Linda Ronstadt: Positivity and Inspiration in the Face of Parkinson's Disease

This may not be a true music story, but you may find it to be more of a medical story. However, I thought this would be appropriate, because it concerns a music legend whom we may never see equaled in our lifetimes.

Last Friday I heard some grim news that shocked the music world and absolutely broke my heart. It was reported that legendary singer Linda Ronstadt has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The pop/rock icon says she was diagnosed with the disease eight months ago, but just now came public with the news in light of her upcoming memoir "Simple Dreams," set to be released on September 17th.

Ronstadt (pictured in 1977) on the cover of her memoir

Ronstadt says she cannot sing a note, bringing an end to a remarkable 40 year career. The singer was groundbreaking in the country-rock movement of the late '60s and early '70s, becoming the first true female rock star and paving the way for generations of female artists. Ronstadt became the best-selling female artist of the 1970s, later branching out into other musical genres throughout the '80s, '90s, and 2000s, including American standards, Mexican, jazz, Cajun, and children's music.

When I heard this news it was shocking to say the least. I already knew that Linda had retired from recording and performing for the most part, having performed her last show in 2009. But the news on Friday of her diagnosis of Parkinson's disease just confirmed that perhaps the greatest female voice ever has now sadly been silenced.

But the sadness I feel is not just because Linda no longer has the ability to sing. I feel for her even more as a person than as an artist. I can relate to this life-altering situation that Linda is now facing, having dealt with a similar disease in my own family. My grandmother succumbed to Huntington's disease in 2005 and my father most recently in 2009. My two older brothers and myself are at 50% risk for the disease, which is hereditary. I will soon turn 40 but I'm not showing any signs. And as far as I know, my brothers are doing fine also. But this revelation for Linda has made me even more conscious than ever before, of a reality that I have to deal with. 

I had thought about becoming more educated about Huntington's, and I've had a number of people suggest I become an advocate for the disease. Now I know that I just have to do something about it. If there is something I can do to help raise awareness of the disease and to help find a cure, I will do it. I also want to help in any way I can for Parkinson's disease. I know that Linda will seek the best treatment for herself and get the best of care. But maybe there is something I can do.

I actually have an idea for a book, among many others. I want to write a book on neurodegenerative disorders, for which I would do research, interview people with these particular types of disorders, people who have dealt with them in their families, and then also talk about my own experiences in dealing with disease in my own family.

Ronstadt relaxing at her home in San Francisco in 2013.

Exactly one month from now, I will be on vacation in Northern California; visiting my cousin, seeing the sights, and also looking into a few job opportunities. But the highlight of my trip will no doubt be the highlight of my life. I am going to meet Linda in person in San Francisco on September 26, just one of her appearances she is doing in promotion of her memoir. This is something I've been dreaming about for a vey long time. This lady is very special to me, and it is apparent how much she is still loved and cared about by all her fans. The outpouring of love, thoughts and prayers on Facebook and Twitter has been tremendous.

To me personally, Linda means more than I can describe. Not only do I love her incredible voice and music, but I've come to respect and admire Linda as a person. I've been captivated by her beauty, but now I see that her beauty on the outside shines from within her. I appreciate the sincerity, the class, and the integrity she has shown throughout the years. In today's society and especially in the entertainment world, those are qualities that are very rare indeed. I think the only thing left for me to say that sums it all up is this. There is no one in this world I want to meet more than Linda. She has been an inspiration to me in so many ways. As Linda stated in a recent interview with AARP, "you always learn more from failure than success. I really believe that," she said. "I think adversity is a great teacher." What a super lady!

Always.....Patsy Cline: One Special Fan's Dream Comes True

For this blog I typically post on music I'm listening to and concerts I've attended. Although this is a play, it does happen to be music-related, as it is a sincere tribute to a legendary country and pop singer who helped make one fan's dream come true.

Recently I previewed a very special event for the Centre Daily Times. A musical titled "Always.....Patsy Cline" tells the story of how one fan's dream became reality; meeting and befriending her favorite singer. Being a music lover and appreciating music history, I thought it would be very interesting and a lot of fun to attend. I was familiar only with Patsy Cline's most notable hit songs, including Willie Nelson's "Crazy," "I Fall to Pieces," "She's Got You," "You Belong to Me," and "Lovesick Blues." A few of these songs I knew mostly from versions by Linda Ronstadt in the 1970s. But I thought it might help me to understand what Patsy Cline was all about and to see her from a fan's point of view.

The musical was presented at the Millbrook Playhouse in Mill Hall, PA, which is about 45 minutes from Penn State University. This playhouse was very unique and was the perfect setting for this particular production. The background to the stage was made up to look like the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, with posters of Patsy Cline displayed on the walls. Cline's band consisted of a pianist, guitarist, bass guitarist, and drummer.

The play began with an introduction of Cline at the Grand Ole Opry. Cline then appeared and began to sing, starting with the song "Honky-Tonk Merry-Go-Round." The role of Cline was played by Courtney Simmons, who endlessly studied Cline's voice and mannerisms to portray the iconic singer. Simmons was in top voice throughout, singing with heart, soul, and passion. Altogether, Simmons sang 27 songs, which included some of Cline's biggest hits.

The role of Patsy's friend Louise Seger was played by Sarah Michelle Cuc. Cuc was outstanding; talking to the audience about Patsy and speaking in a boisterous tone, while adding humor to her attempts to meet her music idol.

The relationship between Cline and Seger was very real, and I thought this play depicted it in the most authentic and sincere way. It's a very interesting concept to think about: a huge fan gets to meet their idol, someone they look up to and admire. But not only do they get to meet them, they invite them into their own home, and the star accepts the invitation and stays overnight. They then develop a lasting friendship, keeping in touch by writing letters to each other. Sadly, the relationship comes to an end, as Cline is tragically killed in a plane crash.

Restless Heart: Country Rock At Its Finest

I recently attended a show at the Jackson County Fair in Cottageville, West Virginia. Now I have attended a number of events in the past several months, but this particular show was very special.

It started out as a road trip for my brother and me. Of course we had other reasons for making the trip from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, but the number one attraction for us was seeing the country band Restless Heart.



From left to right: Paul Gregg, John Dittrich, Larry Stewart, Greg Jennings, and Dave Innis.

In my opinion, this is one of the most underrated bands of all time. To me, they always sounded reminiscent of the Eagles, but still with a sound all their own. These guys gave Alabama a run for their money and were so popular back in the 1980s to early 1990s, with their unique blend of country, pop, and rock. With their impeccable musicianship, tight harmonies, and the highest musical integrity, this band scored six consecutive number one country singles from 1986-1989. Some of their hits include "That Rock Won't Roll," "I'll Still Be Loving You," "The Bluest Eyes in Texas," "Big Dreams in a Small Town," "Fast Movin' Train," and "When She Cries."

Originally formed in 1983, the band includes Larry Stewart on guitar and lead vocals, Paul Gregg on bass, lead and background vocals, Greg Jennings on lead guitar and background vocals, Dave Innis on keyboards and background vocals, and John Dittrich on drums, lead and background vocals.

The five-man band is one of the finest I have ever heard live, and they certainly didn't disappoint with this show. They performed their usual set of hits from their impressive catalog of songs, plus a few other surprises. They paid tribute to those artists who helped them give them their start in the music business, and to those who opened for their concerts in their early days. They performed songs by Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, and Garth Brooks, and also included their own special rocking version of ZZ Top's "Sharp-Dressed Man."



From left to right: Larry Stewart, Dave Innis, and Paul Gregg.

The show was absolutely amazing! Besides being outstanding musicians, these guys are real comedians. Larry Stewart and Paul Gregg in particular had the entire audience breaking out in laughter in between songs throughout the evening. Their shows are very interactive as well, getting the crowd involved and singing along to their songs. After seeing them perform live for the first time, I knew immediately that I wanted to see them perform over and over again.

After the show my brother and I had the privilege of meeting and chatting with Larry, Greg and Dave. There was a "meet and greet" before the show, which we hadn't signed up for, but we were able to buy 8x10 photos of the band, signed by all five members! Really cool! We didn't think we would have the opportunity to meet them, but we very fortunate that three of them agreed to sign autographs, take pictures, and chat with some of the fans after the show. We told them how much we loved their music and to keep on playing. They were quite humble but very appreciative and grateful. They were also very down-to-earth as you might expect. They certainly have my respect and admiration for what they do professionally as artists, but also as people. Great guys!



From left to right: Greg Jennings, Paul Gregg, and Larry Stewart.
 

This was definitely one of the more memorable trips I've ever taken. Aside from the concert, my brother and I also took in the sights of the beautiful West Virginia countryside, stopping in Morgantown at West Virginia University on the way home. But Restless Heart made this a summer I'll never forget. Thanks Larry, Paul, Greg, Dave and John! Keep up the good work and never stop playing music. You guys are the best!