Linda Ronstadt can't sing anymore.

One of the best. Saw her many times. Could play so many genres well. I can't think of any another vocalist with her range and talent. Also, an excellent producer, including David Lindley of El Ray-o X.

" I can't think of any another vocalist with her range and talent. "

There probably are some, but I can't think of any either, at least not in the diverse crossover pop/rock/country/jazz domains that she frequented. Definitely unique and versatile.

My only issue with her singing was that sometimes her delivery could become a bit over the top, but she definitely had the chops to pull it off.

" I can't think of any another vocalist with her range and talent. "
There probably are some, but I can't think of any either, at least not in the diverse crossover pop/rock/country/jazz domains that she frequented. Definitely unique and versatile.

There are certainly very few, and Linda was certainly an exceptional talent. I can think of at least one other vocalist that I would put in the same league in terms of talent and diverse range, though, and that would be the Australian singer Judith Durham. She was the lead singer of The Seekers during the mid-60's, whose works encompassed pop/folk/rock/jazz/traditional and even gospel. She then went on to have a successful solo career as mainly a jazz performer, while doing occasional reunion concerts with the Seekers (right up to the present day, despite a recent serious medical issue). And her voice had a remarkable purity which Elton John rightfully once observed as being almost unrivalled among popular vocalists.

Best regards,
-- Al

the Mexican song excerpt in the NPR interview was really great. I really appreciate you posting the link. i also see little point in comparing her to the many many great vocalists dating all the way back to the 1st microphones. but she was loved by many of us in our time, and certainly didn't have to stick to a set formula, which was new to a lot of rock and rollers. and she had our undying respect and admiration in every phase of her evolution. my personal opinion is that she got even better when she tried new things.

Hi Al

Yes, I too loved the Seekers back in the day but when I listen to Georgy Girl I am reminded of the Lynn Redgrave character in the movie, not Judith Durham and thanks for letting us, or at least me know her name, I didn't until now. When I listen to the Stone Poneys sing Long Long Time or Different Drum that vision of Linda comes immediately to mind. Judith may have had a great career, she certainly has a wonderful voice but Linda has remained relevent and remained in the realm of the great pop music singers in the US since the mid 60's. In addition to her talents, she's a real cutie as others have noted and that certainly doesn't diminish her appeal. Who on this site old enough to remember Linda's persona, voice or looks hasn't fallen in love with her at some point in their life?

Thanks for sharing info about Judith, what I love about this site, the recognition by others of those that have been forgotten by most but will never be forgotten by those touched by their music.