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Psychedelic Folk Singer Linda Perhacs Reported Missing
Linda Perhacs, the psychedelic folk singer known for her 1970 cult classic album Parallelograms, has been reported missing, prompting a public appeal from friends and collaborators. The 82-year-old musician reportedly left a residential care facility around eight months ago while under the supervision of her legal guardian, and those close to her say they have since lost contact with both her and the guardian, raising concern for her welfare.
The appeal was issued jointly by former manager Laurel Stearns, musician Julia Holter, filmmaker Jessica Hundley and dublab co-founder Mark McNeill, who are asking the public for help locating her. Perhacs originally recorded Parallelograms while working as a dental hygienist in Los Angeles; the album was largely overlooked at release but was later rediscovered and influenced artists such as Sufjan Stevens, Joanna Newsom and Devendra Banhart. Renewed interest led her to release two further albums, The Soul of All Natural Things (2014) and I'm a Harmony (2017), decades after her debut. Anyone with verified information is asked to contact Stearns at [email protected].
In short
- Folk singer Linda Perhacs, 82, reported missing by friends
- She left care facility about eight months ago, contact lost
- Public appeal issued; tips can be sent to her former manager
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
An 82-year-old woman under legal guardianship has disappeared from residential care whilst those close to her have lost contact with both her and her guardian. This unusual situation raises legitimate welfare concerns—she may be isolated, vulnerable, or at risk of exploitation. A public appeal represents responsible community action to ensure an elderly person's safety when normal channels of contact have failed.
The case against
Whilst concern for Linda Perhacs is understandable, a public missing person appeal presupposes improper conduct by her guardian without presenting evidence of wrongdoing. The guardian possesses legal authority over her affairs and may have legitimate reasons for her location and restricted contact. Such an appeal can inappropriately undermine lawful guardianship authority and privacy rights, and without information of suspected abuse or neglect, risks overstepping proper boundaries of community involvement.
Explained simply
Linda Perhacs is a psychedelic folk musician who recorded a cult classic album called Parallelograms in 1970. She recorded this album whilst working as a dental hygienist in Los Angeles, and although it received little attention initially, it has since become influential amongst artists such as Sufjan Stevens, Joanna Newsom and Devendra Banhart.
Her music was rediscovered decades later, leading her to release two further albums: The Soul of All Natural Things in 2014 and I'm a Harmony in 2017. This late-career resurgence brought her recognition from a new generation of musicians and audiences.
Perhacs is now 82 years old and has been reported missing after leaving a residential care facility approximately eight months ago whilst under the supervision of her legal guardian. Those close to her, including former manager Laurel Stearns and musician Julia Holter, are concerned for her welfare.