It seems like many artists have been turning to country music lately, but that’s not necessarily a new trend. In 1970, Linda Ronstadt spoke about this exact phenomenon. Musicians were exploring more country themes in their work at the time, and Ronstadt had a few theories as to why.
Videos by American Songwriter
Speaking with Country Song Roundup in October 1970, Ronstadt shared her thoughts when asked why people who started out making pop music were turning to country instead. Ronstadt herself leaned more country-rock in terms of her own music and the songs she covered. At that time, she had just released Silk Purse, her second solo album following the highly popular Hand Sown…Home Grown.
Growing up in Tucson, Arizona, Linda Ronstadt stated that her childhood featured a lot of country music. There were only a couple of radio stations, and she listened to the Grand Ole Opry as well.
When asked why she thought people were turning to country music, she replied, “Well, mainly because people think it’s easy to play. I think that’s the main reason.” Ronstadt continued, “Other than that it’s very appealing because it’s very simple and very honest music.”
Linda Ronstadt on Why Artists Were Turning to Country Music in 1970
Continuing her train of thought, Linda Ronstadt posited that when one music trend is extreme in one direction, the next trend will be extreme on the opposite end of the spectrum.
“Whatever the most extreme trend was last year, it’s going to be as extreme as it can be in the opposite direction,” she said. “We heard psychedelic music which is very complex and real far out and not particularly related to a 3-chord structure. It was very nice and now they want to do something different. It’s just like short skirts get shorter and then they get longer.”
Additionally, Ronstadt was asked about people’s desire to return to a “simpler way of living.” In that way, country music represented a basic, easier way of life.
“Everybody’s going to the country. Everybody’s trying to get some air. It’s just part of an overall trend,” she said in response. “I think music is a reflection of what’s going on in people’s heads.”
For Linda Ronstadt, she posited that the world had been messed up enough and people were now looking for a way out. Or, at least, an easier, more enjoyable life. “Obviously we screwed it up here, pretty badly for human beings,” she said. “They’re trying to seek shelter in any way they can. I think the music is just an imitation of that.”
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.