Linda Ronstadt's Gay Mission

By Jenny Stewart, PlanetOut

You’ve had the fantasy as a teen: You’re in a room with your favorite rock star -- someone whose every hit you know by heart, whose voice made you close your bedroom door and turn the music up as you hold a hairbrush up to your mouth as a microphone and sing along with them. In the dream they’ll share their most intimate thoughts with you.
 
For me, that singer was Linda Ronstadt, who cut me to the quick with her heartbreaking “Different Drum,” roused me with her sexy, soulful “You’re No Good,” and, at 14, made me dread the heartbreak I would eventually experience with “Blue Bayou.”
 
This isn’t a dream, though it’s utterly surreal – 25 years later, Ronstadt and I are actually sitting in beach chairs in the otherwise empty master bedroom of her newly-purchased, still-unfurnished San Francisco home. We’re surrounded only by her freshly painted swatch samples on the walls, as the rest of the house is being renovated. 

Although I’m there to chat with her about her position as Artistic Director of the upcoming San Jose Mariachi and Mexican Heritage Festival, along the way we discuss her status as a rock goddess and Latin American icon, her YouTube obsessions, and her commitment to equality for gays and lesbians. 
 
As I discovered over the course of our interview, unlike many big-time straight celebrities whose support for the gays seems insincere, Ronstadt’s commitment to our community is no mere lip service. In fact, the legendary singer may be doing more for gay rights than anyone in Hollywood – and nobody knows it.
 
So Linda, do you have any gay neighbors, and if so -- do they know Linda Ronstadt just moved in?

I haven’t met my neighbors yet. But I hope so.  I really do think that gays are the best urban pioneers, and they’re the best neighbors you can have.  People don’t seem to understand how good it is that if a gay couple moves into your neighborhood and starts restoring a house?  Hey – your property values are going up – and in the best way. 
 
Some of the strongest community that we know in this country is in the gay community, because they’ve had to band together to survive emotionally.   I’m not so sure this country understands or values that.  
 
Speaking of community, in tribute to your Mexican heritage, you have grown closer to the Hispanic community over the last couple of decades. You are currently serving as Artistic Director of the Mariachi and Mexican Heritage Festival, where you are responsible for entertainment for the seven-day event.  Since marriage equality is such a major issue in California right now, will any of your offerings deal with this hot-button issue?
 
Yes, but it’s something you have to take small steps with.  For instance, one of the most well-known Hispanic singers ever, Lucha Reyes was a lesbian – but no one knew it.
 
As we were doing her bio for the festival, we wanted to include the fact that Lucha was a lesbian.  We didn’t make a big deal about it, but we didn’t want it to be buried, either.  Being a lesbian was an important part of Lucha’s life, and there was no reason why it should have been kept silent.   It was something she had to struggle with. 
 
And this year I notice that you’re screening the gay-themed “La Mission” as the centerpiece film.

 “La Mission” is a really interesting movie. It’s about a kid who’s coming of age who’s about to graduate high school.  His father is an ex-con who’s really trying hard to make it – the mother has died – and he’s a good guy who’s trying to raise his son on his own.  He’s had a problem with violence his whole life and he’s trying to get a handle on it and be a good person.  Then he finds out his son is gay and he becomes totally unglued and just beats the crap out of him.  It examines how the father is struggling with his violence, and his grief – because he really loves his kid. It’s a really good film.
 
That movie seems really timely right now given the recent Prop 8 result.  Something needs to be done to bridge the gay gap in the Hispanic community.

It’s an important bridge to gap.  I was a witness at the same-sex marriage of my good friend Marcela Davison Aviles [CEO of the Mexican Heritage Corporation] and I’ll never forget the hurt in her voice when Prop 8 [California’s anti-gay-marriage initiative] passed. It makes you feel bad when you’re dis-liked, it hurts your feelings in a terrible, terrible way. 
 
I know that one of the reasons it turned out the way it did was because a lot more Hispanics came out to vote that year, because they wanted to vote for Obama. But how can you have a full and authentic expression of who you are if you have to live that way and hide it? As long as you have to pretend, it’s like ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ – and who wants to live that way?
 
One of the things that we’re doing on Gay.com and PlanetOut.com is asking our LGBT Hispanic readers to share their own experiences within their community.

That sounds like it could be really interesting, and it will provide an insight into their culture.  There are singing Mexicans, dancing Mexicans, working Mexicans, and gay Mexicans – you know, they are all kinds of people.  Just like how all gays and lesbians aren’t defined just by their sexuality – we are all just people and we all need more acceptance.  I’d work with the African-American community on this, too, but [laughs], I’m not black! Gays need to know that they have a place to go and that there’s nothing wrong with them.  
 
Do you see things changing?

My son’s 15, and I think when he and his generation are in their 20’s and voting, we’re going to see that issue turn around, and I think it’s going to be a non-issue by then.  I want to make sure it is.  
 
Your kids are now teenagers. Have you talked to them about gay issues yet?

I had moved back to Tucson with my kids because I just thought it was quieter, and my family was there.  But Tucson has turned out to be a very conservative place, and I didn’t want my kids coming home from school saying things like ‘That’s so gay.’  So we moved back to San Francisco, and I sent my kids to a school that actively taught that homophobic remarks are just… not OK, and my kids’ attitudes have changed as a result of it. 
 
Look, my kids are going to be able to form their own ideas, but at least I wanted them to be able to question things.   My son is super pro-gay rights, and even though he has a girlfriend, I wanted him to know that as he emerged sexually, he’d be able to do whatever he wanted to do.  You know, that it’s not something you have a choice over.
 
That’s pretty amazing what you said about your son. I’m curious. What about you, growing up – when did you first learn about gays?

The 50’s and 60’s were extremely homophobic periods, even among the so-called ‘enlightened’ cultures.  I remember in the 60’s, we were all just discovering that there was racial discrimination, and trying to figure out what we could do about it, but the gay issues were just utterly left out of the conversation.
 
Then in the 70’s, the gay issues started to emerge at some of those early rallies that I attended or participated in – like “No Nukes” – and I remember thinking, ‘Well, what does this have to do with it?’ The labor issues would come up, civil rights issues would come up, and then the gay issue would come up, and I was like, “huh?’
 
So it took me a little while to get it, and then I was like, ‘Duh’ – and I got it. I mean I really got it.  That was just before I started working on Broadway [for “Pirates of Penzance”] and then once I got there, I really got it. 
 
Editor’s Note: Ronstadt breaks from discussing gay rights to check the status of the drying paint on the walls. As she turns her head and I catch her in profile, I realize that she still bears an uncanny resemblance to the Linda on the album cover of “Hasten Down the Wind,” which sends my mind back to music. 
 
So where will you listen to music in your new house?

I almost never listen to recorded music.  But I listen to YouTube all the time.  And I’m sorry for myself that I’m listening on that shitty little computer speaker because that’s not really music!
 
Oh, you watch YouTube?!  What do you watch?

So I started listening to Amy Winehouse on YouTube and now I’m like an Amy Winehouse fanatic!”
 
Wait, have you seen the Amy Winehouse/Linda Ronstadt mashup on YouTube of “You Know I’m No Good”/”You’re No Good?”

Yes!  It makes no sense musically, but it’s interesting, and I thought it was funny. I’m just completely flattered to be in anything with Amy Winehouse.  If I believed in reincarnation, I would firmly believe that Amy Winehouse is the reincarnation of Maria Callas.  Maria Callas is such the ‘grand lady,’ and Amy is such a guttersnipe, and they both are so demonically talented.
 
Are you aware of how much of your stuff is on YouTube, and do you watch it?

No, and I would never look.
 
Well there is a lot.  It’s all there, even every single one of your TV appearances. It’s great.

[Ronstadt screams in mock horror and laughs.]  No! That’s not great!
 
Yes it is great!  Oh my God, the duet you did with Andy Williams?

Andy Williams?  I never sang with Andy Williams in my life!
 
You did.  He’s singing “Long Long Time” and then he walks over to you and you start singing “Ticket to Ride,” and you both duet.

[Laughs].  That could not have happened!  Oh my god, I don’t ever remember even meeting him!
 
You met him and you sang with him!  I’ll even bet you $500.  He’s wearing a bright blue suit, and the funniest part is that he walks towards you and you have this really terrified look on your face. 

Oh my God, I can’t believe that! Oh my God! I hated doing television so much and I remembered I’d do everything I could to get out of it.  And I remember thinking that every time I ever played on television, I’d walk away thinking that it was probably the worst performance I ever did.  So it’s just ironic that that’s the stuff that lives on and survives.
 
Anyway, it wouldn’t be a healthy thing for me to do and I don’t really want to know what people say in the comments.  It just isn’t natural to go back and watch that because I’ve gotten past that part of my life now.
 
Aside from YouTube, do you watch much TV? 

No, I read, mostly. Wait, before I forget, I have to tell you this really funny story about this really interesting book.

We were at a bookstore once when my kids were little.  My son made it very clear that he wanted to get a book on animals.  He picked one out and when we got home, I read it and it’s about homosexuality [laughing] across every species!  Walrus homosexuality, zebra homosexuality, whales, whatever, it’s all there. It’s called ‘Animal Exuberance.’ 
 
I’ve never heard of it?

The basic premise of the book is that homosexuality really helps family.  And you know, people say, ‘Well gays are anti-family, so I’m anti-gay’ which is just bullshit.  Because what homosexuality gives you is an unpaired female, or an unpaired male – who’s there with two extra hands to help you take care of the kids, which ensures the survival of the young ones.  That’s what it’s for.  And it is in every animal all through the biological world.  You really should read ‘Animal Exuberance,’ because it has careful science under it. And you’ll see that homophobia is anti-family values.  Period, end of story.

What’s Your Gay Latino/Hispanic Life Like?
For more information on the Festival, click here 
Buy Now: Linda Ronstadt on Amazon
For all other things Linda -- tour dates, news, forum, etc -- click here

 Images courtesy Getty, Amazon and Mexican Heritage Foundation

Check out our favorite Linda videos (including the Andy Williams -- which did happen, Linda!) -- and feel free to post comments about Linda in the section below.

Amy Winehouse/Linda Ronstadt: “You Know That You’re No Good”

Here’s the Proof: Linda Duets with Andy Williams

Linda Ronstadt: “La Charreada”

Linda Ronstadt and Lola Beltran: "Hay Unos Ojos"

Linda Ronstadt: "Blue Bayou"

Linda and Phoebe: "It’s In His Kiss"

Linda and Phoebe: "The Married Men"

Comments

[isabelle_laroya_NY]

Am I the only one who got a tad teary eyed at this? The thing she said about her son was so eloguently put, I'm misty.

She is a legend and I agree that it's one thing for Hollywood celebs to support us, but it's quite another story when you read how much someone like Linda is going the full nine yards for the LGBT community.

Like the reporter, I had a crush on Linda too, but mine wasn't until Cancione's. After reading this, my crush is back on. Thank you for this.

[WILLIAMRANSON]

After reading this, I am reminded of the time time I sent Linda a fan letter in the 70's asking if she'd go with me to my high school prom. I knew I was gay, but had the biggest crush on her. I'm still in love with her, but now my level of respect has just spiked exponentially.

I had no idea of the efforts she's trying to make in the Hispanic community. God bless her for that. I'll do what I can do to help. You rock, Ronstadt...

[stevenranndel]

TOO FUNNY ABOUT THE ANDY WILLIAMS!! She does in fact look terrified. Beautiful, but terrified.

Loves this.

[Antonio Cruz]

My parents loved Linda Ronstat growing up but it took me along time to appreciate her. I just started getting into her Canciones and she is truly a national treasure. She needs to get her beautiful voice out ther emore! especially with so much to say! I agree - the way she talks about gay rights sounds way more sincere than most celebrities. Linda, you are beautiful! Muchas gracias and besos!!

[Tyler]

I have loved everything she has ever done. Her voice is incredible and has lasted through the years. There are very few breathtakingly beautiful voices out there that are just incredible and stick with you and never get tired of. Linda Rondstadt, Karen Carpenter, Ann Wilson, Nancy Lamott and Betty Buckley I think would have to make my top 5 list of women with the most beautiful voices.

I'm also thrilled of her views on the gay community. Why don't we hear more about her? I do hope we see more and more of her in the very near future. I've missed her!

[Martin DeSantis]

She has always handled herself with grace and dignity, even when she was treated like a puppet in 70's.

I have to say that this interview with her has made me change my evening's plans. I am putting on Simple Dreams, Prisoner in Disguise and toasting this wonderful legend with my friends. Long live Linda!

[artisticly yours]

I remember the first time I heard "Different Drum" and thought "what voice." I wish she would go back to her folky/rock roots from time to time.

I do have to wonder what color she painted her walls.

[Sammy]

Geez...I can't remember the last time I heard something from Linda Ronstadt. It's great to hear that she is such a supporter of the community. I was happy to hear how she passed those values onto her children.

[artisticly yours]

Oops.. I meant to say "what a voice!"

[Gregorio Baca]

I think what we've all loved so much about Linda besides the way she belts out those songs is that she has this persona of being tough yet totally feminine at the same time. You have been a trail blazer in that area too. My whole family loves you Linda, including my Nieces and Nephews. Your music is ageless Linda. Your a great example of how a woman should be in this world. lots of love.

[simon]

i met Linda around 1981-2 when she came to our studio in beverly hills to do a music video which was just getting started then. she was kind and at ease, sat down on the floor to talk with me and my lover - love her, love her music and i am not surprise by her compassion and understanding. she had some killer dogs back then.......
nice article - thanks

[Mark from Pittsburgh]

I still love Ronstadt after all these years. I grew up with her music in the 70's and "Simple Dreams" was a sheer masterpiece. I can't tell you how many times i sang "Blue BaYou" over the years.

As Linda's musical tastes grew, i went along with her for the artistic ride. Her big band stuff with Nelson Riddle was amazing. Today's female vocalists can't hold a candle to Ronstadt. I would love to see her again in concert. It's been well over 17 years since i saw her touring with Aaron Neville.

It's no surprise Linda supports the gay community and has turned out to be a wonderful role model for her children. Love ya, Linda!!!!!

[markdohery_nj]

This was simply the best thing I have read in, what, a year? Her voice has been with me through puberty, coming out, divorces, births -- Linda is the soundtrack of not only me, but of my families life. We still have sing a longs to her songs every year when we get together.

as a gay man, I always knew Linda would be accepting of me, just from the gift of her voice. but after reading this, the extent to her dedication is just dumbfounding and greatly appreciated.

I love ALL of her music, but oh what I wouldnt give to be able to take my family to a performance of her doing "Heart Like a Wheel." That was 0ur Family Album. Frankly, it was the only music our family ever agreed on.

Linda Ronstadt, I thank you for your support.

[Gregorio Baca]

Just wanted to thank Linda for mentioning how LGBT help their families. I know my brothers and sisters appreciate all the times I've been there for them. I've also heard that alot of the younger sons are gay. I think it's natures way of leaving someone to take care of Mom.

[Andy]

I was taken back in time before I even started reading this article. I was seven when I first heard Blue Bayou. The next day my mom took me to buy the Album (I think she wishes she hadn't) and I listened to Blue Bayou every day for at least a year. Hearing Linda Ronstadt's voice made me happy and warm inside. Plus it was fun singing the song into a fake mic. Thank you Linda!

[DodoYes]

Nothing is better than hearing that voicey bellow Blue Bayou. I cry everytime, but now I will cry even harder knowing what she is doing for us. Talk about a 'grand dame,' its her. And she is so much better than Amy.

[rick mechtly]

Linda is evolved now - but when she was recording up at Tommy Wilson's Langniape Studio in Sh.Oaks (waay back in '75) she felt that all the pals of Tom n Scott would be after her baby brother -- But we actually pitied the big sad teen - he admired us for being out n proud and was making his own babysteps. Too bad she wasn't the understanding type in those days - we became unwelcome in the one place we all usually gathered when she was on the site ... R.Mechtly

[Thomas]

Poor poor pitiful Linda! I can't believe I read that she said: "People don’t seem to understand how good it is that if a gay couple moves into your neighborhood and starts restoring a house?"...well Linda, are you making a generalization that gays always have this knack for interior decoration and restoring things? I'm sure a straight couple can restore a house just as well as a gay couple so why say 'gay couple'?

[Richard]

Thank You for this article. Linda Ronstadt is my favorite artist of all time, and despite 11 grammys and international success, I always felt she was underrated. I've seen her live over 10 times and her voice is always amazing and powerful. I've known for awhile about her liberal and pro-gay views, but it's great to hear her say it in print. I'm so happy people still care what she has to say.

[billysmith]

Love her now even more than ever! Fascinating interview on so many levels. She's a legend and she's just..well, this moved me.

to the commenter above me about why she would point out that gay couples can refurnish better than straight ones. I wouldn't take that comment personally. Linda was talking to the gay press in this interview, so what she said was actually way in context.

I am so happy to have read this and hope she puts out a new album soon. this wait it a joke, and from what i am gauging so far, we all want her back.

[Noogs1]

She sounds like a wonderful person, and frankly, I had always assumed she was.

I should point ou that the book she mentioned in the final pargraphs is actually, "Biological Exuberance".

[Josh]

This interview is so wonderful. I haven't even thought about Linda in quite some time, but I have always appreciated her great songs and incredible voice. Now, I can admire her commitment to our community. I am a Latino gay man, and I am so proud of Linda for bridging the gap between gays and Hispanics. This is a much-needed step if we are ever to move forward. You rock, Linda... and thanks Jenny Stewart for bringing this to our attention.

[Cory]

Amazing artlcle. I would love to meet her in person and tell how much I love her for her music and activism. Any Linda Ronstadt fans hit me up and we can celebrate her music:

cory-smith@telus.blackberry.net

[Tomas]

Love you Linda! My family loves you also! Everything from Blue Bayou to Canciones De Mi Padres has played such a huge part of my family's music since I was kid. Although my tastes are much different and varied today I have always held a special place for this woman, especially now. This interview was such a refreshing change. Her voice is pure magic. To those who aren't familiar with her mariachi music, you DON'T need to be a fan to enjoy Linda's mariachi music!! VIVA LINDA!!!

[Bill]

That was a great interview piece. I felt like I was right in the room having fun with them. Well done.

[James Duran]

i would like to get a copy of this entire article and comments to be sent to my e-mail address. to be able to save it, please.

i'm a spanish/mexican american young man and grew up listening to Linda Ronstadt in both english and spanish.

[Lightning]

NICE interview Linda, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!! SEE YOU SOON AGAIN IN PHILLY OR DELAWARE.

[callman]

I cannot believe it!!FINALLY an article worth reading. I have been a fan of Linda's music for years, since the early 90's with her album with Aaron Neville. I started searching thrift stores for her music and bought a couple of albums. Now that Itunes is out, I'm going to get her greatest hits. I never knew she was so pro gay rights. I love her even more now. She is truly a legend and an icon. I love you Linda Rondstadt. You have a fan for life. Dolly parton and Emmy Lou harris have it right on. Maybe think about a duet with Allison Krauss next.

[Mike Koecher]

Last night I had a dream that I met her before one of her shows, and I told her she should make a duet album with George Jones now that Tammy Wynette is dead. She didn't think that was a good idea, and I only said it because she had asked me the question of what her next project should be and i didn't want to appear stupid not having any answer at all but I was in shock that she even spoke to me so I couldn't think of anything else to offer...then I awoke and got on line and read this...there is a GOD!

[Tracey]

Thanks for the great article on Linda Ronstadt. I have loved her voice for years, and to me, "You're No Good" is the most haunting song I've ever heard in my life. I still get goosebumps just thinking of it!

Too cool that she spoke about the book "Biological Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality and Natural Diversity" by Bruce Bagemihl. That's one of the books I researched before writing "How To Be A Happy Lesbian: A Coming Out Guide," and it's really one of the best studies of homosexual behavior in animals.

Tracey
http://www.amazingdreamspublishing.com

[Pam]

Great article! What a positive step forward in building a connection between communities. FYI -- Linda will be headlining at the Gibson Theatre in Los Angeles this October.

[Ron]

What a great article about the most incredible singer. Linda Ronstadt can sing and has sung every genre of music from country to opera and everything in between. I've seen her perform numerous times and her voice is as amazing today as it was in the Seventies. I had the opportunity to meet her at a CD signing and she was so warm and friendly. If you're reading this Linda, we're looking forward to a new CD and a tour. You're the best!

[greg]

I love that Linda is very modest about her looks. It reminds me how Judy Galand hated her looks. I don't think either of them realized that when we see their big brown eyes and hear them sing, they just steal our hearts. Rosemary Clooney was right Linda when she said. "You don't have to be the prettiest girl in the room."

[William Rankin]

What a great interview! I've been a huge fan of Linda's for more years than I care to remember. I've seen her her in concert many times & her beautiful voice easily fills any arena or concert hall. Her larger than life talent has always loomed large over the music industry for decades! She truly is a national treaure.

[Keith Bates]

Linda was and still is the finest female vocalist that ever lived.I grew up with her during the 70's,and also remember the infamous roller-skateing in the Govenors Mansion when she was with Jerry Brown,and she and The Eagles,JacksonBrowne all went hand in hand with their versitility...I'm also very proud that she supports our gay community...I love her very much,and I'd throw her up against Aretha,Maria,Celine,Barbara,and Whitney,and any other singer be it opera,or whatever,and she would blow them off the stage...Take care Lady LINDA your above being a diva,your a true,living,highly,gifted,talented Human Being...Best Wishes Keith Bates

[queerplanet]

I was Linda's neighbor in Tucson and walked past her home several times, but she never out in her yard when I did!

Too bad. I'd have loved to exchange salsa recipes with her.

[don king]

Loved the Linda Ronstadt interview, an American icon who is as wise as she is talented, great interview, thank-you

[KC]

Wow. There must have been a reason I was drawn to her as a child. She sounded honest in this interview about her support for gay people; it didn't sound canned or an attempt to sound cool by saying she supports/admires the gay community.

[elaineandrita]

No wonder Perez covered this interview today on twitter -- its' fucking great. Thank you Linda for what you are doing and thank you Perez for tweeting it, otherwise I would not have known.

[queerplanet]

I wonder. Why didn't he ask the obvious question?

Linda, why have you never married, and are you a lesbian?

[Bill Stoddard]

I have always loved you Linda and this just makes me love you more.

[Gera Centeno-Benavides de Aviles]

This was,hands down, the most interesting well handled interview I've read on your site. Linda Ronstadt is clever, witty and intelligent exuding such a great and positive aura. Really impressed with the interview, with the questions and her well articulated responses. Just awesome! I am even impressed at the youtube flicks you posted. One of them being an incredible meeting for her. The clip of her singing with Lola Beltran who I believe is one of Linda's greatest influence. MUCH PROPS ON THIS WELL DOCUMENTED INTERVIEW.

[DonorPride]

DonorPride.com is a great indication that gays are family oriented. Thanks Linda Ronstadt, and for the words below...........
........The basic premise of the book is that homosexuality really helps family. And you know, people say, ‘Well gays are anti-family, so I’m anti-gay’ which is just bullshit. Because what homosexuality gives you is an unpaired female, or an unpaired male – who’s there with two extra hands to help you take care of the kids, which ensures the survival of the young ones. That’s what it’s for. And it is in every animal all through the biological world. You really should read ‘Animal Exuberance,’ because it has careful science under it. And you’ll see that homophobia is anti-family values. Period, end of story.

[Dennis]

I remember seeing her in concert in the 70's. Absolutely amazing! Flawless voice that sounds just as good live as it did recorded. And the stuff she did with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris is some of the best music ever recorded. Their harmony is amazing!

[Mickey65]

Out of ALL my albums I own in my collection, "Mad Love" by Linda has always been my all-time favorite, as far back from when I first heard it in 1980 as a freshman in HS.

I own a bit of her other stuff, but this ONE album always stands out for me - above all the other artists in my collection, and I'm a sick Led Zep fan also! LOL

[Jill]

How about when Ronstadt sings "Allison"? Remember that?

[V. Hill]

Love,love,love, Linda and the article. I too grew up listening to her and having a huge crush. My first purchase was on 8-track. Yea,8-track. I saw her concert in Raleigh N.C back in the 80's. What a pure voice. Thank you Linda for standing strong for us. Love, Vickie

[Doris]

Great article!! Even though I don't know her music very well, she sounds like a fascinating person and I love her progressive attitude.

[ColleenB]

I've been a huge fan of Linda Ronstadt for a very long time and this just makes me love her even more! First saw her in concert in the 70's and then saw her again a few years ago in Santa Barbara. It happened to be on her birthday, so we all sang "Happy Birthday" to her. :) Thanks for such a wonderful interview!

[Don]

I loved this interview, too. I want to be her friend. While reading the interview I went to the iTunes Store and bought 3 songs. I forgot how much I loved and how beautiful "Blue Bayou" is. Thank you Linda!