Just the other day I said to someone- whatever became of Linda Ronstadt? Remember that doe eyed pre Zooy Deschanel songstress who owned the 70s like a boss?
At age 67 the doe eyes are gone, replaced with a nearly grandmotherly appearance. Well earned and worn with pride is the woman who started out in Country music and morphed in to pop with the grace of a ballerina . On September 17th her adventures will be published in a book called “Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir”.
Unfortunately (but really fortunately) you may never hear her sing live again. According to Roger Friedman at Showbiz411.com, the classic songstress ‘doesn’t sing every day, has no interest in revving up her engines, and doesn’t feel she can meet expectations of fans.’
With that small statement she has made me a fan. Rather than propping her old ass up trying to reach notes her 20 year old self mastered she has quietly and tactfully declined. How lovely a statement. How selfish anyone is who doesn’t agree. We too often find artists who should have hit the rocking chair much sooner- but for some narcissistic reason feel the need to never die. Sinatra forgetting lyrics? Mick Jaggers 70 year old swagger? No.
Songs like ‘Blue Bayou’ as well as the earlier work with The Stone Ponys have notes and ranges that would have to be adjusted for older vocal chords- give the dame a break. Oh and give her lots of awards and designations because she is deserving of them.