#214 – Ruthann Friedman – Chinatown

1969 — Songwriter Ruthann Friedman wrote the hit song “Wendy” made popular by 1960s-70s band, The Association. — Image by © Henry Diltz/CORBIS

Ruthann Friedman wrote “Windy,” which became a #1 smash for the Association in 1967.  With it, she became only the third woman to write a number one hit on the Billboard charts.  This led to Constant Companion, considered by many to be a great lost folk classic, released in 1970.  But, that album never took off and Friedman chose to settle down and raise a family instead.  Now, some 40 years later – she’s back with a new album, Chinatown.  We talk the inspiration behind “Windy,” what got her out of retirement, and what David Crosby had on the wall of his house that upset his mother.