In the last few weeks, it was made public that Linda Ronstadt has been struggling with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. She has been so troubled with it that she states that she has lost her ability to sing.
“No one can sing with Parkinson’s disease,” Ronstadt said. “No matter how hard you try.”
When I first read this comment, I had to remind myself of the condition that we are discussing. Parkinson’s disease comes in many different shapes and forms. I have said it before, that every Parkie (Person with Parkinson’s) has their own brand or version of the illness…. we are like snowflakes! No two of us are exactly the same. I don’t have a tremor, but some people struggle everyday with attempting to keep their hands still. While some may have rigidity or slowness of movement, others may not. And let’s not even get started on how each human body is unique on how it metabolizes food or medications. Or how advanced one’s Parkinson’s is and how it impacts the body…. my eyes just crossed…. talk about the Rubik’s cube of life.
That is what makes getting a diagnosis and finding the right path of treatment for each individual snowflake so challenging. We are all in this blizzard together trying to grasp onto any information that might give us answers, or better yet, hope. So when I run across incorrect information that is being put out into the public, it doesn’t make this Parkie feel very perky. Not to mention, when there is a celebrity status attached to it, we misinform a large amount of people.
First let me clarify, I am not saying that Ronstadt is not being truthful about he inability to sing. Just as I pointed out, she could have symptoms of PD that are unique to her, that impact her ability to belt out, my personal favorite, “Don’t know Much”. But to say “no one can sing with Parkinson’s disease” is a bold statement. I know multiple Parkies who sing professionally and you couldn’t even tell that they had a neurological disorder.
When people get misinformed, it can lead to a distortion about what Parkinson’s disease really is. This can be confusing and can impact Parkies and their families. So how do we get our information, my little snowflakes? Find resources from social media, National foundations, ask your Neurologist and start reading books about PD. What’s my favorite? “Parkinson’s disease for Dummies”. It has a wide array of information from diagnosis to later stages in the disease. Bottom line is it is crucial that we get the correct information out in the world and if you are a little snowflake, be sure to do your homework.
Try telling “people with PD can’t sing” to the Irish contingent at the WPC in Montreal last week. I do believe they managed three verses of “oh Danny Boy’ in beautiful full voices…in their hotel room, at the request of a kind Japanese gentleman and his wife.
No doubt! They were awesome! Thanks for the comment!
I missed this blog. At the time, I did my best to inform those in my circle of influence, that Ms Ronstadt was incorrect in her statement and that I was living proof; that in fact, I may be singing better than ever (if not technically, then perhaps artistically). I would like to think that its a newbie error and give her the benefit of the doubt. (as opposed to being the pronouncement of a self-absorbed narcissist.) While we’re talking about it, I am playing at the Orange County (CA) Moving Day, next week and will be sharing the stage with Peter Whyte. We call ourselves the Parkies and are looking to team up with other Parkie musicians in Southern California to put a band together.
I know! Peter and I have been talking! I am so excited for moving day!!
Just stumbled upon your blog today through twitter. I am very excited to have found you!
I felt the same way about Linda Ronstadt when she made her announcement. I sing professionally and I have been a PwP for 10 years now (diagnosed at age 34). I agree totally with you saying that perhaps her snowflake doesn’t allow her to sing, but some of us “flakes” can and do sing!!
Glad you stumbled by Janice! Hope you enjoy my blog! Diagnosed at age 34! We should have a secret hand shake for us Young, Young Onset!
Thanks so much for this post! One of your snowflake buddies in Louisiana agrees totally!
Hi Marty!!!! Hope your artwork is falling like snowflakes!
Everyone of us is affected differently. This is a fact. I am thrilled that so many of you can still sing with Parkinson’s, however, this Parkie can no longer carry a tune in a bucket. I used to sing all the time, stage or not. Even recorded a few CDs. While I agree that we all have different experiences, I know that my singing voice is no longer there. Perhaps Ms. Ronstadt should have not generalized, but as far as my experience goes, I personally have the same problem.
It is so true Cindy. Thank you for sharing.
Not only is it possible to sing but also important from a therapeutic standpoint for PWPs. Linda Ronstadt should read Musicofilia by Dr. Oliver Sacks about the links between being creative musically and artistically and the positive effects on the brain. Singing also strengthens the vocal cords and improves one’s speaking voice which, admittedly, tends to soften with PD.
Like they say “Use it, or lose it”! It is not just your voice you are improving when you sing, so belt it out! Even if it is only in the shower by yourself!
Sorry Linda, but you are so wrong! I sing all the time (not very well, I might add!) and it helps me forget the pain and frustration I feel because I have Parkinson’s and Dystonia. Please get your facts right before you scare all the Parkies! PS I love your singing!
Great way of putting it! Love your music but get your facts right!
Great essay
I was disturbed by Linda’s generalization as well. My second CD “Music in Your Eyes” is being released on November 1st and you can judge for yourself whether I can still sing with 12 years post diagnosis of Parkinson’s. I’d love the chance to convince Linda that it’s possible when I do my third CD and she can sing harmonies. Or maybe not but she is dead wrong to say no one with PD can sing. My prior album (6 years after diagnosis) is at http://www.cdbaby.com/peterthompson I hope she changes her mind in time.
Can’t wait to hear your CD! Keep singing!! Thanks for the comments.
So true. I’m a Parkie but still can sing just can’t belt it out
Thanks that’s what I thought when I read the article on Linda Ronstadt