“Crazy He Calls Me”: A Sophisticated Embrace of Love’s Illogic and Devotion’s Sweet Madness.
For those of us who appreciate the timeless elegance of classic American songcraft, and who witnessed the remarkable artistic evolution of one of music’s most versatile voices, Linda Ronstadt’s foray into the Great American Songbook was nothing short of a revelation. Her collaboration with the legendary Nelson Riddle Orchestra, beginning in the early 1980s, didn’t just redefine her career; it reintroduced an entire generation to the sophisticated charm of vintage pop and jazz standards. Among the sparkling gems from this period, their 1983 rendition of “Crazy He Calls Me” stands out – a tender, nuanced exploration of love’s beautiful irrationality, delivered with a warmth and sincerity that speaks volumes to older, well-informed hearts who understand that true affection often defies all logic.
Linda Ronstadt’s recording of “Crazy He Calls Me” was featured on her groundbreaking album What’s New, released in September 1983. This album was a daring artistic pivot for Ronstadt, who had by then cemented her status as a rock and country superstar. The decision to record an album of pop standards with a full orchestra was met with skepticism by some, but it proved to be a monumental success. What’s New was a massive commercial hit, reaching a remarkable number 3 on the Billboard 200 album chart and spending 81 weeks on the chart. It went on to sell over three million copies in the United States alone, earning triple-platinum certification. While “Crazy He Calls Me” was not released as a standalone single from the album, its inclusion was integral to the album’s charm and success. It became a beloved track for fans and critics alike, demonstrating Ronstadt’s remarkable vocal versatility and her ability to breathe new life into timeless classics. Its quiet elegance and emotional depth made it a standout, cherished by those who appreciate the artistry of a perfectly rendered ballad.
The story behind “Crazy He Calls Me” extends far beyond Ronstadt’s 1983 recording. The song itself is a jazz standard, written by composer Carl Sigman and lyricist Bob Russell in 1949. It was famously first introduced and popularized by the incomparable Billie Holiday, whose melancholic yet defiant interpretation became a benchmark. Over the decades, it was covered by numerous artists, each bringing their own nuance to its poignant message.
Linda Ronstadt’s choice to record this particular standard for What’s New was a testament to her deep respect for the material and her desire to explore the full spectrum of her vocal capabilities. Her collaboration with Nelson Riddle was symbiotic. Riddle, a giant of orchestral arranging known for his iconic work with Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, crafted lush, elegant backdrops that perfectly framed Ronstadt’s pristine voice. Together, they revitalized these classic songs, stripping away any dust of antiquity and revealing their enduring emotional core. For “Crazy He Calls Me,” Riddle’s arrangement is a delicate dance between strings, horns, and a gentle rhythm section, creating an intimate atmosphere that allows Ronstadt’s voice to float effortlessly, imbued with just the right amount of wistful affection.
The meaning of “Crazy He Calls Me” is a sweet and self-aware declaration of unwavering love, despite outward appearances or societal judgment. The narrator acknowledges that her beloved sees her as “crazy” – perhaps for the depth of her devotion, the unconventional nature of their love, or simply the dizzying effect he has on her. Yet, she embraces this “madness” wholeheartedly. Lines like “Crazy, I love his crazy ways / I’m a lonely one, lonely, without him” speak to an all-consuming affection that defies logic and thrives on an almost irrational connection. It’s a song about being utterly smitten, so completely captivated by another person that their perception of you, even if it labels you “crazy,” becomes an endearing term of endearment. For older readers, this resonates with the profound understanding that the deepest loves are rarely rational. They are often born of an inexplicable magnetism, a shared eccentricity, or a connection that others simply can’t comprehend. It’s a nostalgic nod to those intense, formative loves, or perhaps a gentle reminder of the beautiful “craziness” that still defines a long-standing partnership. Ronstadt and Riddle’s rendition elevates this sentiment, wrapping it in a warm, timeless embrace that feels both intimately personal and universally understood.