Linda Ronstandt - Heart Like a Wheel
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On this weeks episode, we dive deep into Heart Like A Wheel, the 1974 LP from Linda Ronstadt. Possessing one of the strongest, versatile, and distinctive voices in rock has allowed Ronstadt to sing some of the greatest songs ever written in just about every musical genre. On this album, she interprets songs by variety of singers and songwriters to stunning effect, including James Taylor, Lowell George, Phil Everly, and Kate McGarrigle. While this was her fifth album, is was also her break out largely due to the quality of Ronstadt's voice (which is is on full display here) and her intelligent rendering of the tunes within.
THINGS WE DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE
Linda Ronstadt’s family has had a huge impac on the muisc and culture of Southern Arizona as far back as the late 1800. Below is three minute excerpt from film on the Ronstadt Family’s musical heritage. You can watch the full 16 minute film here.
Linda Ronstadt’s first taste of musical success was with the folk band the Stone Poneys and the Michael Nesmith (of Monkees fame) penned tune “Different Drum.” Watch the Stone Poneys performing the song below.
For a time, Frank Zappa and Linda Ronstadt had the same manager, Herbert Cohen. HE tried to get them to record together. Nothing much came of it except this never aired Remington Electric Razor commercial from 1967.
When gathering the pieces that would form her backing band, Linda Ronstadt inadvertently gathered the musicians that would eventually become the Eagles. We here at This Is Vinyl Tap don’t hold that against her.
Peter Asher was the production partner that Linda Ronstadt needed. His first full production credit for her was on Heart Like A Wheel.
Every subsequent album Ronstadt would ever record with Asher (13 in all) would eventually be certified either gold or platinum.
Linda Ronstadt performing her only number 1 hit in 1975, the first single off of Heart Like A Wheel, “You’re No Good.”
Chris Hillman, who originally introduced Emmy Lou Harris to Gram Parsons, also introduced Emmy Lou to Linda Ronstadt backstage at a concert in Houston shortly after Gram’s death. Later she, Emmy Lou, and Dolly Parton would record together as release the album Trio.
Linda Ronstadt opens up to Sunday Morning on CBS about her career and Parkinson’s disease (later diagnosed as progressive supranuclear palsy).
