Linda Ronstadt, born in 1946, was raised in Tucson, Arizona, with a blend of Mexican and white heritage. Her father, a lover of Mexican music, and her mother, a classical opera fan, nurtured her passion for music from a young age. She began performing locally with her siblings, deeply influenced by her diverse background.
Ronstadt’s career took off in 1967 with the Stone Poneys’ hit “Different Drum,” propelling her to international fame. She became a trailblazer, exploring genres from country to rock. Her solo albums like Heart Like A Wheel (1974) and Simple Dreams (1977) cemented her status as the “Queen of Rock.”
Despite her success, Ronstadt faced challenges, including sexism and the loneliness of fame. She later transitioned to Broadway, traditional music, and operatic performances, maintaining her influence throughout the 1980s. In 2013, she revealed her battle with Parkinson’s, which ended her ability to sing.
