Linda Maria Ronstadt
- Born:
- July 15, 1946, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Singer, Songwriter, Actress
Early Life and Education
- Born into a musical family of German, English, and Mexican heritage.
- Began performing with her siblings at a young age.
- Attended Catalina High School in Tucson.
- Briefly attended Arizona State University before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a music career.
Career and Major Achievements
- Formed the folk-rock trio Stone Poneys in the mid-1960s.
- Achieved solo breakthrough in the early 1970s with hits like "Different Drum."
- Became one of the best-selling female artists of the 1970s and 1980s.
- Crossed genres, performing country, rock, pop, operetta, and traditional Mexican music.
- Won 11 Grammy Awards.
- Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
- Retired from singing due to progressive supranuclear palsy.
Notable Works
Discography (Selected Albums)
| Year | Album Title | Label |
| 1974 | Heart Like a Wheel | Capitol |
| 1975 | Prisoner in Disguise | Asylum |
| 1977 | Simple Dreams | Asylum |
| 1978 | Living in the USA | Asylum |
| 1987 | Canciones de Mi Padre | Asylum |
Filmography (Selected Appearances)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1978 | FM | Herself | Film Debut |
| 1980 | The Pirates of Penzance | Mabel Stanley | Broadway Production (Film Adaptation) |
| 1986 | American Masters: Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice | Herself | Documentary |
Legacy and Impact
Linda Ronstadt's powerful voice and genre-bending approach cemented her status as one of the most significant vocalists of her generation. Her interpretations of classic songs and championing of diverse musical styles have had a lasting impact on popular music. The exploration of the personal life of Linda Ronstadt often reveals the dedication and artistry that defined her career.