Download Instrumental    Blue Bayou – Linda Ronstadt style.  This song came to mind when I heard a sports announcer (baseball) make a remark after the pitcher threw a fast ball strike and the batter didn’t swing.  The announcer proclaimed, “Whoa!  That was a Linda Ronstadt!”.  Say what?  What does a female rock’n’roll star have to do with baseball?  I checked it out.  What our sportscaster meant was – that fast ball “blew by you”.  Think about it…

“Blue Bayou” was written and first recorded by the great Roy Orbison in 1961, but not released until ’63.  The song peaked at a fairly respectable #29 on the American charts, but was a huge hit overseas, especially in Italy.  I don’t know, maybe they have a lot of bayous in Italy.  But in 1977, Linda Ronstadt took it and went crazy.  Her version was a hair slower with a cleaner, more pronounced beat (I chose to up the tempo a little – not quite so morose that way).  She took it to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Country charts – not to mention #3 on “Easy Listening” (never have figured out precisely what that means).  The single went Gold (1 million sold) in 1978, then soon was certified Platinum (2 million sold).  Personally, I think the key to her success with “Bayou” is the fact that Don Henley of the Eagles sang backup on the recording.  I think he was paid a hundred bucks for his contribution.   Ronstadt, you owe him big time!

This one would be a terrific addition to your repertoire.  It’s easy to dance to and very recognizable.  Surprise your crowd with this classic next Saturday night.  Batter Up!