Linda Maria Ronstadt (born July 15, 1946) is an American singer who emerged from LA music scene of the eighties along with bands such as the Eagles. has performed and recorded in diverse genres. Linda has earned 11 Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, two Academy of Country Music awards, an Emmy Award, and an ALMA Award.
1960’s: Linda was an integral part of the scene in 1960's LA when all the greats lived, and played, in Laurel Canyon. Her contemporaries were Joni Mitchell, The Byrds, The Doors, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. click here for more information about that era
1967: Linda Ronstadt first gained national recognition as the lead singer of the Stone Poneys, particularly with the hit "Different Drum."
1974: Released "Heart Like a Wheel” which included the hit singles "You're No Good" and "When Will I Be Loved."
1975: Released "Prisoner in Disguise” further cementing her status as a leading female rock vocalist.
1977: "Simple Dreams" album achieved immense commercial success, featuring hits like "Blue Bayou" and "It's So Easy."
1983: Explored traditional pop and jazz standards with the album "What's New”.
1987: Released "Canciones de Mi Padre” an album of traditional Mexican music that won a Grammy Award.
1999: Released "A Merry Little Christmas”.
2004: Published her memoir, "Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir” providing insights into her career and personal life.
2011: Announced her retirement from singing due to her diagnosis with Parkinson's disease.
The Stone Poneys: Linda Ronstadt's initial foray into the music industry was with this folk-rock band, which brought her early fame.
The Eagles: Although not a member, Ronstadt played a crucial role in the formation of the Eagles, with members Glenn Frey and Don Henley being part of her backup band before forming the group. She had a hit with “Desperado”
Little Feat: She often sang with them
1988: Best Mexican-American Performance for "Canciones de Mi Padre."
1993: Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for "Don't Know Much" with Aaron Neville.
1999: Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for "After the Gold Rush" with Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton.
2011: Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her contributions to music across various genres.
1. "You're No Good" (1974) A chart-topping hit that showcased Ronstadt's powerful voice and emotional delivery.
2. "Blue Bayou" (1977) A heartfelt rendition of Roy Orbison's classic, which became one of Ronstadt's signature songs.
3. "Don't Know Much" (1989) A duet with Aaron Neville that won a Grammy and became a timeless love song.
I never thought of myself as a rock singer. I just sang a song I liked
Reflecting her versatile approach to music.
The only thing I ever wanted to do was sing