12 Linda Ronstadt Stories and Facts That Most Fans Don’t Know
Linda Ronstadt earned the title “Queen of Rock” during her decade-long reign in the music world. Despite her refusal to be confined to just one genre, her exceptional talent kept her at the forefront of the industry. Let’s delve into 12 intriguing stories and facts about Linda Ronstadt that many fans might not know:
HER FAMILY HELPED BUILD ARIZONA BEFORE IT WAS EVEN A STATE
Long before Linda made the Ronstadt name famous globally, her family was already well-known in Arizona. Her great-grandfather, Federico Jose Maria “Fred” Ronstadt, saw potential in the region when it was still a territory. Arriving in Tucson at 14, Fred mastered blacksmithing and started the Ronstadt Hardware Company, which became a Tucson staple until 1985.
HER GRANDFATHER WAS AN INVENTOR
Linda’s mother, Ruth Mary Copeman, hailed from Flint, Michigan, where her father, Lloyd Copeman, made a name for himself as an inventor. With nearly 700 patents, his creations included everyday items like electric stoves, toasters, and ice cube trays. Despite his accomplishments, Copeman declined an honorary degree from Michigan State University, believing it came too late in his career.
SHE RECEIVED EARLY MUSIC EDUCATION
Linda’s father, Gilbert Ronstadt, managed a hardware store but had a passion for music. He played guitar with mariachi bands in Mexico and introduced Linda to artists like The Beach Boys and Billie Holiday. This early exposure to diverse music led Linda to form a musical trio with her siblings while still in high school.
THE EAGLES WERE BORN FROM ONE OF HER BACKING BANDS
After parting ways with the Poneys, Linda hired musicians who would later achieve fame in their own right. Don Henley and Glenn Frey, both future members of the Eagles, were part of her early ’70s backing band. The two bonded while on tour with Linda, eventually deciding to form their own band, marking the birth of the Eagles.
LINDA RONSTADT DOMINATED THE 1970s
The 1970s saw Linda and the Eagles rise to rock stardom. Her fourth album, Don’t Cry Now, earned her first gold record, and her fifth album, Heart Like a Wheel, went double platinum. With hits like “You’re No Good,” Linda solidified her place as a rock icon, even earning a Grammy nomination.
SHE WAS A MASTER AT INTERPRETING SONGS
Though Linda wrote a few songs, she was renowned for her ability to interpret the works of other songwriters. Her rendition of “Blue Bayou,” originally by Roy Orbison, is a prime example. Linda’s unique interpretations often made these songs her own, earning her widespread acclaim.
RONSTADT BECAME A RELUCTANT SEX SYMBOL
During the 1970s, Linda Ronstadt found herself labeled a sex symbol, a title she never sought. In a 1980 Playboy interview, she expressed that her primary goal was to be a singer, not a sex symbol. However, she acknowledged that she never shied away from expressing her sexuality in her music and performances.
SHE PERFORMED ON BROADWAY AND IN AN OPERA
After conquering the music world, Linda expanded her talents to Broadway and opera. In 1981, she starred in The Pirates of Penzance on Broadway, receiving praise for her performance despite the production’s shortcomings. Her ability to transition from pop music to musical theater showcased her versatility as an artist.
SHE FACED CONTROVERSY FOR PERFORMING IN SOUTH AFRICA
In the early 1980s, Linda performed at Sun City Resort in apartheid-era South Africa, despite the unofficial boycott by the music industry. This decision placed her in hot water, as many artists refused to perform there due to the country’s racial segregation policies. Linda joined other stars like Dolly Parton and Rod Stewart in defying the boycott.
SHE BECAME AN OUTSPOKEN POLITICAL ACTIVIST
Linda Ronstadt was not shy about voicing her political opinions. In 2004, she dedicated her cover of the Eagles’ “Desperado” to filmmaker Michael Moore during a Las Vegas performance, leading to her being banned from the venue. Linda was also vocal in her criticism of President George W. Bush, famously stating she was embarrassed he was from the United States.
SHE COLLABORATED WITH LEGENDS
Linda had long-standing friendships with Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton, leading to the release of the Trio album in 1987. The collaboration between these three legendary voices produced a timeless classic album that made Linda a powerful force in music history.
ILLNESS FORCED HER RETIREMENT
In the 2000s, Linda began experiencing vocal difficulties, which led to her retirement in 2009. Initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, she later learned she had a rare brain disorder called supranuclear palsy. In a 2020 interview, Linda reflected on how her illness ended her singing career, sharing that she could no longer hear the top end of her voice, which had been essential to her performances.
