Linda Ronstadt sings "Lush Life" by Billy Strayhorn

[readbeowulfnow]

rickie lee jones captures the real ennui of this song

[lcowles]

I always thought this was a Gershwin tune.

[auerstadt06]

This version may not come as close to the spirit of the lyrics as some others, but from a purely musical standpoint it's simply wonderful.

[IRONMANHONDO87]

The first time that I heard this song, it was done by Donna Summer. Then a few years later, by Linda Ronstadt and Nelson Riddle. They both had they're own touch to the song. linda's version may have been closer to Billy Strahorn than Donna Summer's version. Donna's version was produced by Quincy Jones. Another pure genius.

[franco6719]

Well, she's in tune.

[donbux]

I'm the biggest Linda Ronstadt fan in history but this is just ghastly. She's taken the greatest voice in pop/rock history and made it sound average. Ugh.

[rmgj]

Billy Strayhorn did write "Take The "A" Train" didn´t he?

[ceb2633]

@rmgj . Yes, Billy Strayhorn did write "Take the A Train" which became sort of a signature song for Duke Ellington.

C.

[rmgj]

@ceb2633 Thank you, now I remember, even Mr. Ellington joked that it was "The biggest Ellington hit that he did not write" or something like that, a magnificent tune nevertheless. thank you and all the best.

[j8464m]

I love Linda and she did a good job. Donna Summer also covered this song while she was under the Geffen label

[EchelonLady]

I do not particulurly care for this rendition of this great jazz classic. I'm not hearing any emotion from LR.  This sound should sung by the tortured soul in each of us. I'm sad she missed the mark, cuz I know she's got it in her.

[stevevandien]

To me, LR sounds rather artificial in this repetoire. She seems to be trying very, very hard NOT to sound like the GREAT country-rock singer that she is. So she adopts such Great American Pop Song cliches as holding every long tone straight before adding vibrato later. By comparison, imagine Bennett or Sinatra singing "Poor, Poor Pitiful Me" like LR. Doubtless she plunged into this genre with the best intentions. But no singer can sing every style effectively --

[robotennis61]

ill say it again..its so easy to sound corny and f ..this song up.  Linda Ronstadt couldn't do any better..ikK!

[sistalinda]

Que Linda.

[maggie7488]

Indeed..thank God you hid the men! I love the table scarf that you have your glasses/bottle on... I collect old dollies and table scarfs.. have some of my great grandmothers from Ireland and Scotland. You do have some taste after all!! Not quite all is in your mouth :-) I love you dearly, my friend.

[maggie7488]

Why does it not surprise me to see the wine bottle and tilted glasses! Such a lush you are! But have to admit it all goes together beautifully! Even in a stupor you do good!

[ceb2633]

Thank you, dear critic. I drink white wine...have no idea what you are talking about. Thank God I hid the men!!

[ceb2633]

Thank you so much!

[maegwin123]

Love the accompanying pic!

Kathy