Linda Ronstadt

Musical range and notable recordings

Ronstadt's repertoire has included rock and roll, country-rock, pop ballads, Broadway and Mexican folk music. She has recorded landmark albums such as Heart Like a Wheel, Simple Dreams and Canciones de Mi Padre, and she also collaborated on the Trio project with Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton. A representative list of recordings and releases is available here.

• Heart Like a Wheel (breakthrough solo album)
• Simple Dreams (major commercial success)
• Trio (collaboration with Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton)
• Canciones de Mi Padre (traditional Mexican song collection)

Over the course of her career Ronstadt won numerous honors, including ten Grammy Awards and inductions into halls of fame; a summary of awards and honours is compiled here. She is often cited as an influence by later singers for her interpretive skill and ability to move between genres without losing artistic identity.

Later life and health: Ronstadt published a memoir in 2013 and has spoken publicly about a degenerative neurological condition that ended her ability to sing. She initially discussed a Parkinson's-related diagnosis and later disclosed further medical clarification; more on her health and retirement can be found here. Her memoir and reflections on her career appear in her book.

Personal notes: Ronstadt has kept much of her private life out of the spotlight. She did not marry, and she is a parent through adoption. Her recordings in Spanish helped introduce traditional Mexican music to broader American audiences, adding a notable cultural dimension to a long and varied career.