The friends and collaborators of 82-year-old folk music pioneer Linda Perhacs have revealed that she has gone missing. As reported by Entertainment Weekly, they revealed the tragic news in a post on social media.
Her former manager, Laurel Stearns, alongside musicians Julia Holter, and Mark "Frosty" McNeill, explained exactly what had happened. In a post on social media, they lamented, "Linda Perhacs, our dear friend and legendary singer-songwriter, was discharged from a residential care facility approximately eight months ago under the supervision of her legal guardian."
The post continued, "Since then, friends and longtime collaborators have been unable to reach her and repeated attempts to contact her guardian have reportedly gone unanswered. Please help us locate Linda to ensure her wellbeing."
Laurel Stearns also shared a statement with Entertainment Weekly. "Cocnern is growing among friends, collaborators, and members of teh music community regarding the wellbeing and current whereabouts of acclaimed singer-songwriter Linda Perhacs," the statement said.
It went on to further explain that any attempts to communicate with the folk music pioneer went unanswered. It also clarified that she was discharged from a care facility in the Los Angeles area.
She also clarified that "those issuing this statement are not alleging wrongdoing." Rather, she said that the only concern at this time is that Linda is safe and sound. She said, "The most important thing is that she's safe and comfortable."
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Linda Perhacs might not be a name that's on your radar. But it's safe to say that she's an icon, even if she didn't mean to be.
Perhacs was a dental hygienist in Beverly Hills before she was noticed by an Oscar-winning composer, Leonard Rosenman. She had been humming tunes she'd composed herself - and, with his help, they were expanded into a "groundbreaking" debut album.
1970's Parallelograms didn't get much exposure at first - it took years before she was truly recognised for her talent. The sub-genre of folk features almost haunting layered melodies and singing - it was truly innovative at the time.
And, since then, she's inspired a generation of artists to innovate in the wonderful genre of folk.
We hope she is found safe and sound. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family and friends.
