Why am I inflicting on you these unsolicited reminiscences? An article tonight on the home page of The New York Times announces that Linda Ronstadt is suffering from Parkinsons and cannot sing anymore. My Rip-van-Winkle brain simply can't wrap itself around the reality of her current picture; nor can it grasp the idea of that voice being silenced.
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| Some sort of impostor, I guess |
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| This is who I remember |
Folks, the confusion this engenders in my psyche is second only to that which I experience when gazing into the bathroom mirror in the morning. Who IS that person there, anyway? And don't even talk to me about the vacation photos I just spent two hours editing. That VERY middle-aged lady hanging out with my kids on the beach? I'm not sure who she is, but she sure looks a heck of a lot like my mother.
Linda will always be young to me. Let's all listen, okay? For old times' sake....
[Linda Ronstadt image: Sodahead]
[Linda Ronstadt image: The Hollywood Reporter]
I feel the same way when I see this commercial and some old guy says he's Lee Majors. I hope Lee sues him for impersonating him like that!
ReplyDeleteHa, great comment, Heather.
ReplyDeleteI had the same reaction to this news too -- along with the realization that life can be such a bitch. Her voice silenced? Cruel.
She's so good, she's so good, oh baby, she's so good.
Parkinson's is such a thief.
ReplyDeleteThere's a mysterious fat old lady who keeps showing up in my photos, too. Fat sure likes to attach itself to us middle-aged broads. Have you seen Sinead O'Connor lately? Wait, I just realized I think I'm probably considered past middle age.
ReplyDeleteLinda's voice was magical.
Yes, the mysterious fat old lady - maybe it's a software bug with the newer cameras?
DeleteShe was wonderful in her day.
ReplyDeleteI remember when she quit starving herself for the press and public.
She quit fighting to be thin and told them, this is who I am.
I loved her more.
Life has a way of creeping up on you, sneaky bastard.
You will look back on this summer and think, I was so young!
She sang "Desperado" better than the Eagles; "What'll I Do?" at least as well as Rosemary Clooney. And "Poor Wand'ring One" with that voice like a flute . . . She has always been beautiful (those eyes! that mouth like a bow!) -- but her soul is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteLove her voice! I was sad to hear she is battling that horrid disease.
ReplyDeleteWhen I look in the mirror I see...(wait for it)....
ReplyDeleteMY MOTHER!!!
The most gorgeous voice of the rock and roll generation. I rarely choke up about news regarding entertainers but this just somehow makes my 50 year old self so sad. Just purchased my old favorite album Hasten Down the Wind again and am blasting You're No GOOD from Heart Like A Wheel. Looking forward to this classy western gal's memoir.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, hope Linda gets better or doesn't suffer or whatever you are supposed to say. I used to love David Cassidy. He got arrested last week for DUI and looks so old and disgusting. I'm so glad that I did not marry him when I was 8!
ReplyDeleteI know! I saw that picture of him also. How sad!
DeleteAn incredible voice. I wore out her albums.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea. I love her voice - and still do. I always wanted to look like her...so sad she isn't able to sing any longer.
ReplyDeleteSometimes when I catch a quick glimpse of myself in the bathroom mirror, I think it is my mother or my sister. Most unnerving.
ReplyDeleteI have been watching Brothers and Sisters on Netflix--I missed it when it was on TV; busy with kids--and I cannot even believe the character I relate to most is Sally Field. I am a matriarch. Whaaaaat?
ReplyDeleteSilenced maybe, but her fans will still listen and keep her voice alive!
ReplyDeleteLove Linda! Parkinson's can suck it.
ReplyDeleteYou know who has really been hit with the menopause stick? Kathleen Turner.
And I say this as a wide-faced middle aged lady myself.
Aging can also suck it.
I'm too young to know Linda (ducks for the paint balls) but it sure is sad seeing someone you remember from your youth showing their age. I do that a lot with people. OMG who is that? That's not them, no way!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Blue Bayou - a classic. No one can sing like her. So sad. I hate old age. Actually, I hate middle age too.
ReplyDelete