Living in the USA

Living in the USA is Linda Ronstadt's ninth studio album.

The album was released in September 19, 1978 by Asylum Records. It was produced by Peter Asher.

The album largely consisted of material that had previously been recorded and released by other artists including covers of songs that were written and performed by Little Feat, Elvis Presley and Elvis Costello.

Album Background
The album was recorded at the Sound Factory in Los Angeles, California from May 5 to July 3, 1978.

Linda covered her last Warren Zevon song for this album ("Mohammed's Radio").

Album Cover
The album cover shows Linda roller-skating in a satin exercise outfit which increased the popularity of skating in the United States back in the 1970s.

Tracklisting
Side One Side Two
 * 1) Back in the USA (3:02) (written by Chuck Berry)
 * 2) When I Grow Too Old to Dream (3:52) (written by Oscar Hammerstein II & Sigmund Romberg)
 * 3) Just One Look (3:20) (written by Gregory Carroll & Doris Payne)
 * 4) Alison (3:20) (written by Elvis Costello)
 * 5) White Rhythm & Blues (4:17) (written by J.D. Souther)
 * 1) All That You Dream (3:43) (written by Paul Barrere & Bill Payne)
 * 2) Ooh Baby Baby (3:18) (written by Smokey Robinson & Warren Moore)
 * 3) Mohammed's Radio (4:20) (written by Warren Zevon)
 * 4) Blowing Away (3:15) (written by Eric Katz)
 * 5) Love Me Tender (2:39) (written by Elvis Presley & Vera Matson)

Chart Performance
"Living in the USA" became Linda's third number 1 album on the Billboard 200 & became the first album in history to ship Double Platinum.

It was her record sixth consecutive million-selling Platinum album.

The album was certified by the RIAA for 2 million copies sold in the United States alone and has estimated real sales of 3 million U.S. units sold.

Critical Reception
The album received largely positive reviews at the time of release.

Linda's cover of Elvis Costello's "Alison" has been criticized by Elvis himself after he heard her version of the song, although he did admit he "liked the money."

She had her management reach out to Elvis and asked if he had any other material she could cover. He responded by sending her three songs that she recorded for her follow-up album.

After the release of "Mad Love" (Linda's follow-up album with the three Costello songs that she solicited), Elvis had negative comments about her versions of his songs.

Album Personnel

 * Linda Ronstadt - lead vocals
 * Dan Dugmore - electric & pedal steel guitars
 * Waddy Wachtel - electric guitar, acoustic guitar, background vocals
 * David Sanborn - alto saxophone
 * Doug Bartenfeld - Guitar
 * Don Grolnick - piano
 * Mike Mainieri - vibraphone
 * Kenny Edwards - bass, background vocals
 * Russell Kunkel - drums
 * Peter Asher - cowbell, tambourine, background vocals
 * Andrew Gold, Pat Henderson, Sherlie Matthews, David Lasley, Arnold McCuller - background vocals
 * Jan Michael Alejandro - tech
 * Harold Jones - tech