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Composer Bill Steinberg, who wrote today's Great Song of 1980, admits that "How Do I make You" was inspired by "My Sharona" by The Knack...but, IMHO, they sound almost nothing alike. (You, of course, may disagree.)
Bill originally recorded the song (and several others) for his group, Billy Thermal, but they weren't released until a few years later.
In the meantime, Thermal guitarist Craig Hull began dating Wendy Waldman, one of Linda Ronstadt's backup singers. Wendy and Craig played "Hw Do I Make You" for Linda, and she loved it!
In short order, she had recorded it (with Nicollette Larson) , and it was released as a single from Linda's upcoming album "Mad Love."
Music critics were quick to comment that "Mad Love" was a new direction for Linda:
a definite nod to New Wave music. Some liked it, some did not...but it was hard to deny "Great Song status' when "How Do I Make You" reached #1 at several Album Rock stations, as well as #10 on Billboard's Hot 100.
Another measure of the song's popularity: It was covered by Alvin & The Chipmunks. You read that correctly.
"How Do I Make You" by Linda Ronstadt: a Great Song of 1980!
The Chipmunks (just for fun):
Alvin Seville - How Do I Make You
Tomorrow: A single riff and a sense of urgency.
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