But Not For Me Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt is one of the most beautiful voices of this planet. She's soft, very soft. Nelson Riddle is one of the best arrangers of the musical history. He'll be unforgettable forever and ever. Linda and Nelson togheter was amazing. And still...

Ronstadt was proven right when she insisted on making the "What's New?" album.

I remembering buying it at the time. I was so glad to see a younger generation singer acknowledge the value of the "Great American Songbook" standards.

These songs, performed the way Rondstadt and her predecessors have since the 20s, will still be around long after "heavy metal" ad "hip hop" are dead and buried.

Thank you for the comment, and I agree with you, 100 percent. C.

the best version of this song is by idea of north. search for it in youtube :)

Idea of North's a cappella demonstrates considerable singing skill, but that is not the same as saying it is the "best version."

The "best version" is the one that best expresses the spirit of the song, as embodied in the lyrics.

But Not For Me is about lost love. The singer must express that feeling of dejection.

Linda Ronstadt's rendition does that far better than Idea of North's.

Soprano Kiri Te Kanawa's rendition, which may or may not be posted at YouTube does it even betterl.

I really disagree. The timing is the key to this song and Nelson and Linda had it down. Iv heard all the other versons of this great song. To me this is the best. Also kiddos to the great Sax Player

I love Linda Ronstadt (including her politics) but her Nelson Riddle collaborations leave me a bit dissatisfied. I think the problem is partly her relative youthfulness. She's a Valley Girl singing Gershwin and the inflections don't suggest Manhattan so much as the local mall. It's not her fault, of course. Time will do that. For standards, I stick to Ella because I hear the period's nuance in every syllable.

Of course, Azzanstudent, as far as I am concerned Ella owns Gershwin and Harold Arlen, too. But I do love Linda's voice. Thanks for the comment. C.

Oh, Satchmo, you kill me!!! Can't stop laughing! Not only am I not a man of anguish, I am a little old 97 lb. woman who can run rings around you about music. Why do you keep coming in if it is so bad...aH! Angst and insecurity. And I am so sorry I didn't return sooner, I could have told sowhatelse about Beatrice Fairfax. Wow, you are so smart to google her. And catchersmitt, I agree with you completely. Nelson Riddle was wonderful with her. Thanks all, including Satchmo. Very funny!

I always admired the slow, pacing of this Ronstadt / RIbble version... I think the vocal pauses add to the melancholy.