Linda Ronstadt: Silver Threads and Golden Needles

Yesterday, an AARP Magazine interview revealed that Linda Ronstadt was diagnosed eight months ago with Parkinson’s disease and since has lost the ability to sing. In the interview she stated, “No one can sing with Parkinson’s disease, no matter how hard you try.”

Her career began with The Stone Poneys which evolved into a successful solo career. During her peak, she earned the following for her US recordings:

• one platinum single,
• two gold singles,
• seven multi-platinum albums,
• six platinum albums,
• five gold albums,
• one #1 single,
• three #1 albums, and
• eleven Grammy awards.

Today’s Bubbling Under Hit is honor of Linda Ronstadt. The single “Silver Threads and Golden Needles,” although a country hit peaking at #20, failed to crack the mainstream Top 40 and only peaked at #67. Written by Jack Rhodes and Dick Reynolds, “Silver Threads and Golden Needles” was first recorded by Wanda Jackson in 1956 and was a later hit for The Springfields in1962.

Linda recorded the tune twice – originally in 1969 on her first solo album, “Hand Sown . . . Home Grown.” The single version came from her 1973 album “Don’t Cry Now” and was released as a single in early 1974.

It’s a sad day when a voice as lovely as Linda Ronstadt’s is silenced.

1973 (Single) Version

1969 Version