Linda Imperial, a true survivor whose decades-long musical journey has been marked by soaring highs, crushing lows, and dark struggles followed by redemption, unveils the blues-rock side of her artistry like never before.
Her career breakthrough came after touring with Big Mama Thornton’s rhythm section, leading to her success with Loverde, the 70s-early 80s dance/vocal group she co-founded. Linda’s impressive list of collaborations and credits includes working with the Jazz supergroup New York Jazz Explosion, Sylvester, The Weather Girls, Gary Duncan’s Quicksilver Messenger Service, and Jefferson Starship. It was with Jefferson Starship that she met her husband, David Freiberg, a founding member of Quicksilver Messenger Service and Jefferson Airplane, who remains an original and current member of Jefferson Starship.
Linda’s personal tribute song, “Tulsa Rose,” is a heartfelt homage to the resilient women of Native American ancestry, particularly those of the Muscogee Nation. The song embodies strength, determination, and pride passed down through generations, inspired by the artist’s heritage. It reflects on the trials these women endured and the extraordinary fortitude they displayed in the face of unimaginable adversity. Through this song, Linda honors their legacy, believing that if these women could overcome such challenges, anything is possible.
The official video for “Tulsa Rose,” produced by Eklectrik Music in Nashville, TN, pays tribute to the unyielding spirit of these women. The video is available on Linda’s official YouTube channel, further amplifying the song’s powerful message.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Linda shared, “The song was performed and recorded live to capture that authentic feel. ‘Tulsa Rose’ is my expression of pride for the unbelievably strong women of my Native American ancestry. Inspired by my grandmother Matty Posey and my great-grandmother Nancy Harjo Posey (Muscogee), I believe that if they could endure such incredible misery and upheaval, I should be able to endure anything—and persevere.”
Tulsa Rose” is a testament to perseverance, a reminder of the unshakable strength embedded in one’s heritage, and is available on all streaming music platforms HERE.
Photographer Credit: Eddy Bee Images
Artwork Design: Steve Belkin, courtesy of Bi Noticed
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