As I watched the coverage chronicling the 50th anniversary of the "I Have a Dream" speech, I was struck by just how different life was half a century ago. I mean really different. And, while we no longer see "White Only" signs like we once did...we still have miles to go.
The other difference was music. Kids in the '60s dug it all. Country, Rock, R&B. We watched TV shows featuring one of each genre on stage in the same hour...and we never peeled away. It was all good. And, we loved it all.
Linda Ronstadt is one of those performers that defied categorization. But, back then, we didn't categorize. Sure, she leaned country. But, she could rock. And she certainly had an R&B streak.
When music bifurcated and everybody chose sides, Linda was left at the curb. So, she went retro. She went world. She went wherever the hell she wanted. And, she did that unbelievable duet with Aaron Neville.
And, now the sad news that Parkinson's has robbed Linda of her voice.
Thank God that so much of her magic will be available for generations.
The library is so deep. But, on this Music Friday, it's Linda Ronstadt and her version of the Eagles' "Desperado."
And, you wanna do 30 minutes straight to get you ready for the Labor Day Weekend? It's right here.
Catch you on the other side...
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