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Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir

Linda Ronstadt

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Jun 05, 2013 Connie N. rated it liked it

Shelves: music, memoir

This is a simple memoir written by Linda Ronstadt in a simple and easy style, very clear and concise and pleasant. Nothing too exciting, but it moved forward consistently. What interested me most was the fact that Linda has embraced many different styles of music, stretching her skills and growing as an extremely talented musician. She seems to be unassuming, quiet, and a genuinely nice person. She started out in the folk genre, gradually working with other like-minded musicians and helping to c This is a simple memoir written by Linda Ronstadt in a simple and easy style, very clear and concise and pleasant. Nothing too exciting, but it moved forward consistently. What interested me most was the fact that Linda has embraced many different styles of music, stretching her skills and growing as an extremely talented musician. She seems to be unassuming, quiet, and a genuinely nice person. She started out in the folk genre, gradually working with other like-minded musicians and helping to create the California folk-rock style in the 60's and 70's. Her popularity grew so that she was singing in huge auditoriums and arenas, which (she felt) greatly reduced the impact of her voice. She eventually had the opportunity to sing in NY, first in Pirates of Penzance, then in La Boheme, both of which gave her some acting experience as well as changing her style of singing. To satisfy a need to sing the old standards, she worked with Nelson Riddle and created a couple of albums of old classics, greatly to the chagrin of her manager and record company. Both turned out to be wonderful (my favorites), although I was surprised to learn that she wasn't happy with her singing since she didn't have sufficient time to rehearse and refine due to the huge expense of hiring a full orchestra to record with. Finally, she went back to her roots and decided another huge departure by creating an entire show of traditional Mexican music, sung completely in Spanish, and featuring Mexican dancers and a mariachi band. Again, her label objected, but again these turned out to be so popular that she ended up cutting a couple of records completely in Spanish that were huge sellers. Other projects included working with friends Dolly Party and Emmylou Harris to produce the popular Trio albums. Plus she joined another friend to sing an album in French, emphasizing her friend's Cajun roots. Now in her late 60's, she lives a quiet life and reflects on her eclectic career and many successes. Very nice. Quick read. I'm a fan. ...more

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Jan 09, 2021 jingles rated it liked it

Shelves: 2021

Jul 17, 2014 Bev(baglady) marked it as to-read

Shelves: wishlist

Sep 05, 2022 Cilla marked it as to-read

Shelves: history, biography, nonfiction, memoir, music, autobiography

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