Linda Ronstadt & Eagles

[AEW21]

As the induction of this year's class of Rock n Rock Hall of Fame members quickly approaches, I keep reading lists on the big omissions in the HoF, and Linda Ronstadt is always on the list, with the point being made on how many of her contemporaries are now in the Hall--Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, CSNY, and of course, Eagles. Speculation seems to be that maybe next year is her year, because her autobiography comes out this coming September, and that will get her name and legacy out there again...

After that long and wandering intro, it just got me to wondering about what new details we might learn about the early days of Glenn, Don and the soon-to-be-formed Eagles in the book. She and Glenn seem to have gotten along for the majority of the decade--he guested on a few of her albums, and they played a few benefits/concerts together during the decade. The only overt quote I can find from her RE: Glenn comes from a 1975 Rolling Stones Interview with the infamous Ben Fong-Torres: (http://www.ronstadt-linda.com/artrs75.htm)

Over the course of her solo career, Linda Ronstadt has been understandably wary about her backup groups. For one thing, she felt inadequate- she didn't know how to talk in musical terms, she said and couldn't give effective orders. For another: "Backing up a girl wasn't cool at all. They didn't want to do that. They wanted to be rock & rollers and have this sexual identity they get by being up onstage with their guitars."

The extreme example occurred in 1972, when she hired Glenn Frey and Don Henley, now Eagles. "I knew Glenn was a temporary thing," she said. "I knew he was going to be a star the minute I met him, he was such a hot shot. I loved him. When Glenn met Don, they wanted to form a band right away." I wish more footage existed of them all touring in the early days. Those clips in the Showtime doc don't seem to be online, but there are a few on DailyMotion (http://www.dailymotion.com/us/relevance/search/eagles+linda+ronstadt/1), post-Eagles formation, including this one--"Favorite Girl Singer"--no need to single out her gender, Glenn, it's the Women's Lib era: :)
ETA: I can't figure out how to embed a video here, so here's the link. (http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=136_1312556357)

Anyone know of any other videos/images out there?

And, of course, this post wouldn't be complete without pics:
http://i.imgur.com/Ta8aFJ1.jpg
SOURCE (http://ibelieveinsasquatch.tumblr.com/post/30140909440/simplylindaronstadt-linda-ronstadt-glenn-frey)

http://i.imgur.com/MmliVkD.jpg
SOURCE (https://eaglesonlinecentral.com/forum/showpost.php?p=215717&postcount=1493)

http://i.imgur.com/KXgoR3T.jpg
SOURCE (http://simpledreamin.tumblr.com/post/44145403276)

By the By--has anyone ever seen these images (http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/photo-of-eagles-and-glenn-frey-and-linda-ronstadt-glenn-news-photo/86130896)un-watermarked? When the Eagles performed with Linda and Jackson Browne, at that Jerry Brown event, maybe? I just love the smile on his face--and the plaid shirt!

[sodascouts]

I haven't seen those unwatermarked, but here's a couple more photos from that concert/backstage:

http://www.glennfreyonline.com/images/eagleslongrun06.jpg

http://www.glennfreyonline.com/images/eaglesJerryBrown.jpg

[sodascouts]

You also might enjoy these:

Linda Ronstadt - Rescue Me (Live 1971) (http://www.glennfreyonline.com/multimedia/MP3/LindaRonstadtRescueMe.mp3) - he goes back and forth with her at the end
http://www.glennfreyonline.com/multimedia/MP3/LindaRonstadtRescueMe.mp3


On this one, he's lead and Linda backs him:

"Get Up Kate" (Troubadour 1971) (http://www.glennfreyonline.com/multimedia/MP3/GetUpKateTroubadour71.mp3)
http://www.glennfreyonline.com/multimedia/MP3/GetUpKateTroubadour71.mp3

[AEW21]

Thanks for the pics and suggestions, Soda! God, how I wish there was video floating about of he and Linda going "Kate"...

I should add that GF was quite compliemntary of Linda during the "After Hours" press junkets, saying Linda and Nelson Riddle's early 80s throwback cover albums were a touchstone for him when doing the project. I swear I read one where he said he sent her a copy and received a "lovely" note back from her, but I can't seem to find the interview....

[Thirsty&Hot]

Thanks for starting this thread :)

I wasn't aware that she had a biography coming out!
maybe more footage will be made available to us too..hopefully!

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Just another little piece of trivia - Glenn has also said that Linda was the one that gave him the nickname of "Teen King" back in the day. :thumbsup:

[Brooke]

I would like to read her biography. Have to check that out!

[Outlawman13]

I would love to read that biography as well. I've always loved Linda.

[Outlawman13]

I listened to those songs (that you posted Nancy) and love them. Especially Get Up Kate.

[AEW21]

Unless it gets pushed back, I'm pretty sure it's slated to be published in September. Hopefully, she'll get out there and promote it and belt a few out. I now ahe's semi-retired, but it would be lovely to hear her tear through her varied catalog again. And maybe an increased presence out and about would help her finally get into the Rock n Roll Hall. When you think of all she accomplished in the 70s, sales-wise and song-wise, and how respected she is, it's a crime she hasn't gotten her due.

I can't think of a single interview I've read for After Hours where Glenn didn't mention her Nelson Riddle albums as a benchmark of the "contemporary take on standards" genre. Nice to still see the bond there.

And that she coined Teen King--HA! Oh, what she must have witnessed on those early tours, and beyond... (Though it is wrong I always sort of hoped there had been a fling/crush between them? I like envisioning them trading off verses in "Kate" during those early years and either being madly enamored of each other, or really, really pissed off at the other? Like on the TV show, "Nashville?" I know, I'm a silly girl.) :)

[Thirsty&Hot]

you're not the only one who thinks there may have been something! and even if there wasn't something physical...there was something

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/songbirdreleased/Eagles%20etc/glennandlindastage_zps9723e716.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/songbirdreleased/Eagles%20etc/glennandlinda_zps0f2e4a6b.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/songbirdreleased/Eagles%20etc/glennlindajerrybrownfelderrandy_zpsd690c660.jpg

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Well although I don't know of any evidence of anything between Glenn and Linda, it's certainly not impossible. She did have a relationship with JD Souther in the early 70's and, of course, during the latter part of the decade, she was in a relationship with the then (and current) governor of California, Jerry Brown.

[AEW21]

Even if there was nothing romantic (but please, Lord, let there have been playful flirting!!) ;), I like that there was a lasting bond, both personal and professional, that lasted that entire decade. They toured a lot together, he guested in various capacities on many of her albums--there was a respect, and hopefully, at least, a friendly affection there, too. I've read a few interview share she said she had issues with many past backing band members because they didn't like backing "a girl." While Glenn and Don did indeed leave, I don't think it was because they resented her, her gender, and her power. They outgrew the gig and on all accounts, it was an ambicable split.

From the 1977 TIME cover story on her: (http://ronstadt-linda.com/inttime.htm)


Rockers make it or break it on the road, and on theN road is where Linda went. It is a dangerous place to be. "I know when I'm on the road for a long time I adopt male attitudes, real rock-'n'-roll attitudes," she says. "I come back home talking like a trucker. I'm not as nice to people."

Then, as now, she traveled with her band, usually as the only woman. Always there are sexual problems. She tries, not entirely successfully, to stay clear of sexual entanglements with her sidemen ("Though if there's another act traveling with us, it can get real interesting").

Well, he was her ine-time sideman AND a co-headliner, so who knows? ;)

[AEW21]

From an interview with Oui(?), from what, 81 or 82:


OUI: Would you ever live in New York?

Frey: Are you nuts?* No, I've never had any desire to go East, young man.* I wanted to go West.* That was where the sun was setting; it seemed to be where the party was.* But I love coming to New York.* I have a ball every time.* Are you kidding? I got restaurants I love.* Last year I went and saw Linda [Ronstadt] in Pirates of Penzance.* I saw Tim Curry in Amadeus. I don't just walk around in blue jeans and T-shirts and drink beer all the time.

SOURCE (http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~markowit/interviews/gf/oui/oui.html)

So he saw her in the show. That was sweet.

[Thirsty&Hot]

Cool quote! Horace Greely said "go west, young man." hehe I have lived East my whole life and I too want to move West one day. "The West is the best." - Jim Morrison

[Outlawman13]

The west is pretty awesome and I love that Jim Morrison quote. LOL. You will need to go down there soon. LOL I love what Glenn said in that quote "Are you nuts?" LOL.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

That is funny - I also think it's interesting that Glenn's daughter chose to go east to NYU after growing up in L.A. and now lives in NYC.

[AEW21]

http://www.angelfire.com/rock3/deliverin/MEISNER/Images/eaglesSeattle76.jpg
From website linked below..$8! Whatta steal!

Curious to know how many times they performed on a double/co-headling bill with her over the decade--anyone have any idea? An old Randy Meisner website has half-filled-in concert listings (http://www.angelfire.com/rock3/deliverin/MEISNER/randyconcerts.htm) from Randy's time in the band only, and it lists 15 co-concerts with Linda from 72-77. But it's not completely updated, and only Randy's tenure, so I'm guessing there's more...

Must have been a trip for all involved--did she get to invite people to the 3E parties, too? ;) (I'm guessing her autobio might have mentions of her touring life with all these frisky males over the years.)

Also, didn't she co-headline with them and Jackson Browne at that New Year's Eve Millennium Concert? I can can never find any images or reviews from that night--surely all three must have shared the stage together that night...?

[Brooke]

Steal for sure! :cool:

[GlennLover]

Also, didn't she co-headline with them and Jackson Browne at that New Year's Eve Millennium Concert? I can can never find any images or reviews from that night--surely all three must have shared the stage together that night...?

I read somewhere that they performed at that concert, but I have never seen or heard anything else that would confirm this.

ETA: Confirmation! Just found this http://www.staplescenter.com/news/detail/the-eagles-to-perform-at-staples-center

[Freypower]

The Eagles were the headliners at the Millennium shows as that article states. Browne & Ronstadt were 'special guests' which as I have said elsewhere for me means 'opening acts'. As far as I am aware the acts did not perform together.

[Shadowland07]

Found this little diddy, hope you kids enjoy

http://www.lindaronstadt.com/files/1971club_snippet.mpg (http://www.lindaronstadt.com/files/1971club_snippet.mpg)

[AEW21]

The Eagles were the headliners at the Millennium shows as that article states. Browne & Ronstadt were 'special guests' which as I have said elsewhere for me means 'opening acts'. As far as I am aware the acts did not perform together.


If that's true, what a wasted opportunity. Considering all the times they performed together back in the day, I bet a lot of the audience hoped to see them come together for at least one song.

In the mythic "Missing Videos of YouTube Perfomances that Eagles II Took Down," I always wish the one where the Eagles, Jackson and Linda play "Take It Easy" together was still up. Think it was from a '74 show, the Don Kirschner show, though I think they performed it together several times at different shows. Linda on guitar!!

All I can find of evidence is this screenshot:
http://blog.kir.com/Windows-Live-Writer/Take-It-Easy_120DA/video7e96121202e6.jpg

Love that video from "back in the day," Shaowland!

[Freypower]

We have an existing topic on Linda Ronstadt for anything not related to Glenn.

https://www.eaglesonlinecentral.com/forum/showthread.php?t=843

[AEW21]

Knew there was an interview about where he talks about sending her "After Hours:"

The West Australian, Oct. 17, 2012 (http://www.ronstadt.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=407#ixzz2Qgns1w4e)

While the material comes from close to home, Frey was also inspired by the three jazz/pop albums Linda Ronstadt cut with late bandleader Nelson Riddle in the mid-80s.

He sent a copy of After Hours to Ronstadt, who replied with a note telling Frey she loved the record, in particular the cover of Newman's Same Girl. "Only Randy Newman could write a song about a young junkie hooker and her pimp and turn it into a tearjerker," Frey laughs.

From from FemaleFirstUK: (http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/interviews/Glenn+Frey-244934.html)

And then I started listening to more of this music the longer I stayed out in California and I loved the records that Linda Ronstadt made with Nelson Riddle back in the eighties, she made three albums with him, and they were just nearly perfect record.

Linda was a long time friend and I played in her band and then she helped me and Don find the other guys to play in The Eagles, so for three or four years we were very close. So I followed her career and she departed from making pop records and did some things that I thought were very brave and art driven, but with the Nelson Riddle records she really got me into those songs again.

[Glennsallnighter]

Cute articles AEW! Thanks for posting them.

[Thirsty&Hot]

If that's true, what a wasted opportunity. Considering all the times they performed together back in the day, I bet a lot of the audience hoped to see them come together for at least one song.

In the mythic "Missing Videos of YouTube Perfomances that Eagles II Took Down," I always wish the one where the Eagles, Jackson and Linda play "Take It Easy" together was still up. Think it was from a '74 show, the Don Kirschner show, though I think they performed it together several times at different shows. Linda on guitar!!

All I can find of evidence is this screenshot:
http://blog.kir.com/Windows-Live-Writer/Take-It-Easy_120DA/video7e96121202e6.jpg

Love that video from "back in the day," Shaowland!


that Don Kirschner 1974 concert is in full here: http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMzU4MjMxOTY=.html

[AEW21]

You can tell I have Glenn/Linda on the brain that whenever I hear "Rescue Me" on the radio, that I wish it was their version! ;)

Thirsty & Hot--thanks for the link--loved seeing (most of) the entire concert. Wonder if for Japanese TV that they cut out banter/ intros, and trimmed other songs out... Some of my kinda/sorta Glenn/Linda moments are cut out--when he introduces her; when she looks at him to make sure he's coming in for the "Silver Threads..." chorus, and when she tuns and smiles at him at the end of "Desperado." (Though you can see them in the videos on Daily Motion...)

Not sure about Linda and Jackson's added on parts in Take It Easy--Would have preferred they each took a line or chorus maybe, or just beefed up the harmonies--the random "Take It Easy!" don't do it for me. ;). Do enjoy how Glenn is teasing them at the end of the sing, though. Cute.

[sodascouts]

Agreed about TIE "modification" - seems like they could have been a bit more creative in how they incorporated Jackson and Linda!

[AEW21]

I agree--it's sort of like it was thrown together at the last minute. Love the motion of them all doing that song together, but it somehow doesn't gel for me. But like seeing them on stage together.

I think Glenn may have referenced Linda in a majority of the interviews he did for "After Hours." This one (http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/interview-the-eagles-glenn-frey-on-his-album-after-hours-track-by-track-550086#!1) is cool because he talks about each song one by one in the slide show; Linda's mention is in the intro:

Many of the songs on After Hours were played in Frey's house when he was growing up. The record is dedicated to his parents, both of whom are still alive, he happily reports ("God bless 'em"), and are fans of the new disc. “I’ve always loved this music and wanted to do something like this," Frey says, "probably since Linda Ronstadt did those records with Nelson Riddle in the ‘80s. Those albums are incredible – the arrangements are perfect, and Linda’s voice is exquisite. It’s taken me some years to get around to it, but I finally got busy and here we are."

And this isn't Glenn/Linda-specific, but it's about the Eagles and that time as a whole, and the sexy appeal of the singer-songwriter "troubadour"

From 1985 Esquire (http://www.ronstadt-linda.com/artesq.htm):


"The songs that grew out of that period, 'Desperado, 'Don't Cry Now,' 'I Believe in You,' they all had an incredible yearning quality to them...."

"Really. Life was strange then," she says. "I was on the road all the time and I never knew where my toothbrush was and I'd have a friend for a week and then I'd never see them again because I'd be in a different part of the world. But more than anything, those songs of Neil Young have that quality to them. Like 'I Believe in You.' Randy Newman thinks Neil's one of the greatest American songwriters. His songs are hard to sing sometimes, but he really knows how to structure the chords. God, what a singer too. He's got it. I love Neil."

I think she still loves all those desperadoes in one way or another. Certainly she gets most rhapsodic when she's talking about them and their music.

"I knew a lot of guys like that around the Troubadour," she says. "They'd set up these impossible romantic ideals for themselves, and there was this kind of loner aspect to them. They were given to great striving for personal achievement, and there was something very romantic and poetic that I saw. My pals in the Eagles and J.D. Souther and Jackson Browne, they all were the desperadoes."

[AEW21]

Long time, no post...

The doc makes it sound as if John Boylan, Linda's one-time manager, was the one who approached Glenn to join Linda's backing band, but in that book "Hotel California" and a recent JD Souther interview, make it sound as if it was in fact JD and Linda who asked Glenn on a night out to dinner...

J.D., to The New York Times (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/14/a-pop-zelig-on-screen-and-off-j-d-souther-on-nashville-and-his-colorful-career/), November, 2012:

Some of your most well-known songs were written for the Eagles. You and Glenn Frey were longtime musical partners before he co-founded the band — is that what led to you writing with those guys?

A.
Yeah. I met Don [Henley] through Glenn. Linda was my girlfriend then and she was always assembling odd combinations of people to back her, including me sometimes. Glenn and Don hit it off like a house afire — they’re both very ambitious, very talented guys. And they had a vision for a larger band. When Glenn and I broke up our little duo I just wanted to do what Jackson [Browne] was doing: I wanted to stay home by myself and write songs and get better at it. Linda was touring sporadically and she needed a backup band. One night we were all at a health food place in L.A. called the Nucleus Nuance – is that a ’70s name or what? I can remember being there with Linda and Glenn and trying to talk him into going on the road with her and putting a band together. It would solve everybody’s problems at once. And that’s the way it worked.


And this is Don, not Glenn, but I figured there can't be a "Linda and ...' in every guy's thread, so we'll shoehorn it in here. Sweet what good, close friends they all were for awhile...

From her 1980 Playboy interview: (http://www.ronstadt-linda.com/playboy80.htm)

PLAYBOY: Would you rather not be famous?

RONSTADT: Well, it's hard to go to the market and buy chicken, but I'm glad people think I'm cool and I understand a little of what the fame thing does to you. Take the Eagles, who have been my friends through the years. If I don't see them for six months or so, I begin to think of them as stars. I'll think about calling them, and then I'll think, Oh, they're so busy, they're such big stars, they don't want to hear from me. I called Don Henley the other day and he was so sweet. But we had this very businesslike conversation; I hadn't talked to him in months and I was kind of nervous and he responded in a businesslike way. He called back and he said, "What was that all about? How have you been?" And he came over with a bag of figs and we had a great time. I mean, the last people who should be falling for one another's press hypes are us.



I'd like to share figs with Don and Linda. Glenn can come, too ;)

[sodascouts]

Everybody wants to take credit for starting the Eagles, eh? lol

I think JD turned Linda on to Glenn and vice versa, and then after Glenn met Don the idea of the band came up organically.

[Prettymaid]

I don't really give a fig how it all started! I'm just glad it did!

[AEW21]

Very impressed by your "fig" callback. Well played, my friend, well played. :thumbsup:

[AEW21]

Many moons, no post.

I had forgotten the Linda mentions in Eliot's book--mostly because it's a rather shitty book ;), but he does shed a lot of light on the loyalty and bonds between the Eagles and Linda. I'll have to look thru my copy and see that else I can find.
From Tumblr: (http://camewiththeframe.tumblr.com/post/52909988054/from-a-linda-interview-in-1978-reprinted-in-marc)



From a Linda Interview in 1978, reprinted in Marc Eliot’s “To The Limit, Untold Stories of the Eagles,” pg. 177:

One warm winter day in L.A., Glenn Frey was bombing around with the top down and Linda Ronstadt by his side. She loved to drive with him, anywhere and anytime, but especially on warm afternoons like this one. As usual, he was feeding the tape deck with custom-made cassettes of great rock and roll. “Glenn Frey is the best single source of material for singers. He’s got stacks and stacks of cassettes he’s made of all these different things. That afternoon I looked at him and went, ‘Remember when we used to sit around The Troubadour bar and go, Oh, it’s so horrible and I can’t get a record deal?’ We were so broke and so miserable and we’d feel sorry for ourselves and we were so precious about it. Then, all of a sudden, I looked at him and I went ‘Boy, life’s really tough. We’re going off to ski [in Colorado] with all this money in our pockets, we’re going to have a good time, and we’ve got great music on the tape player.’ Just then ‘Back in the USA’ came on and I went, ‘God, that would be a great song to sing. I think I’ll do that one.’”

[cbecrad]

Oh. that. is. AWESOME! Don't have that book so thanks for posting.
What I wouldn't give to have been in the back seat.

[sodascouts]

What a nice little story! I love hearing about moments like that.

[AEW21]

I sorta thought they fell away from each other in the mid-70s, as both parties became astronomically famous and busy, so nice to see they were still bumming about in '78 yet. I like envisioning them just driving together all afternoon, listening to the golden oldies...flirting, whatever. ;)

(And I just read closer--ski trips, too! Please, Linda, share some Glenn goodness in that upcoming bio of your's!)

[Glennsallnighter]

I remember reading that article too a few years ago and thinking how sweet it was. I love hearing those informal anecdotes about Glenn :heart: and the other guys, makes them so human!!

[AEW21]

How much do I LOVE this--from the press conference held during the Sundance London premiere of the doc--Glenn and Don talk Linda and their beginnings with her--such fondness and gratitude--and their opinions on why she's not in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Both say lovely things for her and humorous yet honest criticisms against the RRHoF, but since it's Glenn's thread, we'll quote him:
Linda should certainly be in just about every hall of fame that is possible for a woman of her talent. Aww...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73OJ091RByY

Have to say, though, Glenn's reaction to the reporter bringing up Linda's autobiography is interesting to me. He seems to be trying very hard to have a non-reaction ;), if that makes sense, at least to me. While Don at least pips up with "Not me" when asked if she spoke to any of them, Glenn says nada. It would have been easy enough for him to say "No" and the fact he doesn't makes me think did reminisce with her...or he didn't and he's afraid of what she might reveal. ;)

Really, though, I think for awhile, pre-Eagles, she, Glenn and JD were quite the lil' trio, and I have to think JD has to be in there, and hence, so does Glenn...

[Prettymaid]

I noticed Glenn's reaction too, when they were asked if they were contacted for her book. His reaction makes me think he was, but doesn't want to say so. I don't read many of these kinds of books, but I'll be all over this one!

[Houston Baby]

Linda's book, Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir, can be pre-ordered now on Amazon. It is $17.59.

I can't wait either to get my hands on it! :blueblob:

[AEW21]

September 17th is the release date-but only 208 pages?!?!!? Would have imagined more--perhaps it's small print! ;)


This Linda Ronstadt audio site (http://home.comcast.net/~jarvid/LR.MP3_Page.html) has an unreleased version of "Rescue Me" on it, recorded live, so I'm guessing it was a version not used on her Capitol album. You can tell Glenn is still singing backing vocals, but the back and forth between her and him isn't as prominent, and he doesn't seem to be singing as high as the version on used on the record.

"Rescue Me" (http://www.lindaronstadt.com/files/a/LR_RetroRescueMe.wmv)

MP3 (http://www9.online-convert.com/download-file/35410e8ea302922f9cc4847e767c7b4f/converted-46e3bf10.mp3)

[GlennLover]

Linda's book, Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir, can be pre-ordered now on Amazon. It is $17.59.

I can't wait either to get my hands on it! :blueblob:

I just placed my order? :partytime:

[Glennhoney]

So did I...:grin:

[cbecrad]

Will most definitely be ordering that book as well. I've been waiting for a Linda book for a long time. Wasn't there one that was supposed to be released a couple years ago? I had it on my amazon wishlist forever and then it said it was no longer available.

[Brooke]

I will order it too. Hopefully there will be some new tidbits in it!

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Yeah - I can't wait for Linda's book. It should be a great read!

[Brooke]

Just pre-ordered!

[AEW21]

Linda's 67th birthday is today, or Monday, July 15, so had to pop back up this thread. I'm sure she and Glenn and the others got together for birthday celebrations more than once over the years...

First, to keep it Eagles-related, from Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/listing/89120990/eagles-linda-ronstadt-3-august-1976?ref=sr_gallery_33&ga_search_query=linda+ronstadt&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto1&ga_search_type=all), a gig poster being sold, from '76. Shame they couldn't get her photo on there, too!

http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/6659827/il_570xN.297703888.jpg

And from Marc Eliot's book, "To the Limit"--it's not my fave Eagles-related book by far, but he does share a lot of Glenn/Linda tidbits:


Ronstadt did agree with Boylan about Frey. she admired his guitar skills along with his natural ability to fall into high harmony." (pg 57)

JD Souther: "He'd [Frey] written a song for Kate Taylor, James' little sister, called "Get Up Kate." Linda would occasionally let him do it in the show and sing lead on it. That was really the beginning of the Eagles. It was her generosity that let Glenn step up to the mike during her sets." (pg 62)

[sodascouts]

How much do I LOVE this--from the press conference held during the Sundance London premiere of the doc--Glenn and Don talk Linda and their beginnings with her--such fondness and gratitude--and their opinions on why she's not in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Both say lovely things for her and humorous yet honest criticisms against the RRHoF, but since it's Glenn's thread, we'll quote him:
Linda should certainly be in just about every hall of fame that is possible for a woman of her talent. Aww...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73OJ091RByY

Have to say, though, Glenn's reaction to the reporter bringing up Linda's autobiography is interesting to me. He seems to be trying very hard to have a non-reaction ;), if that makes sense, at least to me. While Don at least pips up with "Not me" when asked if she spoke to any of them, Glenn says nada. It would have been easy enough for him to say "No" and the fact he doesn't makes me think did reminisce with her...or he didn't and he's afraid of what she might reveal. ;)

Really, though, I think for awhile, pre-Eagles, she, Glenn and JD were quite the lil' trio, and I have to think JD has to be in there, and hence, so does Glenn...

Just had a chance to watch this. Great find! I had never heard that story in the beginning about Don trying to sell a song he wrote to Linda. Learn something new about the Eagles origins all the time! Again, Glenn's memory never ceases to amaze.

[blaster]

The memoir is beautifully written. There are enough unsettling stories to give it some WOW. Don, Glenn etc all get their due but it is not gossipy -she holds her sexuality and heart very close. Linda's voice on the page is a pleasure to read and a must for anyone interested in the music biz scene in California from the 60s and 70s. At goodreads.com a site frequented by avid readers you can see some early glowing reviews from those of us lucky to have received advance copies. Linda will be at NYCs renowned 92nd Street Y on September 18th with former NYTIMES music critic John Rockwell promoting the book -can't wait.

[Henley Honey]

The memoir is beautifully written. There are enough unsettling stories to give it some WOW. Don, Glenn etc all get their due but it is not gossipy -she holds her sexuality and heart very close. Linda's voice on the page is a pleasure to read and a must for anyone interested in the music biz scene in California from the 60s and 70s. At goodreads.com a site frequented by avid readers you can see some early glowing reviews from those of us lucky to have received advance copies. Linda will be at NYCs renowned 92nd Street Y on September 18th with former NYTIMES music critic John Rockwell promoting the book -can't wait.


Thanks, Blaster. I'm looking forward to reading it. I'll have to check my calendar for 9/18. I'd love to see hear her discuss the book!

[Prettymaid]

Nice little review, blaster. I'm looking forward to reading it.

[Houston Baby]

Thank you Blaster so much for the review of her book. I am looking forward to reading it now.

[AEW21]

Thanks for the inside info, Blaster! Kirkus had given it a rather damning-with-faint-praise review, so happy to know it's more compelling read that they imply. And sweet the guys get mention.

I truly hope she does some decent amount of press for it. I wasn't joking before-I really want Oprah to interview her. ;)

[RebeccaLovesEagles]

I'm looking forward to reading to book :)

[AEW21]

I'll put any specifically Linda/Eagles related stuff here, versus her more solo-specific stuff in her own thread...

That said, Getty has her at a 1977 Eagles Tennis Tournament here. Anyone know anything more about this. I know they did baseball--but tennis, too? Was there a croquet match somewhere along the line, too? :)

http://i.imgur.com/BTXbwOG.jpg

SOURCE (http://www.gettyimages.ca/detail/news-photo/linda-ronstadt-warming-up-at-eagles-tennis-tournament-in-news-photo/77695598)

And to keep it Glenn-related--maybe he was her doubles partner. :razz:

[GlennLover]

I'll put any specifically Linda/Eagles related stuff here, versus her more solo-specific stuff in her own thread...

That said, Getty has her at a 1977 Eagles Tennis Tournament here. Anyone know anything more about this. I know they did baseball--but tennis, too? Was there a croquet match somewhere along the line, too? :)

http://i.imgur.com/BTXbwOG.jpg

SOURCE (http://www.gettyimages.ca/detail/news-photo/linda-ronstadt-warming-up-at-eagles-tennis-tournament-in-news-photo/77695598)

And to keep it Glenn-related--maybe he was her doubles partner. :razz:

Isn't that an"Eagles" tee shirt that she is wearing? One like Glenn wore in some of their concerts.

[sodascouts]

Is it an Eagles tournament or does she just happen to be wearing an Eagles tour shirt? They sold that one in 1972/1973 - although now it's back again!

Regardless, this photo is adorable!

[AEW21]

Yeah, according to Getty, it was an Eagles-sponsored event, and I assume she was on the Eagles team. ;)

I swear there's a pic of her somewhere at an Eagles baseball game as well...

[Prettymaid]

She's so cute in that picture! I'll bet every Eagle wanted her!

[Houston Baby]

I agree! That is such a cute photo of her!

I remember in the '70s, every guy wanted her & every girl wanted to look & be like her.

[AEW21]

Wish someone would do a compendium of all those Eagles' sporting events/Rolling Stine baseball grudge matches--love to know all the lil' details!

Here's a collection of (I'm guessing) of quotes culled from magazine interviews over the years, Eagles-specific-- (http://www.superseventies.com/sslindaronstadt.html)


The Troubadour was like a café society. Everyone was in transition. No one was getting married, no one was having families, no one was having a particular connection, so our connection was the Troubadour. It was where everyone met, where everyone got to hear everyone else's act. It was where I made all my musical contacts, and found people who were sympathetic to the musical styles I wanted to explore.

We all used to sit in a corner of the Troubadour and dream. I remember one night, I was on my way to the bathroom, during a hootenanny, and this band, Shilo, starts doing my exact version of "Silver Threads and Golden Needles." I was flabbergasted.

We would all sit around motel rooms together, and they'd be working out harmonies. They were so good. When I heard them sing "Witchy Woman" in the living room of J.D. Souther's house, where I was living at the time, I knew the Eagles were going to make it.

The Eagles backed me up, but I was the one who was inconsistent onstage. I could do a real good show in one town, and the next night would be like the first time I'd ever gotten up onstage. I was never comfortable repeating what I'd done the night before.

But I got tougher being on the road with the Eagles. I walked differently, I became more foulmouthed. I mean, I swore so much I sounded like a truck driver. But that's the way it was. I was the only girl on the road so the boys always kind of took charge. They were working for me, and yet it always seemed like I was working for them.

[sodascouts]

I didn't even know about the tennis thing, much less have info on it! All I knew about were the baseball games.

Here's a small article about an earlier game that wasn't going so well for them: The Eagles Fail to Score (https://www.eaglesonlinecentral.com/forum/showpost.php?p=91880&postcount=7).

There's lots of photos from that famous 1978 Rolling Stone game, but sadly the articles had to be taken down because of copyright concerns. :(


http://www.glennfreyonline.com/images/GFrey1978Baseball03.jpg

http://www.glennfreyonline.com/images/GFrey1978baseball04.jpg

http://www.glennfreyonline.com/images/eaglesJapanBaseball01.jpg

http://www.glennfreyonline.com/images/GFrey1978baseball02.jpg

http://www.donhenleyonline.com/images/DHenleyGEFJapaneseSports.jpg

http://www.glennfreyonline.com/images/GFreyTITTL04.jpg

http://www.joewalshonline.com/images/JWalshBack49.jpg

http://www.donhenleyonline.com/images/DHenleyBS.jpg

http://www.donfelderonline.com/images/DFelderSports.jpg

http://www.timothybschmitonline.com/images/lrbaseball1.jpg

http://www.timothybschmitonline.com/images/lrbaseball2.jpg

http://www.glennfreyonline.com/images/GFreybaseball03.jpg

http://www.glennfreyonline.com/images/GFrey1978baseball01.jpg

http://www.glennfreyonline.com/images/GFreyTITTL03.jpg

http://www.glennfreyonline.com/images/eaglesJapanBaseball02.jpg

[AEW21]

I know, it's sorta sad--they just didn't archive things back in 70s like we do now--Of course, they didn't have technology to do it, either! But I'm sure there were a lot of events like tennis thing or other PR events, interviews, etc., that are lost to memory and the sands of time. At least now with Twitter, Facebook, smartphones, etc., there's always some marker for a public event. No way a celeb tennis even now would only seemlingly have one photo to prove its existence! ;)

(Maybe one of the guys has a cache of mildering photos of the tennis event in a shoebox somewhere? Or Irving!!)

Back to Linda--Ronstadt probard (http://www.ronstadt.proboards.com/) says this was taken of Linda at an Eagles vs. Crew softball game: (Whose crap is she carrying?)

http://www.ronstadt-linda.com/photo006.jpg

[sodascouts]

I always assumed this was for some kind of charity marathon, but Glenn's top and shorts do match Linda's!

http://glennfreyonline.com/images/GFrey1980run02.jpg

ETA: Wait, not they don't. They have different "Eagles" logos. Oh well!

http://i.imgur.com/BTXbwOG.jpg

[AEW21]

I don't know why I just put this together, but I realized that in the doc, when they're showing footage of Linda, Glenn and Don together on stage at the Troubadour, she's singing a version of "Nightingale." I kept thinking that the lines "..the same thing that happens to everybody/Just happened to me..." sounded so familar to me, then it all clicked--it just sounds so different in this version, not merely because a female is sighing it, but just the beat and style to it is totally new. I really like it, but as far as I can tell, she never put it on an album.

A Linda fan board says the earliest she performed it was 1973 (http://ronstadt-linda.com/v-web/bulletin/velco2/viewtopic.php?t=626&sid=e201f3d5ba65124462089106094ff221),* but this footage shows that she and the guys were doing it in '71. Jackson must have written about this time or so, and Linda covered it in her touring show early on, then the Eagles liked it enough to put it on their first album. As far as I can tell, Jackson never formally released it either, but in this version on YT, I swear that Linda, Don and Glenn, are singing back up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcYY-7AqOeo

And here's a version with Linda, from '73:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyRVatbqHAA

And to keep on track, caps of Glenn and Linda singing it (with Don popping up in back):
http://i.imgur.com/F7ijDTp.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/MpvnfSl.jpg

* Look, she was covering JD's "How Long" in her shows, too. Wonder if that was another one she, Don and Glenn sang together before the guys began working it into early Eagles' shows...

[cbecrad]

I agree! That is such a cute photo of her!

I remember in the '70s, every guy wanted her & every girl wanted to look & be like her.

I STILL do! :)

[Prettymaid]

Thanks for doing all of this research, AEW. I'm really enjoying it! I love Nightingale!

[Shadowland07]

Didn't see a thread for Bernie and Linda so thought I'd post this here, not sure if it's been posted before.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHzBxPtYezM

[Shadowland07]

And I'm sure we've all seen this clip, which along with the "Nightingale" clip from the doc leads me to assume there's more footage from this show out there. Possibly in a vault somewhere.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLraBsN3Hz0

[Freypower]

We have a Linda Ronstadt thread where I feel these videos should be posted regardless of who is backing her.

https://eaglesonlinecentral.com/forum/showthread.php?t=843

[Shadowland07]

We have a Linda Ronstadt thread where I feel these videos should be posted regardless of who is backing her.

https://eaglesonlinecentral.com/forum/showthread.php?t=843

My bad FP, didn't even see it.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

No need for apologies, SL - you were just following suit for what others were doing. There is a lot of stuff in this thread that isn't specifically related to Glenn and Linda. Since a lot of these post are related to the Eagles, it might be a good idea to create a Linda & Eagles thread and move them to the Eagles forum. Thoughts?

[AEW21]

I think that's a great idea--especially with her book coming out in September, there will likely be a glut of Eagle-related stuff coming to light, about her and all Eagles, past and present. Putting it in the group thread is a good catch-all.

As for videos--I would think videos with Eagles backing her, or her doing Eagles songs, would be appropriate for Linda/Eagles thread, while anything on her career not secifically related to Eagles & Friends, would go in her solo "Singing for Sake of Song" thread? So, in fact, these videos would be appropriately posted for the new thread, correct--Bernie in one, Glenn and Don in the other...? Seems relevant to me to stay in an amalgamated "Linda and The Eagles" thread.

[Freypower]

I think that's a great idea--especially with her book coming out in September, there will likely be a glut of Eagle-related stuff coming to light, about her and all Eagles, past and present. Putting it in the group thread is a good catch-all.

As for videos--I would think videos with Eagles backing her, or her doing Eagles songs, would be appropriate for Linda/Eagles thread, while anything on her career not secifically related to Eagles & Friends, would go in her solo "Singing for Sake of Song" thread? So, in fact, these videos would be appropriately posted for the new thread, correct--Bernie in one, Glenn and Don in the other...? Seems relevant to me to stay in an amalgamated "Linda and The Eagles" thread.

Yes, I would agree with that.

[sodascouts]

Ok, I'll move this to the Eagles forum and rename it as "Linda Ronstadt & the Eagles."

ETA: Done.

[sodascouts]

I thought, with the Hall of Fame coming up, it might be a good time to revive this thread!

So cool that Glenn is inducting her!

[UndertheWire]

This is a recent interview with Linda and she talks about putting together her touring band. It's slightly different to the Eagles version but people remember differently. She talks about wanting Shiloh as her back-up band - she had a couple of Bowdens as well as Henley at one point of the tour.

http://www.rockcellarmagazine.com/2013/10/03/linda-ronstadt-interview-long-long-time-simple-dreams-2/#sthash.3vRz5CIe.dpbs

[Houston Baby]

Thanks for sharing UTW!

It is an excellent interview. Linda is always so sweet & tender hearted in her interviews, always praising others. That is a slightly different version of the guys being picked to back her. :hilarious:

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Thanks UTW - I don't have time to read this in its entirety right now, but I did zoom in on the comments about the Eagles. Her recollection is quite different than the version Don and Glenn have always told though. I guess these folks just don't pay attention to details like we fans do when giving us the scoop! :shrug:

[Lisa]

Last year, Linda Ronstadt gave a tape-recorded interview for Public Radio--National Broadcasting-which was an hour long and explained her biographical past and her musical background and discussed her relationships and her singing.

The New York Times ran an article on Sunday, September 1, 2013 called "Like a Wheel, but Turning Slower" to interview Ms. Ronstadt and to mention and launch her new book "Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir."

I don't think the Eagles were mentioned, but the Linda Ronstadt interviews were insightful, valuable, interesting, and informative. Other artists and family members were briefly mentioned, or named.

She wishes she could sing, and recover.

[UndertheWire]

Linda admits to having a bad memory with events being condensed and dates a bit fuzzy. I prefer to think that all these people were having the same ideas around the same time and that's why it all came together. Bernie said that he heard that Glenn and Don were putting a band together and he approached John Boylan, so that's a third version.

I liked what Linda had to say about how supportive that crowd was of each other rather than being competitive.

I never knew Bonnie Raitt was John Raitt's daughter.

[GlennLover]

She did admit in the article to having a bad memory. :laugh:


I don’t know what I learned about myself doing the book. Thinking about it, I guess I learned that I have a terrible memory and that I often remember things where events are condensed and dates are very fuzzy to me. I’d remember someone dying five years before she did. They say they have been able to create false memories in mice.

[Lisa]

I'm sorry I couldn't find the Eagles in the two really pithy interviews! It may be that they were implied with a number of other performers and acts--and not separately and specifically mentioned. It's hard to find the together moments, but it is possible to extrapolate different times, places, and faces from what someone says in an interview.

[NightMistBlue]

Just had a chance to watch this. Great find! I had never heard that story in the beginning about Don trying to sell a song he wrote to Linda. Learn something new about the Eagles origins all the time! Again, Glenn's memory never ceases to amaze.

Also Glenn's reference to their first show with Randy being in Los Altos, not Disneyland as had been reported.

OT: I always sensed it was Don who was sweet on Linda!

[UndertheWire]

This is from a Clarence White message board (http://www.clarencewhiteforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=985&sid=cc5ddec0e5e898e08427197e5ed9f420). There's a bit more about Bernie, there, too.

The earliest released Glenn Frey contribution on any of Linda's records appears to be on the single "(She's a) Very Lovely Woman" (Capitol 3021), Linda's interpretation of the Emitt Rhodes' song. This 1971 single was released first as the b-side to a song from an older album, before the sides were flipped. Capitol needed a follow-up to the hit, "Long, Long Time" and the upcoming album was no where near ready. According to staff at Muscle Shoals, Glenn was with Linda when she recorded it there. It wasn't included when the album was released the following year.
And the song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za4mzQ3EqvU

This is probably the visit to Muscle Shoals where Glenn recorded the demos that convinced David Geffen that Glenn needed a band.