50 Facts About Linda Ronstadt

Early Life and Family Background

Linda Ronstadt's roots run deep in Arizona, where her family has a rich history. Her upbringing and heritage played a significant role in shaping her musical journey.

1. Linda Marie Ronstadt was born on July 15, 1946, in Tucson, Arizona, to Gilbert Ronstadt and Ruth Mary (Copeman) Ronstadt.
2. Her father, Gilbert, owned a hardware store, while her mother, Ruth Mary, was a homemaker.
3. The Ronstadt family is of Mexican descent with a German ancestor, known for their contributions to Arizona's history, including wagon making and commerce.
4. Her grandfather, Lloyd Groff Copeman, was a prolific inventor with nearly 700 patents, including the first electric stove and an early form of the microwave oven.
5. Linda attended the University of Arizona in 1964 but did not graduate.
6. She grew up listening to and singing Mexican music, which would later influence her musical career.
7. The Ronstadt family was featured in Family Circle magazine in 1953, showcasing their unique lifestyle and cultural influences.
8. Linda was raised on the family’s 10-acre ranch in Tucson, Arizona, where she grew up listening to and singing Mexican music.
9. Her great-grandfather, Friedrich August Ronstadt, immigrated to the Southwest from Hanover, Germany, and settled in Tucson, contributing to the city’s early development.
10. In 1991, the City of Tucson dedicated its central transit terminal to Linda’s grandfather, Federico José María Ronstadt, a local pioneer businessman and wagon maker.

Musical Beginnings and Early Career

Linda's journey into music began with her first band and eventually led to a successful solo career. Her early experiences laid the foundation for her future success.

11. In 1964, Ronstadt moved to Los Angeles and formed the Stone Poneys with Bob Kimmel and Kenny Edwards.
12. The Stone Poneys released three albums on Capitol Records between 1967 and 1968, achieving moderate success.
13. Ronstadt released her first solo album, “Hand Sown…Home Grown,” on Capitol Records in 1969.
14. Despite being part of the singer-songwriter scene, Ronstadt only wrote three songs: “Lo siento mi vida,” “Try Me Again,” and “Winter Light” (all with cowriters).
15. Her ability to seamlessly transition between different genres has made her one of the most versatile vocalists in history, expanding the vocalist’s canvas to include country, rock and roll, Great American Songbook, jazz, opera, Broadway standards, Mexican and Tropical music, and Americana.

Achievements and Awards

Linda Ronstadt's talent and hard work have earned her numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career.

16. She has won 11 Grammy Awards, including one for Best Country Vocal Performance in 1976 and another for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals in 2000.
17. In 2016, Ronstadt was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to music.
18. On April 10, 2014, Ronstadt was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with an induction speech by Eagles founding member Glenn Frey and a musical tribute featuring Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow, and Carrie Underwood.
19. In 2014, President Barack Obama awarded Ronstadt the National Medal of Arts, praising her contributions to American music.
20. In December 2019, Ronstadt was honored at the Kennedy Center Awards for her lifetime achievements in music.
21. The documentary “Linda Ronstadt: the Sound of My Voice” won a Grammy Award for Best Music Film in 2021.

Collaborations and Influences

Linda's collaborations with other artists and her influence on the music industry are noteworthy. She has worked with many renowned musicians and inspired countless others.

22. In 1987, she formed Trio, a supergroup with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris, which released several successful albums.
23. Ronstadt has collaborated with numerous musicians, including James Taylor, Neil Young, Paul Simon, Warren Zevon, Bette Midler, and Frank Sinatra.
24. The Eagles, known for their hit songs like “Hotel California,” started out as Ronstadt’s backing band before they became a successful band in their own right.
25. Her performance in “The Pirates of Penzance” introduced traditional music and operatic vocals to a new audience, showcasing her impressive vocal range.
26. Ronstadt appeared on Philip Glass’s album “Songs from Liquid Days,” singing lyrics written by Suzanne Vega and Laurie Anderson, showcasing her versatility in collaborating with classical musicians.
27. She has made guest appearances on over 120 albums by other artists, including classical minimalist Philip Glass’s album “Songs from Liquid Days” and Paul Simon’s “Graceland,” where she sang a duet with Simon, “Under African Skies”.

Chart Success and Record Sales

Linda Ronstadt's music has achieved significant commercial success, with numerous chart-topping albums and singles.

28. Some of her most famous songs include “You’re No Good,” “When Will I Be Loved,” and “Blue Bayou,” which showcased her ability to cross genres and appeal to a wide audience.
29. As of 2019, Ronstadt had three number-one pop albums, 10 top-ten pop albums, and 38 charting pop albums on the Billboard Pop Album Charts. She also had 15 albums on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, including four that hit number one.
30. Her singles have earned her a number-one hit and three number-two hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with 10 top-ten pop singles and 21 reaching the Top 40. She also scored two number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and two number-one hits on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
31. With over 50 million albums sold worldwide, Ronstadt is one of the best-selling artists of all time, with at least 31 gold and platinum records.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Linda Ronstadt's influence extends beyond her music. She has made significant contributions to preserving Mexican heritage and has inspired future generations of musicians.

32. Despite her extensive career, Ronstadt has remained committed to preserving Mexican heritage through her involvement with organizations like Los Cenzontles, an academy dedicated to the preservation of Mexican music and culture.
33. Ronstadt’s influence on future generations of musicians is evident in the numerous artists who have cited her as an inspiration, including Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.
34. Beyond her musical achievements, Ronstadt is a cultural icon who has inspired countless fans with her unique style and powerful voice.
35. In 2022, the Tucson Music Hall was renamed the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall in honor of her contributions to music and her hometown.
36. The documentary “Linda and the Mockingbirds” debuted digitally in October 2020, further celebrating her life and career.
37. Ronstadt’s boho style has been iconic in the music industry, influencing many artists with her eclectic fashion choices.
38. Her ability to seamlessly transition between different genres has made her one of the most versatile vocalists in history, expanding the vocalist’s canvas to include country, rock and roll, Great American Songbook, jazz, opera, Broadway standards, Mexican and Tropical music, and Americana.
39. Ronstadt’s music has been featured in various pop culture shows, including “The Last of Us,” which has introduced her to a new audience.
40. The recent announcement that pop star Selena Gomez will be playing Ronstadt in an upcoming biopic about her life further solidifies her status as a cultural icon.

Personal Life and Retirement

Linda Ronstadt's personal life and health have also been a significant part of her story. Her retirement from singing marked the end of an era, but her legacy continues.

41. In 2011, Ronstadt announced her retirement from singing due to her diagnosis with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a degenerative disease similar to Parkinson’s.
42. Despite her retirement from singing, Linda Ronstadt’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike, cementing her place as one of the most iconic vocalists in music history.
43. The Ronstadt family has a rich history in Arizona, with contributions to wagon making, commerce, pharmacies, and music documented in the library of the University of Arizona.
44. Her siblings, Peter and Michael, have also made significant contributions to their respective fields. Peter served as Tucson’s Chief of Police for ten years from 1981 to 1991.
45. A whole generation of musicians might never have heard the work of Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, or Elvis Costello but for Ronstadt’s influence on their careers.

Recent Recognition and Honors

Even after her retirement, Linda Ronstadt continues to receive recognition for her contributions to music and culture.

46. In 2019, Rhino Entertainment released “Linda Ronstadt – Live in Hollywood,” her first and only live concert album, recorded on April 24, 1980.
47. The Tucson Music Hall was renamed the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall in 2022, honoring her contributions to music and her hometown.
48. The documentary “Linda and the Mockingbirds” debuted digitally in October 2020, further celebrating her life and career.
49. Ronstadt’s boho style has been iconic in the music industry, influencing many artists with her eclectic fashion choices.
50. Despite her retirement from singing, Linda Ronstadt’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike, cementing her place as one of the most iconic vocalists in music history.

Linda Ronstadt's Lasting Legacy

Linda Ronstadt's career is a testament to her incredible versatility and talent. From her early days with the Stone Poneys to her solo success, she's left an indelible mark on music. Winning 11 Grammy Awards, being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and receiving the National Medal of Arts are just a few highlights. Her ability to cross genres, from rock to country to traditional Mexican music, sets her apart. Even after retiring due to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, her influence remains strong. Documentaries, books, and even a biopic starring Selena Gomez keep her legacy alive. Linda Ronstadt isn't just a singer; she's a cultural icon whose impact will be felt for generations. Her story inspires countless musicians and fans, proving that true talent knows no bounds.