Discover Linda Ronstadt
Did you know Linda Ronstadt has been called the Queen of Country-Rock? Use this page to discover her connection to country music!
Linda Ronstadt was raised in Tucson, Arizona. Growing up, she listened to many types of music, including folk, rock & roll, country, opera, pop standards, and Mexican ballads, the last of which reflected her father’s heritage. Throughout her decades-long career, she experimented with these genres and worked with many different musicians, including members of the Eagles, Dolly Parton, and Emmylou Harris. She also made appearances on The Johnny Cash Show, and on Dolly Parton’s TV show, Dolly. In the 1970s, Linda earned the nickname “Queen of Country-Rock,” for her country-rock music. Later in her career, she leaned into her Mexican heritage and released albums of Spanish-language music that she grew up hearing from her father. The versatility and talent shown by Linda have cemented her as one of the most successful and influential vocalists of our time.
Queen of Country Rock
Linda’s Spanish Albums
Linda Ronstadt’s Mexican heritage is an important part of who she is as an artist. In 1987, she released Canciones de Mi Padre, her first album of traditional Mexican mariachi and ranchera songs. Canciones de Mi Padre is Spanish for “Songs of My Father.” For each song on the album, she included an English translation and a discussion about the importance of the song.
Linda released two additional Spanish albums, Mas Canciones (1991), Spanish for “more songs,” and Frenesi (1992), Spanish for “frenzy.”
Album cover for Canciones de Mi Padre (1987) featuring Linda Ronstadt and Daniel Valdez.
“Blue Bayou,” was originally recorded by Roy Orbison. Linda’s version of “Blue Bayou” went certified gold in 1978 and remains one of her most popular hits.
“Lago Azul” is the Spanish-language version of “Blue Bayou.”
Watch & Listen
Linda Ronstadt sings “La Charreada” on Sesame Street in 1988. Elmo and Parker Monster dressed up as charros (Mexican cowboys) to highlight Mexican heritage. “La Charreada” was featured on Linda’s 1987 award-winning studio album, Canciones de Mi Padre.
Linda Ronstadt performs “Y Ándale,” with a mariachi ensemble on Sesame Street in 1988. “Y Ándale” was featured on Linda’s 1987 award-winning studio album Canciones de Mi Padre.
Linda Ronstadt performs her hit song “Long Long Time” on The Johnny Cash Show in 1970. “Long Long Time” was Linda’s first big hit and was on Silk Purse, her second solo studio album.
Linda Ronstadt performs Hank Williams’s “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love with You)” with Emmylou Harris in 1976 on Dolly, Dolly Parton’s TV show.
Photographs
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Linda Ronstadt performs at the 1986 Country Music Association Awards.
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Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, and Linda Ronstadt as the Trio in 1999.
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Johnny Cash and Linda Ronstadt perform on The Johnny Cash Show in 1969.
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Linda Ronstadt won a Grammy award for the Best Mexican-American Performance for her 1987 album Canciones De Mi Padre.
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Linda Ronstadt and Daniel Valdez pose for the promotion of Linda’s 1987 album, Canciones de Mi Padre.
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Linda Ronstadt poses for the cover of her 1973 studio album, Don’t Cry Now, her fourth studio album and second gold-certified album.
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Linda Ronstadt poses with Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Joe Galante, and others backstage at the 1986 Country Music Association Awards.
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Linda Ronstadt and Daniel Valez perform for guests in Los Angeles, California, during a scholarship dinner hosted by Proctor & Gamble in 1987.
