1974 Top Ten: Willin’ (#1)

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Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh. The joy of a massage. Pure bliss. This song is also pure bliss, which is why, after some debate, it tops the list of my favorites from 1974. Hard to believe this song — well, this version — is fifty years old now. With a hearty LINDA? NO!!!!!! (I don’t care that she does share your first name! ), here’s the topper. #1: Willin’ - Linda Ronstadt Let’s start with Frank Zappa. Lowell George, while a member of the Mothers of Invention, wrote this song. Zappa, who was known for some strange music (“T*tt*es and Beer,” anyone?), thought this was too weird for the Mothers. This song was the genesis of Little Feat, as Zappa suggested George get his own band to do this song. And he did. And did it again (they recorded it twice, on Little Feat and the more popular version on Sailin’ Shoes). And so did everyone else. With over fifty covers listed on Second Hand Songs, this is Little Feat’s best-known song. If you want a version other than the Feat versions, the go-to rendition is Linda Ronstadt’s. Holy crap, does she sing the daylights out of it. That was such a magical year for so many of my favorite artists. Can’t believe it was 50 years ago. But it’s here today. That’s the joy of music: it never gets old. Thanks for reading. Willin’ Written by Lowell George Recorded by Linda Ronstadt From Heart Like a Wheel, 1974 Tucson to Tucumcari: