Help rocker, Madelynn Von Ritz, celebrate her 85th birthday

“When I was young, making music in the ‘60s, I had this strange thought that one day I would be this old woman, and young people would come find me and tell me that my music meant something to them.” -- Madelynn Von Ritz

Madelynn Von Ritz/Lynn Castle is a singular talent and legendary icon... and though you've likely heard her songs, you may not have heard of her, until now.

In the '60s her image was on a Los Angeles billboard, announcing the release of her very first single, however her album went unreleased for fifty years.

She was famous as the "Lady Barber" cutting hair at her home for the icons of her day including Del Shannon, Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Jim Morrison and wrote music for The Monkees, while dreaming that one day her own voice would reach the masses.

Her story is one of tenacious faith, and an undeterred belief that one day she will make it. Her story is also that of a woman who has been set aside time and again by powerful men, record producers and managers, who made empty promises and took advantage of her generosity and optimism.

On May 29, Madelynn will turn 85. To celebrate her birthday we are launching a fundraiser to help her pay her living expenses.

At 16, Madelynn wrote the hugely popular song, Love's Prayer , which was recorded by the "it" band of the time, The Spinners. However the song was credited to "Len" Castle, instead of Lynn and no royalties came her way. Most recently you may have heard her Devendra Banhart and Vashti Bunyun cover her song, How Could You Let Me Go . Or, occasionally her songs will pop up on hit shows. However, because Madelynn is not famous and powerful, the money she earns in royalties is negligible. Madelynn still cuts hair in her backyard to make ends meet. She is facing a potential loss of the modest home she has rented for over a decade and where she lives without basics like air conditioning in the scorching summer heat of the San Fernando Valley, which reaches highs of 107 degrees.

Madelynn, in spite of her great talent has suffered the fate of many artists in this country who go unsupported, often because they don't fit the mold of what is mainstream.

Please help us make this the extraordinary birthday Madelynn deserves by donating to her and help make her dreams come true by sharing her work:

Band Camp

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