You don’t have to be a long-time fan to appreciate this flick (although that doesn’t hurt). What’s so impressive is how she challenged herself as an artist and took on all kinds of different and demanding genres. She sang Gilbert & Sullivan, she sang the Great American Songbook, even authentic Mexican music. And of course, not without constantly risking her career.
Linda Ronstadt truly did travel to the beat of a “Different Drum.”
This wasn’t the profile of a rock star; it was the profile of a pure singer. Let’s see Mariah Carey tackle PIRATES OF PENZANCE.
For those who grew up loving her music (and having a huge crush on her – like someone I know), the film was also a nostalgic trip back to the ‘70s It was fun to relive those days of the Troubadour in West Hollywood (which is still there) and concerts in stadiums where the performer just sang and was not the center of pyrotechnics and Orange Bowl Halftime gaudy productions.
My personal favorite era was when she sang standards arranged by the great Nelson Riddle. She pours such genuine emotion into each song that it gets you right in the kishkes.
The film is a celebration of her talent, music, and success, but it’s also very bittersweet. Linda Ronstadt today has Parkinson’s Disease and can no longer sing. What a cruel unfair turn of events. Linda is in her early 70’s and hopefully still will have many years – fulfilling years – to live.
Thank you for enriching my life with your music. From now on whenever I go to Lucy’s Adobe Café (her old hangout in Hollywood) I will lift a margarita to you.
I believe this documentary is on Amazon Prime. If not, find it. What a sweet, charming, inspiring, rocking little movie it is. Linda has topped the charts again.
from By Ken Levine
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