Linda Ronstadt - Tumbling Dice (Summit in Houston - Nov 17, 1977)

With roots in the Los Angeles country and folk-rock scenes, Linda Ronstadt became one of the most popular interpretive singers of the '70s, earning a string of platinum-selling albums and Top 40 singles. Throughout the '70s, her laid-back pop never lost sight of her folky roots, yet as she moved into the '80s, she began to change her sound with the times, adding new wave influences. After a brief flirtation with pre-rock pop, Ronstadt settled into a pattern of adult contemporary pop and Latin albums, sustaining her popularity in both fields.

While Ronstadt was a student at Arizona State University, she met guitarist Bob Kimmel. The duo moved to Los Angeles, where guitarist/songwriter Kenny Edwards joined the pair. Calling themselves the Stone Poneys, the group became a leading attraction on California's folk circuit, recording their first album in 1967. The band's second album, Evergreen, Vol. 2, featured the Top 20 hit "Different Drum," which was written by Michael Nesmith. After recording one more album with the group, Ronstadt left for a solo career at the end of 1968.

Ronstadt's first two solo albums -- Hand Sown Home Grown (1969) and Silk Purse (1970) -- accentuated her country roots, featuring several honky tonk numbers. Released in 1971, her self-titled third album was a pivotal record in her career. Featuring a group of session musicians who would later form the Eagles, the album was a softer, more laid-back variation of the country-rock she had been recording. With the inclusion of songs from singer/songwriters like Jackson Browne, Neil Young, and Eric Anderson, Linda Ronstadt had folk-rock connections as well. Don't Cry Now, released in 1973, followed the same formula to greater success, yet it was 1974's Heart Like a Wheel that perfected the sound, making Ronstadt a star. Featuring the hit covers "You're No Good," "When Will I Be Loved," and "It Doesn't Matter Anymore," Heart Like a Wheel reached number one and sold over two million copies.

Released in the fall of 1975, Prisoner in Disguise followed the same pattern as Heart Like a Wheel and was nearly as successful. Hasten Down the Wind, released in 1976, suggested a holding pattern, even if it charted higher than Prisoner in Disguise. Simple Dreams (1977) expanded the formula by adding a more rock-oriented supporting band, which breathed life into the Rolling Stones' "Tumbling Dice" and Warren Zevon's "Poor Poor Pitiful Me." The record became the singer's biggest hit, staying on the top of the charts for five weeks and selling over three million copies. With Living in the U.S.A. (1978), Ronstadt began experimenting with new wave, recording Elvis Costello's "Alison"; the album was another number one hit. On 1980's Mad Love, she made a full-fledged new wave record, recording three Costello songs and adopting a synth-laden sound. While the album was a commercial success, it signalled that her patented formula was beginning to run out of steam. That suspicion was confirmed with 1982's Get Closer, her first album since Heart Like a Wheel to fail to go platinum.

Sensing it was time to change direction, Ronstadt starred in the Broadway production of Gilbert & Sullivan's +Pirates of Penzance, as well as the accompanying movie. +Pirates of Penzance led the singer to a collaboration with Nelson Riddle, who arranged and conducted her 1983 collection of pop standards What's New. While it received lukewarm reviews, it was a considerable hit, reaching number three on the charts and selling over two million copies. Ronstadt's next two albums -- Lush Life (1984) and For Sentimental Reasons (1986) -- were also albums of pre-rock standards recorded with Riddle.

At the end of 1986, Ronstadt returned to contemporary pop, recording "Somewhere Out There," the theme to the animated An American Tail, with James Ingram; the single became a number two hit. She also returned to her country roots in 1987, recording the Trio album with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris. That same year, Ronstadt recorded Canciones de Mi Padre, a set of traditional Mexican songs that became a surprise hit. Two years later, she recorded Cry Like a Rainstorm - Howl Like the Wind -- her first contemporary pop album since 1982's Get Closer. Featuring four duets with Aaron Neville, including the number two hit "Don't Know Much," the album sold over two million copies. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

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Category:

Education

Tags:

• folk
• rock
• country
• crossover

[songdude11]

OMG! she was in her PRIME! what a lady, what a voice. she is still a singers singer. know one like her. Always loved her, always will. thanks for sharing this awesome video

[John1948EightB]

@songdude11 I agree! She was a doll and a huge talent!

[moodyforu]

I was at that concert. I had 9th row seats just to the left of center stage. They made us move because they were filming for the movie FM and they put a camera where our seats were. We had to move the 15th row, way over on the left side. I was pissed. I complained a lot. But they finally said, either move or leave. What a drag. To top it off, the film in my camera wasn't loaded properly and I got NO photos of the concert at all! Great concert though. She was awesome as always.

[John1948EightB]

@moodyforu Well, I envy you - no matter what row you were in!

[BloozeDaddy76]

The woman rocks like few others and looks good doing it too! Linda blows Jagger out of the water with her superior pipes, and I hope Taylor, Britney, and Carrie are taking notes.  This how a REAL woman sings baby....

[TheRoctex]

Realizing I was only 7 yrs. old when movie FM was released. I was already a fan and listening to Linda's 8tracks due to my sis who would blare them in living room. I was so in love with her and her voice and joined one of her fan clubs printed on "Silk Purse" album cover. Couldn't afford to buy albums at that age so I scribbled address on piece of paper while Mom bought schoolclothes at JCP LOL!!! I'm still a fan of her music. It's timeless! San Antonio TX Loves you Linda!!!

[TheRoctex]

@moodyforu Wow! pretty cool. 

[jk4bs]

This concert was 11/17/77 The Summit, Houston, TX and not 1978. This was the recording for the movie FM that was recorded earlier in the afternoon. The Movie FM was released in 1978

[epoxycock]

2 dislikes??? gay males no doubt...

[epoxycock]

Linda in the 70's was possibly the hottest chick on the planet... jeez...

[MrDecambra]

Yes , Linda is pure gold. Go Waddy! Dang can we all go back when we were young beautiful and skinny?

[scorefor4]

She was the total package.

[searcherboy]

What's GREAT about this version is that you can hear every word of the lyrics clearly - she completely rocks this at full voice, but articulates every syllable. What a pro. Most singers, even Jagger, bellows and slurs the words.

[justwannaseehisface1]

Only singer out there besides Jagger who can pull off "Tumblin' Dice". Patty Loveless might be able to do it to too.

[wsc800]

What can I say......Just the best. Great voice, great band, confident, beautiful......Come on Rock 'n Roll HOF...What in the world are you wating for?