Long Long Time - Linda Ronstadt (1970) 1/4/22

In 1970, Linda Ronstadt was just beginning to make waves as a solo artist.

She had just released her second album, "Silk Purse," but unfortunately, the first single--a cover of the Shirelles' song "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," written by Carole King--was, let's say, less than successful.

In fact, it peaked at #11 on Billboard's "Bubbling Under" Chart--meaning it was actually #111 on the Hot 100. Not good.

So it was decided the second single from the album would be a country-style ballad called "Long Long Time."

The song was a solid hit in the US, peaking at #20 on the Easy Listening Chart and #25 on the Hot 100). In Canada, it reached #15 on the Top 40. Much better!

It was a "Great Song" of 1970," and if the charts didn't quite reflect how great the song truly was, the fact that Linda was nominated for a Grammy Award (Best Contemporary Female Performance) most certainly DID!

Of course, Linda's record company (EMI/Capitol) tried to keep her from releasing any more country crossovers (They thought it would limit her potential), but smarter heads prevailed and Linda was on her way to singing whatever she darn well wanted to: country, rock & roll, and even a few show tunes!

Unfortunately Linda, now 75 years old, has been forced to retire from singing due to the effects of a rare brain disorder called progressive supranuclear palsy, but her body of work is enormous, classic, and filled with "Great Songs," going all the way back to the beginning of her solo career and 1970's "Long Long Time."

For the record, here's Linda's version of "Will You Love Me Tomorrow:"