Imagine a musical icon, a voice that defined a generation, admitting there's one singer she simply couldn't stand. That's the case with the legendary Linda Ronstadt, and the band that triggered this reaction might surprise you. She famously dismissed the vocals of AC/DC's singer as "just white noise." But here's the crazy part: she was a massive fan of their rhythm section!
Growing up in a musically rich environment after moving to California, Ronstadt was surrounded by talent. She honed her craft alongside future Eagles members Don Henley and Glenn Frey, as well as JD Souther. She had the freedom to explore various genres, yet even amidst this freedom, some singers grated on her nerves more than others.
It's important to remember that technical perfection isn't always the key to rock and roll success. Think about Bob Dylan. His voice, shall we say, isn't exactly classically trained, yet he's a rock icon. Ronstadt even collaborated with Neil Young, whose voice, especially on tracks like 'Heart of Gold,' has a certain… rawness. These imperfections, arguably, contribute to their unique character. But Ronstadt, at her core, valued technical prowess in a vocalist.
And this is the part most people miss... This desire for technical excellence likely influenced her later forays into Broadway and easy listening. She wasn't aiming for Freddie Mercury-esque operatic heights, but with the guidance of arrangers like Nelson Riddle, she discovered how to utilize her voice in nuanced ways. She realized that not every performance needed to be a full-throttle explosion of sound. However, in rock and roll, the thrill often lies in witnessing a singer push their limits. For example, consider the sheer vocal power and control displayed by Ann Wilson of Heart.
Ronstadt certainly had rock vocalists she admired. Janis Joplin was a clear favorite, and even Mick Jagger had moments of brilliance. But when it came to AC/DC, that's where her appreciation ended.
While acknowledging the brilliance of their guitar work, she stated, "I used to think [heavy metal] was the end of the civilization. Maybe it still is, but I’ve become a big, huge fan of [AC/DC’s] ‘Back in Black’ because of that rhythm section. The singer is just white noise to me, but that’s as good a rhythm section as has ever evolved out of rock and roll, for pure groove playing.”
But here's where it gets controversial... Can we truly categorize AC/DC as heavy metal? They certainly possess the powerful guitars characteristic of many metal bands from that era. But Brian Johnson's vocal style isn't aiming for the same operatic highs as, say, Rob Halford of Judas Priest. Instead, AC/DC's sound feels more like a throwback to the raw energy of early rock and roll, echoing the excitement of pioneers like Little Richard.
While Brian Johnson's vocals might be an acquired taste, there's undeniable skill involved. He may not be known for impeccable diction or complex vocal runs, but tackling a song like 'Hells Bells' requires incredible stamina, especially considering the band's demanding touring schedule. It's a full-body, full-throttle performance.
So, while Linda Ronstadt might not have been cranking AC/DC on her personal playlist, the band's enduring appeal goes beyond just a killer rhythm section. They represent the unbridled spirit of rock and roll, proving that passion and powerful chords can take you a long way, even if your vocals aren't everyone's cup of tea.
What do you think? Was Ronstadt being too harsh on Brian Johnson, or did she have a point about his vocal style? Could AC/DC be considered heavy metal, or are they pure, unadulterated rock and roll? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
