Don't Cry Now
Encyclopedia
Don't Cry Now is Linda Ronstadt
's fourth solo LP
and the first of her studio releases for Asylum Records
, following six albums recorded for and released on Capitol Records
. It was reissued on Rhino
's Flashback Records in 2009 and has never been out of print in 37 years.
's preceding eponymous album
; some by singer/songwriter J. D. Souther
; and, for the first time in what would ultimately be a long and highly successful professional relationship, by British musician Peter Asher
, former member of the '60s rock duo Peter & Gordon
. Asher was the head of A&R for Apple Records
prior to his move to USA.
This album contains three songs composed by Souther
(Souther and Linda would become romantically involved and he would write several songs for her) one by Randy Newman
, a cover
of a Neil Young
ballad, one originally from the Flying Burrito Brothers
, and a version of the Eagles' "Desperado
," which the band had released earlier that year.
album chart
in late October and peaked at #45, the highest in her career thus far. The album had staying power, spending more than a year on the chart. In addition to "Desperado," Asylum
released two other singles. The first, "Love Has No Pride," originally a minor hit for Bonnie Raitt
, peaked at #51 on the Billboard Hot 100
, yet the song has endured over the years becoming one of Ronstadt's signature songs, included in her 7x platinum Greatest Hits. The other, "Silver Threads And Golden Needles," was the second recording of that song by Ronstadt
, a previous version having appeared on her 1969 solo debut, Hand Sown ... Home Grown
. A re-make of a 1962 hit by the Springfields
, "Silver Threads..." peaked at #67 on the Hot 100
and became the first of more than 20 hits to reach the Hot Country Songs
chart, peaking at #20 in the spring of 1974.
Don't Cry Now became Ronstadt's second Gold-certified album, following the blockbuster success of Heart Like a Wheel
.
Production notes:
Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt is an American popular music recording artist. She has earned eleven Grammy Awards, two Academy of Country Music awards, an Emmy Award, an ALMA Award, numerous United States and internationally certified gold, platinum and multiplatinum albums, in addition to Tony Award and Golden...
's fourth solo LP
Album
An album is a collection of recordings, released as a single package on gramophone record, cassette, compact disc, or via digital distribution. The word derives from the Latin word for list .Vinyl LP records have two sides, each comprising one half of the album...
and the first of her studio releases for Asylum Records
Asylum Records
Asylum Records is an American record label founded in 1971 by David Geffen, and partner Elliot Roberts, who had previously worked as agents at the William Morris Agency. Founded specifically to provide a record contract for Jackson Browne, the label signed Tom Waits, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell...
, following six albums recorded for and released on Capitol Records
Capitol Records
Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine...
. It was reissued on Rhino
Rhino Entertainment
Rhino Entertainment Company is an American specialty record label and production company. It is owned by Warner Music Group.-History:Rhino was originally a novelty song and reissue company during the 1970s and 1980s, releasing compilation albums of pop, rock & roll, and rhythm & blues successes...
's Flashback Records in 2009 and has never been out of print in 37 years.
History
The tracks on Don't Cry Now were produced individually, some by John Boylan, who produced RonstadtLinda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt is an American popular music recording artist. She has earned eleven Grammy Awards, two Academy of Country Music awards, an Emmy Award, an ALMA Award, numerous United States and internationally certified gold, platinum and multiplatinum albums, in addition to Tony Award and Golden...
's preceding eponymous album
Linda Ronstadt (album)
Linda Ronstadt is the third solo album by Linda Ronstadt, released in 1971 on the Capitol Records label. The album peaked at #163 on Billboard's album chart and is considered to be a front-runner in the country rock music genre.-History:...
; some by singer/songwriter J. D. Souther
J. D. Souther
John David Souther is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and actor. He has written and co-written numerous hits songs recorded by artists such as Linda Ronstadt and Glenn Frey of the Eagles.-Singing career:...
; and, for the first time in what would ultimately be a long and highly successful professional relationship, by British musician Peter Asher
Peter Asher
Peter Asher is an English guitarist, singer, manager and record producer. He first came to prominence in the 1960s as a member of the vocal duo Peter and Gordon before going on to a successful career as a record producer.-Early life:He was born at the Central Middlesex Hospital, a child actor and...
, former member of the '60s rock duo Peter & Gordon
Peter & Gordon
Peter and Gordon were a British Invasion-era duo and formed by Peter Asher and Gordon Waller, who achieved fame in 1964 with "A World Without Love", and had several subsequent hits in that era.-History:...
. Asher was the head of A&R for Apple Records
Apple Records
Apple Records is a record label founded by The Beatles in 1968, as a division of Apple Corps Ltd. It was initially intended as a creative outlet for the Beatles, both as a group and individually, plus a selection of other artists including Mary Hopkin, James Taylor, Badfinger, and Billy Preston...
prior to his move to USA.
This album contains three songs composed by Souther
J. D. Souther
John David Souther is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and actor. He has written and co-written numerous hits songs recorded by artists such as Linda Ronstadt and Glenn Frey of the Eagles.-Singing career:...
(Souther and Linda would become romantically involved and he would write several songs for her) one by Randy Newman
Randy Newman
Randall Stuart "Randy" Newman is an American singer-songwriter, arranger, composer, and pianist who is known for his mordant pop songs and for film scores....
, a cover
Cover version
In popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
of a Neil Young
Neil Young
Neil Percival Young, OC, OM is a Canadian singer-songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation...
ballad, one originally from the Flying Burrito Brothers
The Flying Burrito Brothers
The Flying Burrito Brothers was an early country rock band, best known for its influential debut album,The Gilded Palace of Sin . Although the group is most often mentioned in connection with country rock legends Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman, the group underwent many personnel changes.-Original...
, and a version of the Eagles' "Desperado
Desperado (song)
"Desperado" is a soft rock song by the Eagles, an American rock band, written by group members Glenn Frey and Don Henley. It first appeared on the 1973 album Desperado, and has later appeared on numerous compilation albums although it was not a single....
," which the band had released earlier that year.
Reception
Released in the fall of 1973, Don't Cry Now debuted on the BillboardBillboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
album chart
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
in late October and peaked at #45, the highest in her career thus far. The album had staying power, spending more than a year on the chart. In addition to "Desperado," Asylum
Asylum Records
Asylum Records is an American record label founded in 1971 by David Geffen, and partner Elliot Roberts, who had previously worked as agents at the William Morris Agency. Founded specifically to provide a record contract for Jackson Browne, the label signed Tom Waits, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell...
released two other singles. The first, "Love Has No Pride," originally a minor hit for Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Lynn Raitt is an American blues singer-songwriter and a renowned slide guitar player. During the 1970s, Raitt released a series of acclaimed roots-influenced albums which incorporated elements of blues, rock, folk and country, but she is perhaps best known for her more commercially...
, peaked at #51 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
, yet the song has endured over the years becoming one of Ronstadt's signature songs, included in her 7x platinum Greatest Hits. The other, "Silver Threads And Golden Needles," was the second recording of that song by Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt is an American popular music recording artist. She has earned eleven Grammy Awards, two Academy of Country Music awards, an Emmy Award, an ALMA Award, numerous United States and internationally certified gold, platinum and multiplatinum albums, in addition to Tony Award and Golden...
, a previous version having appeared on her 1969 solo debut, Hand Sown ... Home Grown
Hand Sown ... Home Grown
Hand Sown ... Home Grown is a 1969 album by American singer/songwriter/producer Linda Ronstadt. Produced by Chip Douglas of the Turtles, it was Ronstadt's first solo release following three Folk Rock albums with her band The Stone Poneys. The album saw Ronstadt take a decisive turn away from the...
. A re-make of a 1962 hit by the Springfields
The Springfields
The Springfields were a British pop-folk vocal trio who had success in the early 1960s in the UK, US and Ireland and included singer Dusty Springfield and her brother, record producer Tom Springfield, along with Tim Feild, later a noted Sufi writer, who was latterly replaced by Mike Hurst, who...
, "Silver Threads..." peaked at #67 on the Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
and became the first of more than 20 hits to reach the Hot Country Songs
Hot Country Songs
Hot Country Songs is a chart published weekly by Billboard magazine in the United States.This 60-position chart lists the most popular country music songs, calculated weekly mostly by airplay and occasionally commercial sales...
chart, peaking at #20 in the spring of 1974.
Don't Cry Now became Ronstadt's second Gold-certified album, following the blockbuster success of Heart Like a Wheel
Heart Like a Wheel
Heart Like a Wheel is Linda Ronstadt's fifth solo album release and the last-ever of her studio projects for Capitol Records, released in late 1974. It is universally considered to be Ronstadt's all-time high watermark masterpiece recording and a pioneering blueprint of Country Rock...
.
Track listing
- "I Can Almost See It" (J. D. SoutherJ. D. SoutherJohn David Souther is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and actor. He has written and co-written numerous hits songs recorded by artists such as Linda Ronstadt and Glenn Frey of the Eagles.-Singing career:...
) – 3:50 - "Love Has No Pride" (Eric KazEric KazEric Kaz, born in Brooklyn, New York in 1947, is a singer-songwriter active mainly in the late 1960s and the 1970s.-Biography:He first appeared on the popular music scene in the mid-60s playing piano in a band called Children of Paradise with Happy and Artie Traum...
, Libby Titus) – 4:10 - "Silver Threads and Golden NeedlesSilver Threads and Golden Needles"Silver Threads and Golden Needles", a song written by Jack Rhodes and Dick Reynolds, was first recorded by Wanda Jackson in 1956. The original lyrics, as performed by Jackson, contain a verse not usually included in later versions, which also often differed in other minor details.-Other versions:*...
" (Dick Reynolds, Jack RhodesJack RhodesAndrew Jackson Rhodes was an American country music producer and songwriter, penning such hits as "A Satisfied Mind", "Silver Threads and Golden Needles", "Conscience I'm Guilty", "The Waltz of the Angels", "Beautiful Lies", and "Till the Last Leaf Shall Fall"...
) – 2:20 - "DesperadoDesperado (song)"Desperado" is a soft rock song by the Eagles, an American rock band, written by group members Glenn Frey and Don Henley. It first appeared on the 1973 album Desperado, and has later appeared on numerous compilation albums although it was not a single....
" (Don HenleyDon HenleyDonald Hugh "Don" Henley is an American singer, songwriter and drummer, best known as a founding member of the Eagles before launching a successful solo career. Henley was the drummer and lead vocalist for the Eagles from 1971–1980, when the band broke up...
, Glenn FreyGlenn FreyGlenn Lewis Frey is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as a founding member of the Eagles. Frey formed the Eagles after he met drummer Don Henley in 1970 and the two eventually joined Linda Ronstadt's backup band for her summer tour. The Eagles formed in 1971 and...
) – 3:30 - "Don't Cry Now" (J. D. SoutherJ. D. SoutherJohn David Souther is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and actor. He has written and co-written numerous hits songs recorded by artists such as Linda Ronstadt and Glenn Frey of the Eagles.-Singing career:...
) – 4:28 - "Sail AwaySail Away (Randy Newman song)"Sail Away" is a song by Randy Newman, the title track of his 1972 album.-Lyrics and interpretation:"Sail Away" is representative of Newman's trademark unconventional and clever approach to songwriting: it takes the form of a "come on" or a "pitch" from an American slave trader to potential slaves...
" (Randy NewmanRandy NewmanRandall Stuart "Randy" Newman is an American singer-songwriter, arranger, composer, and pianist who is known for his mordant pop songs and for film scores....
) – 3:05 - "Colorado" (Rick RobertsRick Roberts (musician)Rick Roberts is a country rock and classic rock singer-songwriter who recorded with many influential artists over several genres in the 1970s. He is best known for his work with The Flying Burrito Brothers on their 1971 self-titled album, and as a founding member and lead singer of Firefall from...
) – 4:18 - "The Fast One" (J. D. SoutherJ. D. SoutherJohn David Souther is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and actor. He has written and co-written numerous hits songs recorded by artists such as Linda Ronstadt and Glenn Frey of the Eagles.-Singing career:...
) (featuring Glenn FreyGlenn FreyGlenn Lewis Frey is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as a founding member of the Eagles. Frey formed the Eagles after he met drummer Don Henley in 1970 and the two eventually joined Linda Ronstadt's backup band for her summer tour. The Eagles formed in 1971 and...
on harmony vocals) – 3:40 - "Everybody Loves a Winner" (Bill Williams, Booker T. JonesBooker T. JonesBooker T. Jones is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, record producer and arranger, best known as the frontman of the band Booker T. and the MGs. He has also worked in the studios with many well-known artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, earning him a Grammy Award for lifetime...
) – 3:15 - "I Believe in You" (Neil YoungNeil YoungNeil Percival Young, OC, OM is a Canadian singer-songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation...
) – 2:50
Personnel
- Linda RonstadtLinda RonstadtLinda Ronstadt is an American popular music recording artist. She has earned eleven Grammy Awards, two Academy of Country Music awards, an Emmy Award, an ALMA Award, numerous United States and internationally certified gold, platinum and multiplatinum albums, in addition to Tony Award and Golden...
– vocals, background vocals, tabla, tambourine - Ed Black – guitar
- Michael Bowden – bass
- Richard Bowden – guitar
- John Boylan – piano
- Larry CarltonLarry CarltonLarry Carlton is an American jazz, smooth jazz, jazz fusion, pop, and rock guitarist and singer. He has divided his recording time between solo recordings and session appearances with various well-known bands...
– guitar - Craig DoergeCraig DoergeCraig Doerge is an American keyboard player, songwriter and session musician.He began playing in a college band at Hartford, Connecticut, and then moved to Los Angeles in the mid-1960s to work as a studio player and songwriter with A&M Records, and with Jim Keltner and others playing on cartoon...
– piano - Buddy EmmonsBuddy EmmonsBuddy Emmons , is an American guitarist.Emmons has been called "The World's Foremost Steel Guitarist" and his talent is greatly admired by fellow steel guitarists...
– pedal steel guitar - Chris EthridgeChris EthridgeChris Ethridge is an American country rock bass guitarist. He was a member of the International Submarine Band and The Flying Burrito Brothers, and co-wrote several songs with Gram Parsons.-Career:...
– bass - Jimmie Fadden – harmonica
- Glenn FreyGlenn FreyGlenn Lewis Frey is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as a founding member of the Eagles. Frey formed the Eagles after he met drummer Don Henley in 1970 and the two eventually joined Linda Ronstadt's backup band for her summer tour. The Eagles formed in 1971 and...
– harmony vocals - Jim Gordon – saxophone
- Gib Guilbeau – fiddle
- Jerry McGeeJerry McGeeJerry McGee is an American professional golfer who has played on the PGA Tour and the Champions Tour.McGee was born in New Lexington, Ohio. He attended Ohio State University and was a member of the golf team. He turned pro in 1966 and joined the PGA Tour in 1967.McGee won four PGA Tour events in...
– guitar - Mickey McGeeMickey McGeeMickey McGee spent his formative years in and around Phoenix, Arizona. While touring with the band Goose Creek Symphony, McGee met Linda Ronstadt, who would later remember him and serve as a major catalyst for his career.McGee found his way to Los Angeles in the early '70s and quickly made his...
– drums - Spooner OldhamSpooner OldhamDewey Lindon "Spooner" Oldham is an American songwriter and session musician. An organist, he recorded in Muscle Shoals, Alabama and at FAME Studios on such hit R&B songs as "When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge, "Mustang Sally" by Wilson Pickett and "I Never Loved a Man" by Aretha...
– piano - Herb PedersenHerb PedersenHerb Pedersen is an American musician, guitarist, banjo player, and singer-songwriter who has played a variety of musical styles over the past forty years including country, bluegrass, progressive bluegrass, folk, folk rock, country rock, and has worked with numerous musicians in many different...
– guitar, background vocals - Rick Roberts – guitar
- Dennis St. John – drums
- Leland SklarLeland SklarLeland "Lee" Bruce Sklar is an American musician, singer-songwriter and film score composer. A prominent bass guitarist, Sklar has contributed to thousands of albums as a session musician...
– bass - John David SoutherJ. D. SoutherJohn David Souther is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and actor. He has written and co-written numerous hits songs recorded by artists such as Linda Ronstadt and Glenn Frey of the Eagles.-Singing career:...
– bass, guitar, background vocals - Sneaky Pete KleinowSneaky Pete KleinowPeter E. "Sneaky Pete" Kleinow was an American country-rock musician, songwriter, and a motion picture special effects artist...
– guitar, pedal steel guitar - Russ KunkelRuss KunkelRussell Kunkel , also known as Russ Kunkel, is an American drummer and producer who has worked as a session musician with a number of well-known artists.Kunkel was born in Pittsburgh, PA...
– drums - Ginger Holladay – background vocals
- Mary Holliday – background vocals
- Shirley Matthews – background vocals
- Marti McCall – background vocals
- Clydie KingClydie KingClydie Crittendon is an American singer, best known for her session work as a backing vocalist....
– background vocals - Wendy Waldman – background vocals
- Andy Johnson – guitar
- Mack Johnson – trumpet
- Mackinley Johnson – trumpet
- Darrell Leonard – trumpet
- Nino Tempo – saxophone
- Gail Martin – trombone
Production notes:
- John David SoutherJ. D. SoutherJohn David Souther is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and actor. He has written and co-written numerous hits songs recorded by artists such as Linda Ronstadt and Glenn Frey of the Eagles.-Singing career:...
– producer, remixing - John Boylan – producer
- Peter AsherPeter AsherPeter Asher is an English guitarist, singer, manager and record producer. He first came to prominence in the 1960s as a member of the vocal duo Peter and Gordon before going on to a successful career as a record producer.-Early life:He was born at the Central Middlesex Hospital, a child actor and...
– producer - Peter Granet – engineer
- John Haeny – engineer
- Ric Tarrantini – engineer
- Al Schmitt – remixing
- Shawn R. Britton – mastering
- Jimmy Haskell – string arrangements
- Jim Ed Norman – horn arrangements, string arrangements
- Edmund Meitner – technical support
- Tim de Paravicini – technical support
- Cathy Seeter – cover design
- Sid Sharp – concert master
- Glenn Ross – cover design
- Terry Wright – photography, sleeve photo
- Ed Caraeff – cover photo, photography