RhinoIn her long and successful recording career, Linda Ronstadt put out more than 20 studio albums, but she’s never released a live record. That changes on February 1 with the release of Live in Hollywood, an album featuring 12 performances from a 1980 Ronstadt concert that was recorded for an HBO special.
The show took place on April 24, 1980, at Television Center Studios in Hollywood, and featured Ronstadt singing many of her biggest hits, while also performing selections from her then-new studio album, Mad Love. Among the classics appearing on Live in Hollywood are Linda’s renditions of Buddy Holly‘s “It’s So Easy,” Roy Orbison‘s “Blue Bayou,” Warren Zevon‘s “Poor Poor Pitiful Me,” Dee Dee Warwick‘s “You’re No Good,” Chuck Berry‘s “Back in the U.S.A.” and The Eagles‘ “Desperado.”
The album, which will be available on CD and vinyl, also features performances of three tunes from Mad Love that became hits for Ronstadt — “How Do I Make You” and covers of Little Anthony and the Imperials‘ “Hurt So Bad” and The Hollies‘ “I Can’t Let Go.”
Nine of Live in Hollywood‘s 12 songs are previously unreleased, including the version of “You’re No Good,” which was extended into a six-minute jam. Ronstadt’s backing band for the concert included Little Feat keyboardist Billy Payne and renowned session guitarist Danny Kortchmar, drummer Russ Kunkel and bassist Bob Glaub. In addition, Linda’s longtime producer, Peter Asher of Peter & Gordon fame, contributed backing vocals and percussion.
In advance of Live in Hollywood‘s release, Ronstadt’s performance of Doris Troy‘s “Just One Look” has been made available via streaming services. In addition, a video of Ronstadt singing the tune from the HBO special has been posted on Rhino Records’ YouTube channel.
Here’s the full track list of Live in Hollywood:
“I Can’t Let Go”*
“It’s So Easy”
“Willin'”*
“Just One Look”*
“Blue Bayou”
“Faithless Love”*
“Hurt So Bad”*
“Poor Poor Pitiful Me”
“You’re No Good”*
“How Do I Make You”*
“Back in the U.S.A.”*
“Desperado”*
* = previously unreleased.