Linda Ronstadt vs. Stevie Nicks

[JWS]

If you're going to do a comparison of early women rockers, like the other one with Grace Slick, you have to mention Linda Ronstadt. She was one of the early female lead singers with a male group, the Stone Poneys, before going off on a solo career. At about the same time that Stevie was joining FM, 1974, Linda launched a string of huge solo hits. I realize she is more folk/country rock, but she has had a lasting legacy. Linda, like Stevie, is still around singing today. Grace Slick retired. Linda and Stevie are about the same age and probably crossed paths on the California circuit. IMO, Linda's solo career was every bit has good as Stevie's (and she didn't end up in Betty Fords, or similar, as far as I know).

[DavidMn]

I prefer Stevie, but Linda is a helluva singer, up there on my list of favorite female voices.

[Rickypt]

Linda's solo work has certainly been much more diverse than Stevie's. But they both dated high profile men and have battled weight problems.

They also have a Tom Petty connection, as Linda has covered "The Waiting".

And this quote from Linda indicates that they had something else in common:

"I had to have my nose cauterized twice- I think they shot sodium nitrate up there- I'm okay now. I don't put anything up my nose anymore, except occasionally my finger."

[JWS]

Originally Posted by Rickypt

Linda's solo work has certainly been much more diverse than Stevie's. But they both dated high profile men and have battled weight problems.

They also have a Tom Petty connection, as Linda has covered "The Waiting".

And this quote from Linda indicates that they had something else in common:

"I had to have my nose cauterized twice- I think they shot sodium nitrate up there- I'm okay now. I don't put anything up my nose anymore, except occasionally my finger."

You are right of course, about the weight problems. I remember a magazine photo of Linda in a bikini at her Malibu beach house. This was late 70's and she, Linda, was quite slim and trim. On the other hand, no one has ever seen Stevie as she is always dressed head to toe in long skirts, shaws, and robes. I read somewhere that when Stevie is swimming at her pool, no visitors, man or woman, is allowed to see her.

As for Linda's quote about her "nose trouble". I was not aware of that.

[Karlie]

Linda, definitely. She's probably my favorite female singer. Even though she didn't write most of her songs, her voice is amazing!

[DeeGeMe]

They've got a hell of a lot more than that in common. Three words for you my friends: John David Souther.

Linda didn't write her own songs though. She's got a phenomenal voice and knows how to select songs, and take risks like no one else, but she was never a songwriter--just knew how to recognize talent. She's one of my other favs though. I listen to her songs a lot in fact, although I wouldn't say I'm a fan of hers the way I am with Stevie.

[BombaySapphire3]

I heard the stories about Linda doing alot of coke back then which for a huge rock star and part of the El Lay scene (The Eagles began as her backing band)it seemed nearly unavoidable .I think the major differences are that Linda did not want to be a rock star and Stevie did.Linda was and is a far more technically gifted vocalist ,one of the best ever IMO and wrote very few songs .Stevie got caught up in and lost in the entire rock star thing so much so that the lines blurred between who she had been and her stage persona .I don't think this ever happened with Linda,in fact she was not terribly wild about performing live in general.

[JWS]

Originally Posted by DeeGeMe

They've got a hell of a lot more than that in common. Three words for you my friends: John David Souther.

Linda didn't write her own songs though. She's got a phenomenal voice and knows how to select songs, and take risks like no one else, but she was never a songwriter--just knew how to recognize talent. She's one of my other favs though. I listen to her songs a lot in fact, although I wouldn't say I'm a fan of hers the way I am with Stevie.

You are absolutely right about the song writing. When you take that into account, Stevie is the superior of the two. Personally, I think Stevie has, or had at one time had, the better sounding voice. But, you can't question Ronstadt's range

[maygirl]

Isn't Linda from Arizona too?

[Ghost_Tracker]

Originally Posted by JWS

If you're going to do a comparison of early women rockers, like the other one with Grace Slick, you have to mention Linda Ronstadt. She was one of the early female lead singers with a male group, the Stone Poneys, before going off on a solo career. At about the same time that Stevie was joining FM, 1974, Linda launched a string of huge solo hits. I realize she is more folk/country rock, but she has had a lasting legacy. Linda, like Stevie, is still around singing today. Grace Slick retired. Linda and Stevie are about the same age and probably crossed paths on the California circuit. IMO, Linda's solo career was every bit has good as Stevie's (and she didn't end up in Betty Fords, or similar, as far as I know).

How about Pat Benatar??? Granted, really no solo career and her husband wrote all or at least most of her songs but - still - wow - talk about influence!!!

By the way - yeah, Linda Ronstadt is also from Arizona. And Waddy Wachtell used to be her guitarist. So there's at least two connections there.
Similar looks and dress, too ( i.m.o. ) I think maybe R's really shy, though, whereas Stevie is - uhmmm - determined to not let her shyness get in her way???

[Ghost_Tracker]

Originally Posted by BombaySapphire3

I heard the stories about Linda doing alot of coke back then which for a huge rock star and part of the El Lay scene (The Eagles began as her backing band)it seemed nearly unavoidable .

I did NOT know that!!!

[Ghost_Tracker]

Originally Posted by DeeGeMe

They've got a hell of a lot more than that in common. Three words for you my friends: John David Souther.

Linda didn't write her own songs though. She's got a phenomenal voice and knows how to select songs, and take risks like no one else, but she was never a songwriter--just knew how to recognize talent. She's one of my other favs though. I listen to her songs a lot in fact, although I wouldn't say I'm a fan of hers the way I am with Stevie.

I get the impression that Ronstadt was never really interested in developing a "fan base" in the way Stevie was. She did a show, said "Thanks have a nice DAY," went home, and forgot about it - or at least gave that impression. Stevie, on the other hand - well, she's STEVIE!
And even if she doesn't feel it in some sort of incredible, mystical way, 24/7, 365 per year, she expresses a lot of love for her fans, and works very hard to keep that "connection" intact and strong. Bottom line, fans sense that her love is genuine. Not slamming Ronstadt or saying she doesn't care at all, but that type of thing was never really a priority for her.
I still claim that Stevie's a LOT more intelligent than most people realize - and - yeah - I think that's related, when 'ya really think about it. . . .

[JazmenFlowers]

I love Linda. Cry Like A Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind is an amazing CD; my favorite by her. Her voice is truly phenomenal. Winter Light is good too.

I would say tho that Linda isn't as interesting as Stevie and doesn't have the same presence that Stevie has; and I really dig singers that are strong writers with something to say that I can relate to.

I still prefer Stevie's voice, performances and musical mazes...imagine that

[Ghost_Tracker]

Originally Posted by JazmenFlowers

I love Linda. Cry Like A Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind is an amazing CD; my favorite by her. Her voice is truly phenomenal. Winter Light is good too.

I would say tho that Linda isn't as interesting as Stevie and doesn't have the same presence that Stevie has; and I really dig singers that are strong writers with something to say that I can relate to.

Welll, I really do feel that Linda R. has never had the self-confidence
that Stevie so clearly has. Check out this pic. for example -
http://www.ronstadt-linda.com/revsimp1.htm (I'll upload it later when I can) - that's from the inside cover of her album "Simple Dreams" - the entire photo showed the rest of the crew (including Waddy W.) off to the side,
hanging out, and she's sort of looking over her shoulder at them, wondering what to do to get them to hang out with her - she seems to be thinking "Should I SAY something? Go over and TALK to them? Wait for them to talk to ME?" etc. Yeah, I realize this could have been "posed" but it really does look to me like a spontaneous photo and seems to be "as real as it gets." Even if it is posed, I think it's a reflection of her personality - shy and maybe kinda insecure. I love 'er too, though . . . .
My DAD has always had a huge CRUSH on her, although he'd never admit it!

[dissention]

Originally Posted by Ghost_Tracker

Welll, I really do feel that Linda R. has never had the self-confidence
that Stevie so clearly has

You must have never seen a Linda Ronstadt concert. She's a tough bitch who does what she wants. Confidence? She's got enough to spare.