Linda Ronstadt: Her most memorable songs
Linda Ronstadt has disclosed that she is suffering from Parkinson’s disease, and that the neurological disorder has left her unable to sing.
The 67-year-old musician made the disclosure in an AARP Magazine interview posted online Friday.
Ronstadt, an 11-time Grammy winner, said that she was diagnosed with the neurological ailment about eight months ago and “can’t sing a note.”
“No one can sing with Parkinson’s disease,” Ronstadt said. “No matter how hard you try.”
Ronstadt said that she uses poles to help walk and uses a wheelchair when traveling.
She said in the interview that she noticed symptoms eight years ago, but assumed they were related to a tick disease.
“Parkinson’s is very hard to diagnose, so when I finally went to a neurologist and he said, ‘Oh, you have Parkinson’s disease,’ I was completely shocked. I wouldn’t have suspected that in a million, billion years,” the singer said.
Over the course of a long career, she made 30 studio albums and 15 compilation and greatest hits albums.
She had 38 Billboard Hot 100 singles, with 21 reaching the top 40, 10 making it into the Top 10, and had one No. 1 hit, “You’re No Good.”
Here’s a look at some of her landmark songs and performances:
Ronstadt won her first Grammy Award, 1975’s top country vocal performance/female, for “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You),” Ronstadt’s rendition of the 1940s Hank Williams song.
In 1970, her “Long, Long Time” was nominated (but did not win) a Grammy for best contemporary vocal performance/female.
One of her best-known songs, “Blue Bayou” was nominated (but did not win) two Grammys in 1977: record of the year and pop vocal performance/female.
Written by Clint Ballard Jr. and previously recorded by Betty Everett, “You’re No Good” in 1975 was Ronstadt’s only No. 1 song.
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