagles, after all.

[@DEPARTMENTOFREDUNDANCYDEPT]

@@edminchau811 Really? I did not know that! Thanks!

[@joegillam1497]

Linda could sing ANYTHING. Rock, Soul, Pop, Country. What a magical singer. Happy New Year from the UK.

[@dathat555]

Opera as well.

[@rubroken]

@@dathat555 Big band, and latin as well

[@MobiusBandwidth]

and opera!

[@mikemaricle9941]

Linda could sing the phonebook, and I'd listen.

[@Azabaxe80]

And rancheras as well. Which is not just "Latin", but particularly Mexican folk music.

[@foreveralone11w]

"Long long time" is a Linda MUST ❤

[@threecedarshomestead1330]

It's a heart breaker, A Must Listen

[@LetitRainNow450]

YES!!!!

[@BradGroatman]

Absolutely

[@benij-b2m]

She’s one of the most mesmerizing female vocalists ❤ Every song, every style, always captivating

[@davidadamsmusic]

All of this BEFORE auto tune and pitch correction. Her pitch and control is perfect.

[@brucegordon9128]

"Long Long Time" should be the next stop on this journey.

[@Melissa-kw1sl]

That song and her voice makes me cry… every time! ❤

[@samgilbert5684]

I second this!!!

[@scopett1]

Ronstadt also performed in Puccini's opera La Bohème.

[@papabearlives9995]

Definitely

[@pj-fx7gx]

Long Long Time tears me into little pieces - the same today as it did 50 years ago 💔

[@CharlesHoward-ud6qv]

As an opera singer you may be interested to know that she received awards for her performance in Pirates of Penzance. I think you should also listen to some of her mariachi singing which is very close to opera. She speaks Spanish because of her heritage and she absolutely kills it. Of course her pop and country rock stuff is her standard but she has also recorded two albums of standards which The Nelson Riddle orchestra. She can sing crystal clear and clean then get rock gritty. She can soar to amazing highs all the while doing it seemingly effortlessly. I’m a lead guitarist and have been playing in bands my whole life and in my opinion she is one of if not the greatest singer in any genre of all time. By the way the instrument you were asking about is a pedal steel guitar. A beautiful instrument. Absolutely love your reaction and Linda deserves it. Oh, I failed to mention that I have seen her live twice and in my early twenties I was in love lol.

[@TheJhtlag]

You missed her first Ronstadt review of "You're no good" where she mentions P of P and refers to the rock stuff - to our chagrin - as her "other" stuff.

[@Paul-lp7zp]

"Dad, you know what you're talking about." I melted the first time one of my daughters said that to me.

[@leemichaelgeller4420]

As soon as I saw this coming today I KNEW Elizabeth would be knocked out when Linda opened up… ❤❤❤

[@markvanderstelt8999]

you sir are a mind reader.

[@vix387]

She is perfection. I love Long Long Time and Faithless Love. Her versions of both are stunning.

[@JCHolland]

FIIIINAALLY!!!! The Ronstadt sings mariachi Vargas [live] performance blows anything else away! (As a lifelong metal head…I can’t believe I just typed that 😅) Linda is a once in a lifetime talent!

[@lancelary6989]

Agreed. Please watch and react to something from Canciones de mi Padre

[@mikeplott4817]

I Agree And I Hope And Pray 🙏 She Does It Next 👍🙏💯😎❤️

[@AlphaSpaz]

Yeah, doing that later in her career was not expected. She killed it.

[@mikeplott4817]

@@AlphaSpaz Absolutely 👍 💯

[@oldschooljeremy8124]

Yes...if you want to see some more "all in one breath" mastery, maybe 'La Charreada".

[@WoodlandT]

Linda had one of the most extraordinary voice in contemporary music. I grew up listening her because my parents loved her so much. My mom, rest her soul, was particularly enamored with Linda’s music. Before she was famous, my parents would go watch her play all the time in Santa Barbara. They said she was always barefoot when she’d sing in those days. So my nostalgia 💙 ETA - There are some wonderful performances out there with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris. The 3 of them sounded so beautiful together That’s a steel guitar! It’s such an iconically country music sound, a certain era of country music anyway. It’s a beautiful instrument

[@stuBdoc]

When she first started her solo career (after the Stone Poneys) she was a frequent guest on Glen Campbell's show, and her trademark was always performing barefoot. Some of those performances are available on YT.

[@PatrickLally-ep1yj]

My first time seeing Linda live was at the Palomino club in North Hollywood. We were at the second show, told she was sick and may not perform. Luckily she came out barefoot and sang beautifully. Was about 5 feet from her, fantastic memory.

[@Nikki-l5p9y]

Yes. Would love her see some of the songs with Dolly and Emmylou!

[@Nikki-l5p9y]

I mean, Dolly is a National treasure, and Emmylou is exquisite. Maybe we could hear some of the work Emmylou did with Bob Dylan from the Desire album.

[@c.k.8412]

"Poor, Poor Pitiful Me" is another great one to see how she has amazing range and technique.

[@PaulBudge]

Written by the excitable boy, Warren Zevon! great suggestion!

[@stevenmeyer9674]

@@PaulBudge Linda, in all her humbleness, sang some backup vocals for Zevon during the time she was already a super star.

[@robertmeyn3609]

Any Zevon cover she sings is amazing.

[@frzstat]

I love Linda's version of Willin' by Little Feat (Lowell George) as well.

[@markvanderstelt8999]

why are you feeling sorry for yourself. poor poor me

[@heylad]

Absolutely loved your analysis of Linda, here, Elizabeth. It does blow my mind that such a great, big, beautiful voice came out of Linda, at only 5 ft 3 in. tall.

[@ronbock8291]

Her Mariachi stuff is astonishing. She is truly unparalleled.

[@pasteye1671]

Madame, you are now beginning to understand why we have loved Linda for so long. Tragic that she can no longer perform, but (looking desperately for a silver lining to the blackest cloud) we never had to experience her losing her ability to still perform as she aged - it happens with so many artists. We have her at her best and that's how she will always be to her fans.

[@metalmark1214]

Linda Ronstadt was one of the iconic singers in the 70'and 80's. Blue Bayou one of my favorites. The chorus really highlights her voice. Other songs sung by her- You're No Good, When Will I Be Loved, Long, Long Time

[@echopeakbicycling85]

All good choices.

[@mitchellsmith6979]

She has to be one of the most versatile singers I've ever heard of. She can sing Rock, country, Mariachi, Opera. What a gift she received.

[@johntiggleman4686]

@mitchellsmith6979 And what a gift she gave us.

[@ed.z.]

I traveled 3 hours to see Linda Ronstadt in concert at Jones Beach. Performed with the Neville Brothers. Every song was an enormous joy. No joke. She was singing stunningly beautiful for hours.

[@freespiritsuzy]

She’s incredible and she’s the person I listened to when I learned to sing. If you really want to hear her at her absolute best, you should listen to Down So Low. It should be here on YT ❤❤

[@SocratesCurse]

More than just her singing, she is also seemingly just a kind, woman who isn’t full of ego. It’s almost as if she had her amazing talent, used it however she wanted. Now that she is ill & cannot sing anymore, she lives gracefully, knowing she has given us everything & lends her energy to her family.

[@timbacchus]

Yes indeed we in Tucson love her forever.

[@GatorScribe726]

Definitely not full of ego. I watched the documentary on her and she said she didn’t feel she was as good a singer as other people.

[@SocratesCurse]

@@GatorScribe726 I think that if she was an ego driven person, she’d never be able to deal with the loss of her ability. Instead, she is thoughtful & full of grace. Hard to believe her heart could be as beautiful as her voice, but even her voice was hard to believe. She is an amazing woman.

[@SocratesCurse]

@@timbacchus I can see why, she represents your state & its people so incredibly well.

[@TracyN67]

I have absolutely adored everything about her all my life. She was my greatest teacher and inspiration as a singer as well.

[@cattuslavandula]

Not sure if you can use the video here, but just watch it for your own entertainment. Linda Ronstadt on The Muppet Show singing When I Grow Too Old To Dream. It's live, she didn't lip synch. It made my head blow off, lol. Dear Gods, her voice, her skill, is just stunning. She also does Blue Bayou with a bunch of little frogs which is pretty cute. 🐸🐸🐸

[@TheAAGuy]

Yea, there's a reason why most of us picked 'Blue Bayou'...

[@janpcs]

Because you don't know her Mexican work?

[@mikegoodwin2386]

@@janpcs I know of it. I'm not very familiar with it.

[@sahuero9620]

The first spanish album is amazing!​@@mikegoodwin2386

[@PaulMcElligott]

Songs like “Blue Bayou” are the reason she was a big enough star to do things like “Caciones de mi Padre” and her work with Nelson Riddle.

[@jwichman9]

Elizabeth if you have not seen it you owe it to yourself the watch a documentary called Linda Ronstadt the Sound of My Voice. It tells the incredible story of this one in a million singer.

[@eldenjr]

It saddens me that one of the most beautiful voices of the 20th Century has been silenced. God bless you, Linda! We still love you. One day her voice will be back!

[@colinwallace5286]

Linda is a complete treasure. She could always find something special in a song, and truly make it her own.

[@skyewilliams2247]

Gorgeous important pipes. Especially Live. Unadorned, naturally powerful with authentic sorrow. Ronstadt was a very special songbird. Thanx for your appreciation.

[@TheKitchenerLeslie]

And she's ready to MAGA!

[@skyewilliams2247]

​@@TheKitchenerLeslieRonstadt's mind is one of the most impressive, well read in popular entertainment. Linda has called out the cruelty and lies of MAGA in clear honest language. Don't insult her or us. Go do your homework.

[@TheKitchenerLeslie]

@@skyewilliams2247 She must be crazy since there are no lies to call out. Are you saying she supports reconquista?

[@CharlesHoward-ud6qv]

I responded to this in another post and the one thing I forgot to mention is how much soul and emotion she pours into her singing. You’re absolutely right, gorgeous powerful and so soulful

[@gwooledge]

Just to clarify: a lap steel guitar is set upon one's lap, and then played with a handheld slide. A pedal steel guitar is basically the same instrument, except it's mounted on some legs, and has foot pedals attached, which can be used to alter the sounds, in addition to the handheld slide. Both versions are super common in country music.

[@Mr.Ekshin]

She should check out Jeff Healey!

[@bobair2]

​@@Mr.Ekshinyes indeed and I sure did on 3 separate occasions and his concerts were great!

[@BionicleJackson]

I had never heard of Junior Brown before my mom dragged me to see him play. I've played a guitar ever since.

[@bobholtzmann]

My favorite steel guitar player is Jerry Garcia -- he played it not only in the Grateful Dead, but also on other group's songs like "Teach Your Children" by CSN&Y.

[@OttoBAbear]

Robert Randolph and the family band bluesy rocks out on pedal steel after learning "sacred steel" in church.

[@johntiggleman4686]

Every man and boy was in love with Linda back the day. Such beauty, such a voice. I'm 74 and still get a bit misty-eyed listening to her sing. As they say, she could sing the New York City phone book and people would be so in love with her and her voice. She is one of a kind. Please check out the 3 albums she did with the late Nelson Riddle...all 40s and some 50s standards. Also superb work. A great review.

[@wayned1807]

Agree 100% from a 75 year old.

[@Tom_Losh]

... and a hearty AOL "Me too!" from a 78 year old. 🙂

[@dogsmusicbookstravelscience]

Guilty as charged. I was convinced that one day Linda and I would find ourselves in the same room, perhaps a bar, and then our eyes would meet. Then the world would stop. Well, it never happened ... Not yet.

[@Wishpool]

I'm 57 and have been listening to Linda since I was little. She's enormously talented and it saddens me that her PSP diagnosis has stripped away her ability to sing. I don't know how you kept from crying, Lizzy... tears flowed down my face the instant she hit those powerful high notes. Linda is *incredible* and I'm glad you love her, too!

[@Lola_Santoro]

When she started singing I was literally like . . . I canNOT wait to see Elizabeth's face when Linda brings it . . . then the end! And, you didn't disappoint!

[@DRC2060]

Yeah, you should hear her sing with a Mariachi Band in Spanish- mind blowing 🤯

[@caroline___]

This right here!

[@jc41517]

Well worth seeing

[@nkogbksb]

LA CHARREADA

[@derianparsad5659]

This is my favourite reaction you have ever done because you let the song play so that we could actually enjoy your reaction to listening to the song the way we ourselves do with delight, surprise and enjoyment and then we may go back and re-listen and analyse bits that interested us. Please do more videos like this, they are much more enjoyable this way, thanks.

[@DropAnchor1978]

This channel is a love-hate thing for me because I think Elizabeth is absolutely qualified with all her great insights and emotional responses. I just get so frustrated with the endless pauses. The flow is completely lost.

[@thomashiggins9320]

I was waitin' in anticipation for the reaction to that last high note. 😊 This is my favorite song by Linda Ronstadt. I've listened to it my entire life.

[@markk.4941]

Great to see Elizabeth totally mesmerized!

[@matthewpaul1111]

We all knew that you'd absolutely love this great vocal performance by Linda and that the ending would have you exclaiming, WOW, WOW, WOW! I'm just surprised that your subscribers and others who watch your reaction videos didn't badger you into reacting to this classic live performance years ago.

[@bruzewill7081]

Always in tears listening to Linda singing this.

[@firedoc5]

Linda was my first album cover crush, then hearing her voice made me fall in love with her even more. I can remember my baby sister dancing with my grandfather by standing on his shoes to this song. It doesn't matter what genre of music Linda is singing, she's great and I love it.

[@lennierichardson1387]

Tears, chills, and gooseflesh are all normal responses to Linda Ronstadt's voice. Good on you. One great singer admiring another. Her voice is otherworldly. But then, so is yours.

[@rescuelover7891]

My favorite singer. Linda was just born with a natural talent. She could sing any genre of music. I was a teenager in the 60's when she hit. She is virtually unmatched! Thank you, Elizabeth, for acknowledging her beautiful voice.❤

[@SCVocalStudentReacts]

I enjoy singing this, but...Linda knocks it out of the park...and then some. So much to learn from how she does it. Thanks for reacting to it and analyzing it so beautifully.

[@Cadinho93]

Roy Orbison wrote "Blue Bayou", along with Joe Melson in 1961. It was released in 1963 and was a huge hit for Roy Orbison. It became Linda Ronstadt's signature song. Also, Linda's backing band became the Eagles, that's how great she is.

[@davidhornbeckmusic7487]

I think she’d like Roy a lot.

[@brianmacintire3064]

TDIL - Never knew that about the Eagles, now it's all I can hear in the background. So obvious now, lol.

[@jameslong3752]

@@brianmacintire3064 It is true that all four of the founding members of the Eagle played in Linda's band in the in 1970-1971, Don and Glen, left before Bernie and Randy. All that being said the song was from 1977, long those guys had all left for the Eagles

[@markvanderstelt8999]

Not all of them were with her

[@KitiRama]

17:20 It's a steel guitar that is often heard in various styles of country music.

[@jayhafe]

If you’re into that sort of thing, Junior Brown has a wild custom guitar that’s a 6 string electric guitar and a steel guitar that he calls “guit-steel”.

[@dannymahaffey5457]

Look up Barbara Mandrell's Steel Guitar Rag

[@markbryan2287]

This

[@toddely2130]

Robert Randolph and the Family Band use the pedal steel for blues as well !! Wonderful instrument

[@bluetopguitar1104]

Linda had a complete command of anything she decided to sing. So much beauty and power.

[@troybaldwin8107]

Knowing this song, and knowing what was coming...I spent the whole time watching our esteemed host's reactions. Exactly what I expected,, to the point I too was tearing up smiling so hard. Best part is these videos help me understand what I liked about the music I grew up with.

[@flyoverkid55]

Linda's work is nothing short of phenomenal. The richness and intensity of her voice is something that is rarely encountered in popular music. Been a fan since 1975.

[@flyoverkid55]

P.S.: It's a pedal steel guitar, a staple among country and some island/ calypso work.

[@dellis47]

I saw Linda in the late seventies at an outside bandshell concert. She was singing when the power went out . She noticed immediately and increase her volume. We were about 40 rows back and could hear her (and the drums) plain as day. In about a minute, the sound came back on and she resumed at her original volume. We and the whole audience was floored and gave her a standing ovationat the end of that song. She sings in so many genres, i I suggest "When You Wish Upon A Star" from her Standards recordings and anything else she sang. You Can't go wrong. One special song I would love to hear YOUR analysis is "Down So Low". It isn't the most popular song but I think it is the hardest and the saddest. She pours her heart out.

[@KenRoerden]

A big yes to Down So Low. I love her cover and of course the original by Tracy Nelson in Mother Earth.

[@Ralphk-zz3we]

One of my favorite female singers.Elizabeth great choice.Linda could sing the phonebook and sound amazing.

[@EarlyRiser--]

I'm 70 and if you ask me who after all my years of lovin music who I would choose as my favorite female singer, hands down it's Linda singing Blue Bayou! Her creamy voice in this song takes you to the Bayou and lets you float on a wave. Thank you Linda and Elizabeth for the ride.

[@GoodStuffForeverMore]

I love it that you are getting to explore the depths of Linda Ronstadt, having only thought she was Mabel from HMS pinafore. It is so amazing to see you relating to/discovering this amazing vocalist I have appreciated for many, many years. Can't wait to see you get into her Spanish repertoire🤗

[@mattleyshon9739]

Great reaction. Linda Ronstadt has such a recognizable, and amazing voice. Her control on this song is unmatched.

[@dukecunning7046]

I grew up in the 70's. Loved Linda. Recently watched a documentary on Linda Ronstadt. Was blown away and now love her more (ten times more)!!

[@williamcalderini6370]

I think you would really love her album "What's New" performed with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra. A collection of old 1940's and 1950's "Torch" songs. Masterfully recorded and showcases her voice in a way I have not seen before or since. Good from start to finish. Especially "Someone To Watch Over Me". Raw emotional power with full "big band " orchestration. Maybe not good for a video, but well worth geeking out over. :)

[@crawfb5]

The other two albums with Riddle ("Lush Life" and "For Sentimental Reasons") are also quite good. I'm partial to "Round Midnight" and "I'm a Fool to Want You" but there are plenty of great tracks on the three albums.

[@michaelstyles5309]

Yep agreed . A whole other world of Linda Ronstadt’s voice.

[@johntiggleman4686]

@williamcalderini6370 I also suggested Elizabeth check out those albums. I have all three and love them; of course, I love hearing "the standards."

[@StarlightedWanderer]

In "My Funny Valentine", at "Stay, little Valentine... stay", she starts the note as straight as a laser beam, then gradually works in vibrato, all absolutely in control. Perfection. (Maybe for February?)

[@williamcalderini6370]

@@StarlightedWanderer Yeah. One of my favorite moments from that album as well. Happy New Year!

[@debbiechang5781]

Linda has volumes of unappreciated material from her albums. In my opinion, her best work was seldom played on the radio😢. She is definitely a precious treasure and gift to humanity. A beautiful, humble, stunningly talented woman. Thanks to Linda Ronstadt for the amazing gifts she has given us and are, thankfully, preserved on tape and video for eternity. 🌸💐✌️

[@AjaxCaper]

Any favorites to name?

[@TheParadoxDestroyer]

A time when American music audiences actually appreciated talent.

Exquisite! So wonderful to watch a master witness another master deliver a masterclass in an art form. Thank you!!

[@anonagain]

This one always brings tears to my eyes. Not because of the lyrics, but because of the performance. Thanks for the reaction/analysis.

[@dannyt286]

I knew her jaw would drop when she heard Ronstadt sing this song. Also, I thank Linda for helping bringing the Eagles together.

[@genny5309]

Even if she was not an amazing singer, I’d thank her for helping to launch the Eagles. Love her and love them.

[@markvanderstelt8999]

ya and she also brought Metallica and MegaDeth together

[@MarkDeChambeau-lo1rt]

Tears and chills for this woman. Her range and control are iconic.

[@rdotson0]

Having had a horrible life of late (mostly self imposed, which makes it all the more bad), your bright, effervescent attitude and delivery always give me a joyous feeling inside. Linda was a contemporary of my earlier, much happier life; so, I have and do appreciate her talent. However, your talent in bringing joy to music is on an equal level🎉! Thank you again for bringing a brief light to my life’s room. May God bless.

[@frankbirch3877]

Very few singers, less than half a dozen in history, have had the clarity, pitch precision, breath control and power that Linda had in her heyday. Her work was so varied - her Canciones de mio Padre are absolutely stunning. She deserves to be followed to the end of time. Great review btw!

[@TheTish]

She has one of the most smooth as silk, wide ranging vocals I’ve ever heard.

[@MithrilBiscuit]

Linda Ronstadt singing "Blue Bayou"...in every meaningful way, perfection.

[@lostinthought2135]

OMG I saw her in person perform a couple of songs at a LA fundraiser in the late 80's and she just blew away the auditorium. Her voice was so strong and so clear it filled the entire space. I have never heard anything like it before or after. Amazing.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

The Steel Guitar is widely used in country music Its bending pitch and multiple strings has always been mesmerizing. Linda was so incredible. Truly one of the great singers of my lifetime. Linda is 5'2" and probably weighed around 100lbs in this time. truly a vocal angel.

[@TheSkyhightribe]

I have always loved this song and appreciated the finer points, but I (shockingly) loved walking through it with you. What a super trip that was!

[@MrCfors]

0:45 seconds in and the look on your face when Linda's voice started. PRICELESS !!

[@kennywilkus1632]

I’m so stoked for this one! Linda was phenomenal! There was nothing she couldn’t sing!!

[@kissthekrogan4256]

18:00 "all one breath...". Elizabeth, please watch her sing "La Charreada" and "La Cigarra" from her album "Canciones de mi Padre". It really showcases her control. I think you will love it. Watch it live for full impact.

[@audibletapehiss3764]

I was going to suggest that she check out that album as well. I think Linda's roots in traditional Mexican singing may have a lot to do with her whole approach to belting.

[@kissthekrogan4256]

@audibletapehiss3764 Wings of Pegasus did a very cool detailed pitch analysis of La Charreada. It made me appreciate her skill on a new level.

[@godsofohio6734]

Wow. what a reaction! Thank you for deepening my appreciation of Linda Ronstadt.

[@stevenfriedman3670]

Thank you Elizabeth I love your comments and your enthusiastic approach to music.

[@grimgrinningtracy9157]

Growing up in the 70's, mom and dad had a music listening room with turntable equipment and a LOT of vinyl, we loved her, there was a huge poster of her on the wall. I also had my own turntable in my room at age 5. I got to see her a couple of times, she holds a special place in many of our hearts.

[@mariefraher8725]

Never gets old! And yes, we wore silk flowers in our hair just like Linda.

[@CorpseBride64]

Yes, we did. I wore real daffodils all Summer long.

[@stoindrae]

Not only did I recognize how great a singer she was in my youth ... I also had a crush on her as a 5yr old... :)

[@austerityclause]

Yep, most of us did. 5 to 75. We all had it pretty bad.

[@HDCalame]

Linda Ronstadt will be missed so much! Gone but never forgotten!

[@Nikki-l5p9y]

I am so glad you finally got around to this. She conveys emotion as well as anyone ever has. And on this song, she puts you right in the middle of the story. You are in the Blue Bayou. I’ve always wondered what took so long to get here. And also, I had expected to see KD Lang, and Sarah McLachlan. They are also angels. Just pure angelic masters when they sing. There is also a newish artist, who unfortunately is not as well known as I think she should be. I wish you would give her a chance, and some exposure on your channel. She writes such amazing, real, personal lyrics. I know how you love emotional singers, and she delivers! Please consider the live version of “If You Call” a duet she does with Leif Vollebekk. It seems as if they are just playing off each other. It is soooo live, but so magical. I don’t know what else to say. It is everything you seem to love in songs. Oh, and yes, that is called a steel guitar. It also stumped you when you did Pink Floyd I think.