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After Linda Ronstadt revealed last year that her legendary singing voice was stilled by Parkinson's disease, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame realized that (holy s---) it did not count Ronstadt among its members. The oversight was swiftly dealt with, and Ronstadt is one of the musicians whose career will be honored on April 10 in Brooklyn. Ronstadt, however, will not be able to attend the induction ceremony. She cites health issues related to her Parkinson’s, according to Randy Lewis of the LA Times. She doesn't sound too broken up about not flying to New York, Lewis reports:
“It’s something I never gave one thought to,” Ronstadt told The Times last week. “It wasn’t on my radar screen. Other people seemed to be way more interested in it than I am. It’s like other awards that have come my way: I’m delighted to get them and I’ve very grateful, but I didn’t work in music for that reason.”
Ronstadt's portion of the show will include an induction speech by Glenn Frey, a member of Ronstadt's band before forming the Eagles, and a tribute performance by Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow and Carrie Underwood. Oh, that's all.
Also on the show will be Bruce Stringsteen, to honor the E Street Band; Chris Martin, to induct Peter Gabriel, Michael Stipe, to induct Nirvana; Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, to induct Kiss; and Questlove of the Roots will pay tribute to Hall and Oates. Peter Asher has been tapped to induct Beatles manager Brian Epstein and Rolling Stones manager and producer Andrew Loog Oldham. Plus more. The ceremony will be broadcast on HBO on May 31.
Previously on LA Observed:
Linda Ronstadt says Parkinson's has taken her singing voice
Ronstadt confirms for NYT: 'I’m never going to sing again'
Ronstadt talks music, Mexico and Parkinson's*
On the road to Sonora with Linda Ronstadt
2013 photo: New York Times/Peter DaSilva
