In the early 1980's, American singer Linda Ronstadt, the reigning
female rock and roll diva at the time, decided to record a series of
classic songs against the wishes of her record company and manager.
However, Linda's persistence finally won them over, and the end
result was the sensational tribute album, "What's New".
Released in 1983, with background music by The Nelson Riddle Orchestra,
"What's New" introduced a new generation of listeners to the romantic
era of pre-swing and swing music (1920's-1940's) and the popular
songs recorded by American music legends Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald,
Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Peggy Lee and their contemporaries.
By the 1960's and 70's, in the wake of Beatlemania and the mass marketing of
pop/rock albums, many classic songs from decades before had been regulated
to Las Vegas club acts and department store "elevator music".
Linda said she felt the need to rescue these, "little jewels of artistic expression" from
"spending the rest of their lives riding up and down on elevators." Well put, Linda!
Composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by Ira Gershwin, Linda's version of
"I've Got A Crush On You" became a big hit on American Adult Contemporary
radio stations after being released as a single in 1983.
. Fun fact: Linda previously performed this
song on "The Muppet Show".
(1983)
Linda Ronstadt
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