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A Thought for Today
See all sides of everything before being
sure of anything.
This
One Does It For Me!
Ken,
I love Rod's version of "Long, Long
Time" and I know that Linda Ronstadt did a version as well, but
I was wondering who wrote the song.
Did Rod write it or did
someone else? When was it recorded? I can't find any info on
it.
Thanks!
Elizabeth Raef
What a song, Elizabeth, what a song!
No, Rod didn't write this particular number, Gary White did.
I haven't had much success in
obtaining any information about Gary though I did come across a
reference to a Gary White who was the harmonica player for a
group called the Night Raiders. Perhaps they're one and the
same.
The song first appeared on Linda Ronstadt's "Silk Purse" album, released
in 1970. It charted at No. 25 which surprised me as I thought a song of
this caliber would have gone much higher. I guess the competition was
pretty tough that year!
This was her first hit record as a solo artist and her first foray into
country-styled ballads.
At the time this song was released her backing band included Don Henley
and Glenn Frey who would later go on to form The Eagles.
The Rondstadt version has
it's roots very firmly based in country while Rod's, with a chart by the
incomparable Arthur Greenslade, is presented as a more traditional
ballad. Rod's version can be found on his "Pastorale" double album and,
good news for those without a turntable, also appears on the Platinum
Collection double CD. Check out
Stanyan House for availability of both.
Thanks for writing,
Elizabeth, and the lyrics are detailed below.
Don't forget Wednesday is the day I try
my best to answer your McKuen related questions or publish letters about
your favorite song, poem or story. If you have a contribution to make
drop me a line at kenb@mckuen.com
and I'll do the rest.
- Ken, Johannesburg,
South Africa, June 2
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