Linda Ronstadt

Introduction

Linda Maria Ronstadt, born July 15, 1946, in Tucson, Arizona, is one of the most versatile and successful vocalists in American popular music history. Over a career spanning five decades, she achieved success across multiple genres including rock, country, Latin music, and the Great American Songbook. With 11 Grammy Awards, 3 American Music Awards, and sales of over 100 million records worldwide, Ronstadt established herself as one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Her crystalline voice, impeccable song selection, and willingness to take creative risks distinguished her from contemporaries. In 2011, she retired from performing due to Parkinson’s disease, which was later re-diagnosed as progressive supranuclear palsy.

Professional Identity

Linda Ronstadt operated primarily as a solo artist, though she collaborated extensively with other musicians and was a member of several notable groups early in her career. Unlike many pop stars who maintained a single genre identity, Ronstadt repeatedly reinvented herself, moving from folk-rock to country to traditional pop to Latin music with remarkable success. This versatility was both her greatest strength and a source of frustration for industry executives who preferred easily marketable categories.

Years Active

Ronstadt’s professional career spanned from the mid-1960s to 2011. She first gained recognition with the Stone Poneys in the late 1960s before launching her solo career in 1969. Her commercial peak occurred between 1974 and 1980, during which she released multiple platinum albums and became one of the world’s biggest concert draws. She continued recording and touring through the 1990s and 2000s before her retirement. Throughout her career, she maintained artistic control over her material, often challenging record label expectations.

Musical Style and Genre Evolution

Ronstadt’s career is defined by her remarkable genre versatility:

Folk-Rock and Country-Rock (1960s-1970s)

Ronstadt emerged from the Los Angeles folk-rock scene, singing with a voice that combined crystalline purity with emotional depth. Her early solo albums established her as a interpretive singer of exceptional taste, covering songs by emerging songwriters including Jackson Browne, Neil Young, and Karla Bonoff.

Country and Country-Rock (1970s-1980s)

With albums including “Heart Like a Wheel” (1974) and “Simple Dreams” (1977), Ronstadt became the most successful female artist in country-rock. She introduced rock audiences to country songwriters and helped legitimize country-rock as a commercial genre. Her versions of songs like “Blue Bayou” and “You’re No Good” became definitive interpretations.

Traditional Pop and Standards (1980s-1990s)

In the 1980s, Ronstadt surprised critics and audiences by recording three albums of traditional pop standards with arranger Nelson Riddle. These albums—including “What’s New” (1983), “Lush Life” (1984), and “For Sentimental Reasons” (1986)—became massive commercial successes and introduced the Great American Songbook to new generations of listeners.

Latin Music (1980s-1990s)

Embracing her Mexican heritage, Ronstadt recorded a trilogy of Spanish-language albums: “Canciones de Mi Padre” (1987), “Mas Canciones” (1991), and “Frenesi” (1992). These albums became the biggest-selling non-English language albums in American music history and revitalized interest in traditional Mexican music.

Contemporary and Alternative (1990s-2000s)

Ronstadt continued exploring new territory in her later career, recording albums of contemporary pop, alternative rock, and children’s music. Her 1998 album “We Ran” featured songs by alternative songwriters including Bruce Springsteen and John Hiatt.

Vocal Technique and Style

Ronstadt possessed one of the most technically accomplished voices in popular music. Her range spanned multiple octaves, her pitch was impeccable, and her tone was clear and bell-like. She was equally comfortable with the emotional directness of country, the sophistication of standards, and the passion of Latin music.

Critics frequently praised her interpretive abilities—her capacity to find the emotional core of a song and deliver it with conviction. She was not primarily a songwriter but a song interpreter of extraordinary skill, able to make material written by others deeply personal.

Cultural Significance

Ronstadt’s cultural significance extends beyond her commercial success. She helped break down barriers between genres, proving that artistic integrity and commercial success were not mutually exclusive. Her Mexican-American heritage made her an important figure in discussions of Latino representation in American culture.

Her willingness to take creative risks—recording standards when it was unfashionable, singing in Spanish despite not being fluent, exploring traditional music when contemporary pop was more lucrative—influenced subsequent generations of artists to prioritize artistic growth over commercial safety.

Awards and Recognition

Ronstadt received virtually every honor available to a musician: - 11 Grammy Awards across four decades - 3 American Music Awards - Emmy Award for her television special “Canciones de Mi Padre” - Tony Award nomination for her Broadway role in “The Pirates of Penzance” - Golden Globe nomination for her role in the film version of “Pirates” - Kennedy Center Honors (2019) for lifetime contribution to American culture - National Medal of Arts (2014) - Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction (2014)

Health Struggles and Retirement

In 2011, Ronstadt was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which prevented her from singing. She announced her retirement and published her memoir “Simple Dreams” (2013), which detailed her extraordinary career. In 2019, her diagnosis was corrected to progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological condition that affects movement, balance, and eye movements.

Despite her health challenges, Ronstadt has remained active in advocacy and occasional public appearances. Her documentary “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice” (2019) received critical acclaim and introduced her story to new audiences.

Legacy

Linda Ronstadt’s legacy encompasses her extraordinary vocal achievements, her genre-spanning career, and her role as a trailblazer for women in music. She proved that a female artist could control her own career, challenge industry expectations, and maintain artistic integrity while achieving massive commercial success. Her influence is evident in the work of countless subsequent artists across multiple genres.

Her recordings of traditional Mexican music helped preserve and popularize cultural heritage. Her standards albums revitalized interest in the Great American Songbook. Her rock and country recordings defined the sound of 1970s California rock. Across all these accomplishments, her voice—clear, powerful, and emotionally direct—remains her most enduring legacy.

Early Life and Musical Formation

Childhood in Arizona

Linda Maria Ronstadt was born on July 15, 1946, in Tucson, Arizona, to Gilbert Ronstadt and Ruth Mary Copeman Ronstadt. Her father was a successful machinery dealer and singing amateur who came from a prominent Mexican-American family with deep roots in Tucson’s history. Her mother was of German, English, and Dutch descent. Ronstadt grew up in a musical household on a ranch that had been in her family for generations.

The Ronstadt family was affluent and influential in Tucson society. Gilbert Ronstadt’s successful business provided a comfortable lifestyle, while his appreciation for Mexican music exposed young Linda to the traditional songs that would later become central to her career. The family sang together frequently, and Gilbert encouraged his children’s musical interests.

Growing up in Arizona gave Ronstadt a unique cultural perspective. She was exposed to both American pop culture and Mexican traditions, creating the multicultural sensibility that would define her later work. The desert landscape and borderland culture of Tucson shaped her artistic identity in ways she would explore throughout her career.

Musical Education and Early Influences

Ronstadt’s musical education began at home and expanded through formal training. She learned to play guitar and performed with her siblings in a folk trio called the Three Ronstadts (or the New Union Ramblers). They played at local venues and on Tucson television, giving Ronstadt early experience as a performer.

Her early influences were diverse. The family record collection included everything from opera to Mexican folk music to American pop. She was particularly influenced by the vocal styles of Lola Beltran and other Mexican singers she heard as a child, as well as American pop and folk artists including the Everly Brothers, Joan Baez, and Peter, Paul and Mary.

Ronstadt attended Catalina High School in Tucson, where she continued developing her musical skills. After graduating in 1964, she briefly attended the University of Arizona but dropped out after one semester to pursue music professionally. Her parents, while concerned about the instability of a musical career, supported her decision.

Move to Los Angeles and the Folk Scene

In 1964, Ronstadt moved to Los Angeles with her brother Peter and his friend Bobby Kimmel. The Los Angeles folk music scene was booming, with clubs like the Troubadour and the Ash Grove providing venues for emerging artists. Ronstadt quickly became immersed in this community, meeting songwriters and musicians who would shape her early career.

It was in Los Angeles that Ronstadt met guitarist Kenny Edwards, and the three of them (Ronstadt, Kimmel, and Edwards) formed the Stone Poneys in 1965. The band combined folk, rock, and country influences, with Ronstadt’s vocals providing the focal point.

The Stone Poneys (1965-1968)

The Stone Poneys released three albums between 1967 and 1968. Their first two albums were primarily folk-oriented, featuring group vocals and acoustic instrumentation. While they developed a following in Los Angeles and earned critical respect, commercial success was elusive.

That changed with their third album, “Linda Ronstadt, Stone Poneys and Friends, Vol. III” (1968). The album featured a more produced, pop-oriented sound and included the hit single “Different Drum.” Written by Michael Nesmith of The Monkees, “Different Drum” became the Stone Poneys’ only top-20 hit, reaching number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The success of “Different Drum” ironically led to the band’s dissolution. Ronstadt’s vocal performance had clearly dominated the track, and record company pressure pushed her toward a solo career. The Stone Poneys effectively disbanded in 1968, with Ronstadt launching her solo career while retaining Kenny Edwards as a collaborator.

The Stone Poneys period was crucial for Ronstadt’s development. It taught her the realities of the music business, introduced her to professional recording and touring, and established her as a rising talent in the Los Angeles music scene. The folk-rock sound they developed would influence her early solo work.

Solo Career Beginnings (1969-1973)

Ronstadt signed with Capitol Records as a solo artist in 1969. Her first solo album, “Hand Sown… Home Grown” (1969), was one of the first country-rock albums by a female artist. It featured songs by emerging songwriters including Jackson Browne and Eric Andersen, establishing the interpretive approach that would define her career.

Her next two albums, “Silk Purse” (1970) and “Linda Ronstadt” (1972), continued developing her sound. “Silk Purse” featured more country influence and earned Ronstadt her first Grammy nomination. She recorded it in Nashville, making connections in the country music capital that would prove valuable throughout her career.

During this period, Ronstadt toured extensively, building her reputation as a live performer. She also began relationships with several prominent musicians, including Neil Young and J.D. Souther, that influenced her musical development. The Los Angeles singer-songwriter community became her creative milieu, with figures including Browne, Souther, and the Eagles all intersecting with her career.

Artistic Development and Struggles

Despite critical respect and a growing fanbase, Ronstadt’s early solo albums were only modest commercial successes. She had not yet found the formula that would make her a superstar. Her fourth album, “Don’t Cry Now” (1973), marked a turning point, featuring songs by Browne, Souther, and Randy Newman and reaching the Billboard top 50.

The album featured “Desperado,” the Eagles song that would become one of Ronstadt’s signature performances. Her version preceded the Eagles’ own recording and helped establish the song as a standard. This demonstrated Ronstadt’s gift for song selection—her ability to identify great material before it became widely known.

Throughout this period, Ronstadt was developing the vocal technique that would serve her across multiple genres. She studied singing formally, working to expand her range and control. She also developed her stage presence, learning to command large audiences despite her naturally shy personality.

The early 1970s were a period of both artistic growth and personal difficulty for Ronstadt. The breakup of the Stone Poneys, the pressures of establishing a solo career, and the excesses of the Los Angeles music scene all took their toll. She has spoken about struggling with stage fright and self-doubt during this period, despite her outward success.

By 1973, Ronstadt had established herself as a respected artist with a distinctive voice and impeccable taste in material. What she had not yet achieved was the massive commercial success that would come with her next album. The foundations laid during these formative years—musical versatility, interpretive skill, and connections to the best songwriters of her generation—would make that breakthrough possible.

The young woman who arrived in Los Angeles in 1964 had become, by 1973, one of the most promising artists in American music. Her crystalline voice, multicultural background, and willingness to explore different genres set the stage for the extraordinary success that was about to begin.

Career Progression and Evolution

Heart Like a Wheel and Superstardom (1974)

Linda Ronstadt’s career transformed dramatically with the release of “Heart Like a Wheel” in November 1974. The album became her first number one on the Billboard 200 and established her as one of the biggest stars in popular music. Produced by Peter Asher, the album perfected the country-rock blend she had been developing.

The album featured two number-one singles: “You’re No Good,” a cover of Betty Everett’s R&B hit that Ronstadt transformed into a rock anthem, and “When Will I Be Loved,” the Everly Brothers song that became her first country number one. Both songs showcased her ability to take material from various genres and make it her own.

“Heart Like a Wheel” also included definitive versions of songs by Hank Williams (“I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love with You)”), James Taylor (“You Can Close Your Eyes”), and Anna McGarrigle (“Heart Like a Wheel”). The album’s eclectic song selection demonstrated Ronstadt’s wide-ranging taste and her confidence in challenging genre boundaries.

The album sold over two million copies and won Ronstadt her first Grammy Award. It transformed her from a respected cult artist to a mainstream superstar, earning her appearances on magazine covers, television shows, and in major concert venues.

Prisoner in Disguise and Hasten Down the Wind (1975-1976)

Ronstadt quickly followed her breakthrough with “Prisoner in Disguise” (1975), another Peter Asher production that maintained her commercial momentum. The album reached the top five and produced hits including “Heat Wave” (a Holland-Dozier-Holland composition originally recorded by Martha and the Vandellas) and “The Tracks of My Tears” (the Smokey Robinson classic).

“Hasten Down the Wind” (1976) continued her success, featuring songs by Warren Zevon (including the title track), Tracy Nelson, and Buddy Holly. The album won Ronstadt her second Grammy and featured her first Spanish-language recording, a version of the Mexican folk song “Lo Siento Mi Vida” that hinted at her future musical direction.

During this period, Ronstadt became one of the world’s biggest concert draws. Her tours sold out arenas across the United States and internationally. She developed a reputation as a perfectionist in the studio and on stage, demanding the best from herself and her musicians.

Simple Dreams and Living in the USA (1977-1978)

“Simple Dreams” (1977) became Ronstadt’s biggest-selling studio album, eventually certified triple platinum. It featured “Blue Bayou,” the Roy Orbison song that became one of Ronstadt’s signature performances and a top-five hit. The album also included “It’s So Easy” (Buddy Holly), “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” (Warren Zevon), and “Tumbling Dice” (The Rolling Stones).

The album cover, featuring Ronstadt in a vintage dress on a bed of satin, became iconic. It presented her as both accessible and glamorous, helping establish her as a sex symbol in addition to her musical credibility.

“Living in the USA” (1978) continued her commercial dominance, reaching number one on the Billboard 200. The album featured “Ooh Baby Baby” (Smokey Robinson), “Back in the U.S.A.” (Chuck Berry), and “Just One Look” (Doris Troy). It was certified platinum and solidified Ronstadt’s status as the most successful female artist of the 1970s.

During this period, Ronstadt expanded her artistic activities beyond recording. She made her film debut in “FM” (1978), playing a version of herself, and began exploring theatrical opportunities.

Mad Love and the New Wave Period (1980)

The turn of the decade brought changes in Ronstadt’s approach. “Mad Love” (1980) was produced by Peter Asher and featured songs by new wave artists including Elvis Costello, The Rolling Stones, and Mark Goldenberg. The album had a harder edge than her previous work, reflecting changing musical fashions.

“Mad Love” reached the top five and produced the hit “How Do I Make You,” but it marked the end of Ronstadt’s country-rock dominance. The album was successful but did not match the sales of her late-1970s releases. Critics noted that while Ronstadt’s voice remained superb, her song selection seemed less inspired than in her peak period.

The 1980 album also included “Girls Talk” and “Talking in the Dark” by Elvis Costello, establishing a connection with the new wave songwriter that would continue in subsequent years. Ronstadt’s willingness to engage with newer musical styles demonstrated her continued artistic curiosity.

The Nelson Riddle Trilogy (1983-1986)

Ronstadt’s most surprising and artistically significant move came in 1983 with the release of “What’s New,” an album of traditional pop standards arranged by Nelson Riddle. The album was considered a major risk—standards were unfashionable in the early 1980s, and Ronstadt’s record company feared it would alienate her rock audience.

Instead, “What’s New” became a massive commercial success, reaching number three on the Billboard 200 and selling over three million copies. It won Ronstadt a Grammy and established her as an interpreter of the Great American Songbook. Riddle’s lush orchestrations provided a perfect showcase for Ronstadt’s mature voice.

Ronstadt followed with “Lush Life” (1984) and “For Sentimental Reasons” (1986), completing a trilogy of standards albums. While neither matched “What’s New” commercially, both were successful and further established Ronstadt’s versatility.

These albums had a significant cultural impact. They helped revive interest in the Great American Songbook among younger listeners and demonstrated that rock artists could successfully interpret pre-rock material. They also influenced subsequent artists including Rod Stewart, who launched his own successful standards series in the 2000s.

Canciones de Mi Padre and the Latin Trilogy (1987-1992)

In 1987, Ronstadt released “Canciones de Mi Padre,” an album of traditional Mexican songs. The project was deeply personal, honoring her father’s heritage and the music she had heard as a child. Ronstadt was not fluent in Spanish and learned the songs phonetically, working with vocal coaches to achieve authentic pronunciation.

“Canciones de Mi Padre” became the biggest-selling non-English language album in American music history, eventually selling over two million copies. It won Ronstadt a Grammy and led to a highly successful television special that earned an Emmy Award. The album revitalized interest in traditional Mexican music among both Latino and mainstream audiences.

Ronstadt continued with “Mas Canciones” (1991) and “Frenesi” (1992), completing her Mexican music trilogy. These albums were also successful and cemented Ronstadt’s status as an important figure in Latino cultural representation. She became an advocate for Latino music and culture, using her platform to promote understanding and appreciation.

Theatrical Work and Genre Exploration (1980s-1990s)

Ronstadt’s artistic curiosity led her to theatrical work in the 1980s. She starred in the Broadway production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance” in 1981, earning a Tony Award nomination for her performance as Mabel. She reprised the role in the 1983 film version, receiving a Golden Globe nomination.

She also appeared in “La Boheme” on Broadway in 1984 and performed in various operatic and theatrical productions. These experiences expanded her vocal technique and demonstrated her willingness to challenge herself artistically.

Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Ronstadt continued exploring different genres. She recorded an album of duets with Aaron Neville (“Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind,” 1989) that featured four hit singles and won two Grammys. She recorded albums of contemporary pop, alternative rock, and children’s music.

We Ran and Feels Like Home (1990s-1990s)

“We Ran” (1998) found Ronstadt interpreting songs by alternative rock songwriters including Bruce Springsteen, John Hiatt, and Bob Dylan. The album received critical acclaim but modest commercial success, reflecting the changing music industry landscape.

“Feels Like Home” (1995) returned to her country and folk roots, featuring collaborations with Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton (continuing their Trio partnership). The album demonstrated that despite her genre explorations, Ronstadt remained connected to her musical foundations.

Her 1999 album “Trio II” with Harris and Parton won a Grammy, and the live album “Trio: Live in Concert” (2000) documented their successful collaboration. These projects connected Ronstadt to the traditions of harmony singing and country music that had influenced her since childhood.

Hummin’ to Myself and Retirement (2000s-2011)

Ronstadt’s final studio album, “Hummin’ to Myself” (2004), was a collection of jazz standards recorded with a small ensemble. It received excellent reviews but minimal commercial attention, reflecting both the decline of the traditional music market and Ronstadt’s reduced profile.

Throughout the 2000s, Ronstadt continued performing, though at a reduced pace. She participated in various tribute concerts and special events, and she toured periodically. Her voice remained remarkably preserved, though she increasingly struggled with health issues that would eventually end her career.

In 2011, Ronstadt was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which prevented her from singing. She announced her retirement from music, ending one of the most remarkable careers in American popular music. Her diagnosis was later corrected to progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological condition.

Post-Retirement Life and Legacy Documentation

Since her retirement, Ronstadt has remained active in advocacy and writing. Her memoir “Simple Dreams” (2013) received critical acclaim for its honest and insightful account of her life and career. She has advocated for Parkinson’s disease research and for Mexican-American cultural preservation.

The documentary “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice” (2019), directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, received widespread critical acclaim and introduced her story to new audiences. The film won a Grammy for Best Music Film and was shortlisted for an Academy Award.

In 2014, Ronstadt received the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2019, she received the Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime contribution to American culture. These recognitions cemented her status as one of the most important American musicians of the 20th century.

Linda Ronstadt’s career progression demonstrates extraordinary artistic growth and commercial success across five decades. From folk-rock beginnings to country superstardom, from standards to Mexican music, she repeatedly reinvented herself while maintaining the vocal excellence and interpretive skill that defined her artistry. Her willingness to take creative risks and her refusal to be confined by genre expectations established a model for artistic integrity that continues to inspire musicians today.

Discography

Studio Albums

With the Stone Poneys

Linda Ronstadt, Stone Poneys and Friends, Vol. III (1968) - Label: Capitol - Peak Chart Positions: US: #94 - Notable Track: “Different Drum” (US: #13)

Solo Studio Albums

Hand Sown… Home Grown (1969)

• Release Date: March 1969
• Label: Capitol
• Producers: Chip Douglas
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #189

Track Listing: 1. “Baby You’ve Been on My Mind” (Bob Dylan) 2. “Silver Threads and Golden Needles” (Dick Reynolds, Jack Rhodes) 3. “Bet No One Ever Hurt This Bad” (Randy Newman) 4. “A Song for You” (Gram Parsons) 5. “The Long Way Around” (Rodney Crowell) 6. “Everybody Love Me” (Danny Kortchmar) 7. “We Need a Whole Lot More of Jesus” (Gary Paxton) 8. “The Only Mama That’ll Walk the Line” (Ivy J. Bryant) 9. “Rock Me on the Water” (Jackson Browne) 10. “Saint James Infirmary” (Traditional)

Silk Purse (1970)

• Release Date: March 1970
• Label: Capitol
• Producers: Elliot Mazer
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #103
• Certifications: None (cult following established)

Linda Ronstadt (1972)

• Release Date: January 1972
• Label: Capitol
• Producers: John Boylan
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #163

Don’t Cry Now (1973)

• Release Date: October 1973
• Label: Asylum
• Producers: John Boylan, J.D. Souther
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #45

Heart Like a Wheel (1974)

• Release Date: November 1974
• Label: Capitol
• Producers: Peter Asher
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #1, Canada: #3
• Certifications: US: 2× Platinum

Track Listing: 1. “You’re No Good” (Clint Ballard Jr.) - US: #1 2. “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” (Buddy Holly) 3. “Faithless Love” (J.D. Souther) 4. “The Dark End of the Street” (Dan Penn, Chips Moman) 5. “Heart Like a Wheel” (Anna McGarrigle) 6. “When Will I Be Loved” (Phil Everly) - US Country: #1 7. “Willin’” (Little Feat) 8. “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love with You)” (Hank Williams) 9. “Keep Me from Blowing Away” (Paul Craft) 10. “You Can Close Your Eyes” (James Taylor)

Prisoner in Disguise (1975)

• Release Date: September 1975
• Label: Asylum
• Producers: Peter Asher
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #4, UK: #33
• Certifications: US: Platinum

Hasten Down the Wind (1976)

• Release Date: August 1976
• Label: Asylum
• Producers: Peter Asher
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #3, Canada: #3
• Certifications: US: Platinum

Simple Dreams (1977)

• Release Date: September 1977
• Label: Asylum
• Producers: Peter Asher
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #1, UK: #36, Australia: #2
• Certifications: US: 3× Platinum, UK: Gold

Track Listing: 1. “It’s So Easy” (Buddy Holly, Norman Petty) 2. “Carmelita” (Warren Zevon) 3. “Simple Man, Simple Dream” (J.D. Souther) 4. “Sorrow Lives Here” (Eric Kaz) 5. “I Never Will Marry” (Traditional) 6. “Blue Bayou” (Roy Orbison, Joe Melson) - US: #3 7. “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” (Warren Zevon) 8. “Maybe I’m Right” (Waddy Wachtel) 9. “Tumbling Dice” (Mick Jagger, Keith Richards) 10. “Old Paint” (Traditional)

Living in the USA (1978)

• Release Date: September 1978
• Label: Asylum
• Producers: Peter Asher
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #1, UK: #35, Australia: #13
• Certifications: US: Platinum

Mad Love (1980)

• Release Date: February 1980
• Label: Asylum
• Producers: Peter Asher
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #3, UK: #67, Australia: #11
• Certifications: US: Platinum

Get Closer (1982)

• Release Date: September 1982
• Label: Asylum
• Producers: Peter Asher
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #31, Australia: #26
• Certifications: US: Gold

What’s New (1983)

• Release Date: September 1983
• Label: Asylum
• Producers: Peter Asher
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #3, UK: #31, Australia: #2
• Certifications: US: 3× Platinum, UK: Silver

Track Listing: 1. “What’s New” (Johnny Burke, Bob Haggart) 2. “I’ve Got a Crush on You” (George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin) 3. “Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry” (Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne) 4. “Crazy He Calls Me” (Bob Russell, Carl Sigman) 5. “Someone to Watch Over Me” (George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin) 6. “I Don’t Stand a Ghost of a Chance with You” (Bing Crosby, Ned Washington, Victor Young) 7. “What’ll I Do” (Irving Berlin) 8. “Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be?)” (Jimmy Davis, Roger Ramirez, Jimmy Sherman) 9. “Goodbye” (Gordon Jenkins)

Lush Life (1984)

• Release Date: November 1984
• Label: Asylum
• Producers: Peter Asher
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #13, UK: #60, Australia: #14
• Certifications: US: Platinum

For Sentimental Reasons (1986)

• Release Date: September 1986
• Label: Asylum
• Producers: Peter Asher
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #46, Australia: #84
• Certifications: US: Platinum

Canciones de Mi Padre (1987)

• Release Date: November 1987
• Label: Asylum
• Producers: Peter Asher, Ruben Fuentes
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #42
• Certifications: US: 2× Platinum (biggest-selling non-English language album in US history)

Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind (1989)

• Release Date: October 1989
• Label: Elektra
• Producers: Peter Asher
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #7, UK: #59
• Certifications: US: 3× Platinum

Mas Canciones (1991)

• Release Date: October 1991
• Label: Elektra
• Producers: Peter Asher, Ruben Fuentes
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #88
• Certifications: US: Gold

Frenesi (1992)

• Release Date: September 1992
• Label: Elektra
• Producers: Peter Asher, Ruben Fuentes
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #193
• Certifications: US: Platinum

Winter Light (1993)

• Release Date: November 1993
• Label: Elektra
• Producers: George Massenburg, Linda Ronstadt
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #92

Feels Like Home (1995)

• Release Date: March 1995
• Label: Elektra
• Producers: Peter Asher, George Massenburg
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #75, UK: #43
• Certifications: US: Gold

Dedicated to the One I Love (1996)

• Release Date: May 1996
• Label: Elektra
• Producers: Linda Ronstadt, George Massenburg
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #78
• Certifications: US: Gold

We Ran (1998)

• Release Date: June 1998
• Label: Elektra
• Producers: Glyn Johns
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #160

A Merry Little Christmas (2000)

• Release Date: October 2000
• Label: Elektra
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #179

Hummin’ to Myself (2004)

• Release Date: November 2004
• Label: Verve
• Producers: John Boylan
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #166

Collaborative Albums

Trio (with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris) (1987)

• Label: Warner Bros.
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #6, UK: #60
• Certifications: US: Platinum
• Grammy Award: Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal

Trio II (with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris) (1999)

• Label: Asylum
• Peak Chart Positions: US: #124
• Certifications: US: Gold
• Grammy Award: Best Country Collaboration with Vocals

Compilation Albums

Greatest Hits (1976)

• Peak Chart Positions: US: #27
• Certifications: US: Platinum

Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 (1980)

• Peak Chart Positions: US: #26
• Certifications: US: Platinum

The Very Best of Linda Ronstadt (2002)

• Peak Chart Positions: US: #165
• Certifications: US: Gold

Duets (2014)

• Peak Chart Positions: US: #32

Notable Singles

Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 Hits

• “Different Drum” (with Stone Poneys, 1967) - US: #13
• “Long, Long Time” (1970) - US: #25
• “You’re No Good” (1974) - US: #1
• “When Will I Be Loved” (1975) - US: #2
• “Heat Wave” (1975) - US: #5
• “The Tracks of My Tears” (1976) - US: #25
• “That’ll Be the Day” (1976) - US: #11
• “Blue Bayou” (1977) - US: #3
• “It’s So Easy” (1977) - US: #5
• “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” (1978) - US: #31
• “Back in the U.S.A.” (1978) - US: #16
• “Ooh Baby Baby” (1978) - US: #7
• “How Do I Make You” (1980) - US: #10
• “Hurt So Bad” (1980) - US: #8
• “I Can’t Let Go” (1980) - US: #31
• “Get Closer” (1982) - US: #29
• “Easy for You to Say” (1982) - US: #54
• “What’s New” (1983) - US: #53

Other Major Singles

• “Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer” (with Kenny Rogers) - US: #4 (1980)
• “Somewhere Out There” (with James Ingram) - US: #2, Oscar-nominated (1986)
• “Don’t Know Much” (with Aaron Neville) - US: #2, Grammy winner (1989)
• “All My Life” (with Aaron Neville) - US: #11, Grammy winner (1990)
• “When Something Is Wrong with My Baby” (with Aaron Neville) - US: #78 (1990)

Sales Summary

Linda Ronstadt has sold over 100 million records worldwide, including: - Over 30 million albums in the United States - Multiple albums certified 2× Platinum or higher - Over 38 million records sold in the United States (certified by RIAA)

She is one of the best-selling female artists of all time and one of the most successful artists of the 1970s.

Awards and Achievements

Grammy Awards

Linda Ronstadt has won 11 Grammy Awards from 27 nominations across four decades:

Wins:

• 1976: Best Country Vocal Performance, Female (“I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love with You)”)
• 1977: Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female (“Hasten Down the Wind”)
• 1980: Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group (with The Seldom Scene - “Blue Kentucky Girl”)
• 1982: Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female (“Get Closer”)
• 1984: Best Album Package (Get Closer)
• 1988: Best Mexican-American Performance (Canciones de Mi Padre)
• 1990: Best Country Collaboration with Vocals (with Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton - Trio II)
• 1993: Best Tropical Latin Album (Frenesi)
• 2016: Best Musical Theater Album (The Human Comedy - as producer)
• 2019: Best Music Film (Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice)

Notable Nominations:

• 1975: Album of the Year (Heart Like a Wheel)
• 1976: Record of the Year (“You’re No Good”)
• 1984: Album of the Year (What’s New)
• 1984: Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female (“What’s New”)
• 1989: Album of the Year (Trio)
• 1989: Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group (Trio)
• 1990: Album of the Year (Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind)
• 1990: Record of the Year (“Don’t Know Much”)

Emmy Awards

• 1989: Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program (“Canciones de Mi Padre” TV special)

Tony Awards

• 1981: Nominee - Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical (The Pirates of Penzance)

Golden Globe Awards

• 1983: Nominee - Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical (The Pirates of Penzance film)

American Music Awards

Wins:

• 1977: Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist
• 1980: Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist

Nominations:

• Multiple nominations across Pop/Rock and Country categories throughout the 1970s-1980s

Academy of Country Music Awards

• 1975: Top Female Vocalist
• 1976: Top Female Vocalist
• 1977: Top Female Vocalist
• 1978: Top Female Vocalist
• 1979: Top Female Vocalist

Country Music Association Awards

• 1974: Female Vocalist of the Year
• 1975: Female Vocalist of the Year
• 1976: Female Vocalist of the Year
• 1988: Vocal Event of the Year (with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris - Trio)

Billboard Chart Achievements

Billboard 200 Albums:

• 10 top-ten albums
• 3 number-one albums: Heart Like a Wheel (1974), Living in the USA (1978), What’s New (1983)
• Longest-charting female album: Greatest Hits (over 250 weeks)

Billboard Hot 100 Singles:

• “You’re No Good” - US: #1 (1974)
• “When Will I Be Loved” - US: #2 (1975)
• “Heat Wave” - US: #5 (1975)
• “Blue Bayou” - US: #3 (1977)
• “It’s So Easy” - US: #5 (1977)
• “Ooh Baby Baby” - US: #7 (1978)
• “How Do I Make You” - US: #10 (1980)
• “Hurt So Bad” - US: #8 (1980)
• 38 total Hot 100 entries

Billboard Country Singles:

• Multiple #1 hits including “When Will I Be Loved” and “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love with You)”

Other Major Honors

Kennedy Center Honors (2019)

• Recognized for lifetime contribution to American culture through the performing arts

National Medal of Arts (2014)

• Awarded by President Barack Obama

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2014)

• Inducted in first year of eligibility

Latin Grammy Awards

• Lifetime Achievement recognition for contributions to Latin music

Mexican Cultural Honors

• Multiple recognitions for preserving and promoting Mexican music

RIAA Certifications

Linda Ronstadt is one of the most certified female artists in RIAA history:

Multi-Platinum Albums:

• Simple Dreams: 3× Platinum
• Heart Like a Wheel: 2× Platinum
• Prisoner in Disguise: Platinum
• Hasten Down the Wind: Platinum
• Living in the USA: Platinum
• Greatest Hits: 4× Platinum
• Greatest Hits Volume II: Platinum
• What’s New: 3× Platinum
• Lush Life: Platinum
• For Sentimental Reasons: Platinum
• Canciones de Mi Padre: 2× Platinum
• Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind: 3× Platinum
• Trio (with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris): Platinum

Gold Albums:

• Multiple additional albums certified Gold

Sales Achievements

• Over 100 million records sold worldwide
• Over 30 million albums sold in the United States
• 38 million RIAA-certified units (albums, singles, videos)
• One of the best-selling female artists of all time
• Highest-selling female country artist of the 1970s
• Highest-selling non-Spanish language Latin music artist

Awards for Documentary Film

Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice (2019)

• Grammy Award: Best Music Film (2020)
• Critics’ Choice Documentary Award: Nominee
• Multiple film festival awards and nominations

Industry and Cultural Honors

Songwriters Hall of Fame

• Recognition for interpretive artistry and influence on American music

Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame

• Inaugural inductee

Tucson Music Hall

• Renamed “Linda Ronstadt Music Hall” in her honor (2021)

Chart Records and Milestones

• First female artist to score three consecutive platinum albums
• First country-rock artist to achieve major crossover pop success
• Only artist to win Grammy Awards in the categories of Pop, Country, Tropical Latin, and Mexican-American
• One of five artists to win across Pop, Country, and Latin genres

International Recognition

• Honored by Mexican government for cultural contributions
• Recognized by Latin music industry for preservation of traditional Mexican music
• Multiple international awards for crossover success

Linda Ronstadt’s awards and achievements reflect her extraordinary versatility and sustained excellence across multiple genres and decades. Her ability to succeed in rock, country, pop, and Latin music is unmatched in popular music history. The recognition she received—from Grammys to the Kennedy Center Honors to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—demonstrates the breadth of her impact on American culture.

Influence and Cultural Impact

Overview

Linda Ronstadt’s influence extends far beyond their immediate work, shaping culture, inspiring artists, and leaving an indelible mark on the creative landscape.

Key Points

The details of this aspect of Linda Ronstadt’s story reveal important dimensions of their character, achievements, and impact. Understanding these elements provides a more complete picture of Linda Ronstadt’s significance.

Significance

This dimension of Linda Ronstadt’s life and work contributes to the larger narrative of their enduring importance and continuing relevance in the modern world.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Genre-Breaking Pioneer

Linda Ronstadt’s most significant legacy is her demonstration that artistic integrity and commercial success need not be confined by genre. She succeeded spectacularly in rock, country, pop, Latin, and traditional standards—achieving critical acclaim and massive sales in each. This versatility established a model for artistic freedom that influenced countless subsequent artists.

Before Ronstadt, female artists were typically expected to maintain a consistent genre identity. Ronstadt refused these constraints, moving from country-rock to pop standards to Mexican folk music with confidence. Her success in each genre proved that audiences would follow artists who challenged categorization.

Her influence is evident in subsequent genre-crossing artists from k.d. lang to Lady Gaga. Ronstadt demonstrated that a great voice and thoughtful song selection could transcend genre boundaries, creating a template for artistic evolution.

Influence on Women in Music

Ronstadt’s control over her own career was unusual for her era. She maintained creative control over her material, selected her own songs, and determined her own artistic direction. In an industry that often dictated choices to female artists, Ronstadt made her own decisions and accepted the consequences.

This autonomy influenced subsequent generations of female artists. Her insistence on artistic integrity over commercial calculation—evident in her decision to record standards when it was unfashionable, or to sing in Spanish despite not being fluent—demonstrated that women could prioritize artistic growth over market expectations.

Her commercial success also proved that female artists could dominate album sales and concert attendance on the same scale as male superstars. At her peak in the 1970s, she was among the biggest concert draws in the world regardless of gender.

Mexican-American Cultural Representation

Ronstadt’s embrace of her Mexican heritage through the “Canciones de Mi Padre” albums had profound cultural impact. At a time when Latino culture was marginalized in mainstream American media, Ronstadt brought traditional Mexican music to massive audiences. The albums became the best-selling non-English language recordings in American history.

Her work helped legitimize Mexican-American culture within mainstream American society. By recording in Spanish while maintaining her status as a major pop star, she bridged cultural divides and demonstrated the value of preserving cultural heritage.

The albums also influenced the broader appreciation of world music in American popular culture. They demonstrated that authentic traditional music could find commercial success without being watered down for mainstream audiences.

Revitalizing the Great American Songbook

Ronstadt’s trilogy of standards albums with Nelson Riddle (“What’s New,” “Lush Life,” “For Sentimental Reasons”) played a crucial role in revitalizing interest in the Great American Songbook. When she released “What’s New” in 1983, standards were considered hopelessly unfashionable for popular artists.

The album’s massive commercial success—over three million copies sold—proved that new audiences could appreciate classic material. It influenced Rod Stewart’s successful standards series and encouraged other artists to explore pre-rock material. The albums introduced generations of listeners to composers including Gershwin, Porter, and Berlin.

Her respect for this material and her refusal to condescend to it established standards for how popular artists could approach traditional repertoire. She treated these songs as living art rather than museum pieces, finding contemporary relevance in classic compositions.

Vocal Influence

Ronstadt’s voice influenced countless singers across genres. Her combination of technical precision and emotional directness created a model for popular singing. She could handle the subtle demands of standards, the power of rock, the twang of country, and the passion of Latin music with equal authority.

Artists including Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Trisha Yearwood, and countless others have cited Ronstadt as an influence. Her phrasing, her breath control, and her ability to convey emotion without oversinging have become standard practices in popular vocal performance.

Song Interpretation and the Art of Covering

Ronstadt established new standards for interpreting others’ songs. While she wrote some material, she was primarily an interpreter, selecting songs by emerging writers and bringing them to wide audiences. Her versions of songs by Warren Zevon, JD Souther, James Taylor, and others often became definitive.

This approach demonstrated that originality in popular music need not mean songwriting. Her interpretive choices—finding songs that suited her voice and emotional range, arranging them thoughtfully—constituted a creative contribution equal to composition.

Cultural Preservation

Beyond her Mexican music recordings, Ronstadt’s work has contributed to cultural preservation across genres. Her recordings of traditional country, folk, and standards have documented repertoire that might otherwise have been lost. Her attention to musical craft has maintained standards in an industry often driven by trends.

Her advocacy for Mexican-American cultural preservation has extended beyond her recordings to public statements and support for cultural institutions. She has used her platform to advocate for immigrant rights and against discrimination.

Documentary and Memoir

The documentary “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice” (2019) and her memoir “Simple Dreams” (2013) have ensured that her story will be preserved and studied. These works provide invaluable documentation of her career and the musical era she dominated.

The documentary in particular introduced Ronstadt to younger audiences who had not experienced her career firsthand. Its critical and commercial success demonstrated the enduring interest in her life and the importance of her contributions.

Lasting Impact

Linda Ronstadt’s legacy encompasses her extraordinary vocal achievements, her genre-spanning career, her cultural contributions, and her advocacy work. She proved that popular artists could maintain integrity while achieving mass success, that genre boundaries could be transcended, and that cultural heritage deserved preservation and celebration.

Her influence extends across American music in the decades since her peak. The artists she influenced continue to shape popular music, extending her impact through subsequent generations. Her recordings remain staples of radio and streaming, her concerts remembered as legendary events.

Despite her retirement and health challenges, Ronstadt remains a vital cultural presence. Her willingness to discuss her condition openly has helped others facing similar challenges. Her memoir and documentary have provided invaluable documentation of American music history.

Linda Ronstadt’s career represents one of the most remarkable achievements in American popular music. From folk-rock beginnings through country superstardom, standards revival, and Mexican music preservation, she has left an indelible mark on American culture. Her voice—clear, powerful, and emotionally direct—continues to resonate, ensuring her place among the greatest American singers of all time.