We had the pleasure this afternoon of watching the new documentary shown above, “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice.” If you are anywhere near my age, 72, Ronstadt’s music can seem like a playlist of your life. From the earliest music with the Stone Poneys to her exquisite trios with Dolly Parton and EmmyLou Harris, Ronstadt belted out all kinds of music from pop to country to gospel to Mexican folk songs. She even starred in the memorable “Pirates of Penzance” with Kevin Kline because her mother loved Gilbert and Sullivan.
Struck with Parkinson’s disease, Ronstadt has lost the range of her voice that carried her through her life. But rather than the film ending on this tragic note, it finishes with her singing with her brother and nephew in their living room. Very muted, barely audible, her singing still connects her with her roots–the family singing at home.
Well worth seeing.
Saved By Words 
Wow! She is one those talented singers in our generation.
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Absolutely.
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We saw the movie as well. Two thumbs up.
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Thanks for the recommendation, Elizabeth. I never really got into Country music, but Linda always seemed like a very nice and genuine person whenever I saw her interviewed, or performing on TV.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Several months ago my sister and I and our three small children visited my grandmother at her nursing home. There was a musician who came in that day and performed for about an hour for the residents–lots of fun stuff and oldies. Watching everyone from my 1-year-old nephew to a few of the residents who I am sure are in their upper 90s, it is so clear that music is such a connector regardless of if it is sung well, for fun, or even just listened to. The musician finished up with Cash’s “Ring of Fire” and watching my grandmother smile and clap to the music (despite the fact that she is not really all that with it anymore and definitely wasn’t in time with the beat) while my nephew, 2-year old son, and 4-year-old daughter danced in front of her will be one of those memories that sticks with me for a very long time.
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My husband used to do worship services in our nursing home. No matter how much dementia someone had they nearly always could sing or hum or clap along. I am so glad you had that experience. As for being in time, my husband can neither carry a tune or clap in rhythm. This was one place it didn’t matter at all.
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I don’t know Linda Ronstadt, Elizabeth, but her story sounds both poignant and wonderful.
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She has a great voice in lots of styles.
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Oh, I didn’t realize she has Parkinson’s disease Elisabeth 😦
That is sad but music, singing & interestingly dancing also helps to provide a tiny period of relief from certain tremors related with the disease.
Blessings,
Jennifer
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