Early Life and Education of Linda Ronstadt: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Linda Ronstadt. From birth to education, explore key events.

Linda Ronstadt is a versatile American singer renowned for her ability to traverse diverse musical genres, including rock, country, light opera, the Great American Songbook, and Latin music. Her successful career cemented her status as a prominent figure in the music industry, showcasing her adaptability and vocal talent across various styles and earning her critical acclaim and a devoted following.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1903: Federico Ronstadt's Contribution to Tucson's Mobility

In 1903, Federico José María Ronstadt, Linda's grandfather, contributed to Tucson's mobility by delivering six mule-drawn streetcars.

1911: Birth of Gilbert Ronstadt

In 1911, Gilbert Ronstadt, Linda Ronstadt's father, was born. He was a machinery merchant who ran the F. Ronstadt Co.

1914: Birth of Ruth Mary Copeman Ronstadt

In 1914, Ruth Mary (née Copeman) Ronstadt, Linda Ronstadt's mother, was born. She was a homemaker.

January 1946: Publication of Canciones de mi Padre by Luisa Espinel

In January 1946, the University of Arizona published a booklet by Luisa Espinel entitled Canciones de mi Padre. Luisa Espinel, Ronstadt's aunt, was an international singer in the 1920s and 1930s. Espinel's father was Fred Ronstadt, Linda Ronstadt's grandfather, and the songs she had learned, transcribed, and published were some of the ones he had brought with him from Sonora.

July 15, 1946: Linda Ronstadt's birth

On July 15, 1946, Linda Maria Ronstadt was born. She later became a versatile American singer, known for her performances in various genres.

1953: Family Featured in Family Circle Magazine

In 1953, the Ronstadt family, including young Linda Ronstadt, was featured in Family Circle magazine, offering a glimpse into their family life.

1964: Visit to Los Angeles and Decision to Move

During Easter break from college in 1964, Linda Ronstadt visited Bobby Kimmel in Los Angeles. Later that year, she decided to move there permanently to form a band with him.

1964: Move to Los Angeles

In 1964, at the age of 18, Linda Ronstadt decided to move to Los Angeles after a semester at the University of Arizona to pursue a career in music, aiming to blend folk music with rock 'n' roll.

1969: Fusion Magazine Interview on Being a 'Chick Singer'

In a 1969 interview in Fusion magazine, Linda Ronstadt spoke about the challenges of being a single "chick singer" with an all-male backup band, including the ego problems of musicians being labeled sidemen for a female singer.

1974: Crawdaddy Interview on Being Taken Advantage Of

In a 1974 interview with Peter Knobler in Crawdaddy, Linda Ronstadt expressed feeling that people are always taking advantage of you and those interested in you have an angle.

1976: Rolling Stone Interview on Road Loneliness

In a 1976 interview with Cameron Crowe in Rolling Stone, Linda Ronstadt described the profound loneliness experienced while touring as a musician.

April 1979: Newsweek Cover with Jerry Brown

In April 1979, Linda Ronstadt and then-Governor of California Jerry Brown appeared together on the cover of Newsweek magazine, highlighting their public relationship.

1981: Peter Ronstadt Becomes Tucson's Chief of Police

In 1981, Peter Ronstadt, Linda's brother, became the chief of police in Tucson, marking a significant milestone in his career.

November 28, 1982: The Pirates of Penzance Closing on Broadway

On November 28, 1982, The Pirates of Penzance, starring Linda Ronstadt, closed its successful run on Broadway.

1982: Death of Ruth Mary Ronstadt

In 1982, Ruth Mary (née Copeman) Ronstadt, Linda Ronstadt's mother, passed away. She was a homemaker.

1983: Estimated Net Worth

By 1983, Linda Ronstadt's estimated worth was over $40 million, primarily from records, concerts, and merchandising.

1983: Dating Jim Carrey in 1983

In 1983, Linda Ronstadt dated comedian Jim Carrey for eight months, marking a notable relationship in her personal life.

April 1985: DownBeat Interview about Keeping Out of Mischief

In an April 1985 interview with DownBeat, Linda Ronstadt credited Jerry Wexler for encouraging her to record the pop standards album Keeping Out of Mischief, which she had previously scrapped in 1981. Ronstadt also mentions having to convince Elektra, her record company, to approve this type of album.

1986: Paul Simon defends Ronstadt

In 1986, Paul Simon defended Linda Ronstadt's decision to perform at Sun City in South Africa, stating that her intentions were never to support apartheid.

1988: Engagement to George Lucas Ends in 1988

In 1988, Linda Ronstadt's engagement to Star Wars director George Lucas ended, concluding a relationship that began in late 1983.

December 1990: Adoption of Daughter Mary Clementine Ronstadt

In December 1990, Linda Ronstadt adopted an infant daughter, Mary Clementine Ronstadt, expanding her family.

1990: End of Platinum Album Period

Between 1983 and 1990, Linda Ronstadt continued her commercially and critically successful recording output, earning several platinum albums.

1991: Peter Ronstadt's Tenure as Tucson's Chief of Police Ends

In 1991, Peter Ronstadt's tenure as the chief of police in Tucson came to an end, concluding his service in that role.

1991: Dedication of Tucson Transit Terminal to Federico José María Ronstadt

On March 16, 1991, the City of Tucson dedicated its central transit terminal to Linda Ronstadt's grandfather, Federico José María Ronstadt, honoring his contributions as a local pioneer businessman and wagon maker.

1994: Adoption of Son Carlos Ronstadt

In 1994, Linda Ronstadt adopted a baby boy, Carlos Ronstadt, further growing her family.

1995: Death of Gilbert Ronstadt

In 1995, Gilbert Ronstadt, Linda Ronstadt's father, passed away. He was a prosperous machinery merchant.

1997: Move Back to Tucson, Arizona

In 1997, Linda Ronstadt sold her home in San Francisco and moved back to her hometown of Tucson, Arizona, to raise her two children.

1998: Ronstadt discusses musical influences in interview

In a 1998 interview from her Tucson home, Linda Ronstadt discussed the influences of mariachi music from her father's side and Nelson Riddle's music from her mother's side on her musical style, explaining her need to explore both to reaffirm her identity.

2000: Praise for Wes Jackson's Work in 2000

In 2000, Linda Ronstadt expressed strong support for sustainable agriculture pioneer Wes Jackson, describing his work as the most important in the United States.

2004: Ronstadt discusses Time cover image on CBS This Morning

In 2004, Linda Ronstadt discussed her Time cover image from 1977 on CBS This Morning, stating that the image was not an accurate representation of her. Her manager, Peter Asher, defended her strong-willed nature, emphasizing her feminism.

2004: Foreword to The NPR Curious Listener's Guide to American Folk Music

In 2004, Linda Ronstadt wrote the foreword to the book "The NPR Curious Listener's Guide to American Folk Music", contributing to the understanding and appreciation of American folk music.

2005: Introduction to Classic Ferrington Guitars

In 2005, Linda Ronstadt wrote the introduction to the book "Classic Ferrington Guitars", showcasing the work of guitar-maker Danny Ferrington and his custom guitars for musicians.

2006: Controversial Remarks at Calgary Sun Concert

At a 2006 concert in Canada, Linda Ronstadt made controversial remarks to the Calgary Sun, criticizing George Bush and the reasons for the Iraq War, drawing international headlines.

August 2007: Dedication of Desperado to Wes Jackson

At an August 2007 concert in Kansas City, Kansas, Linda Ronstadt dedicated the rock anthem "Desperado" to sustainable agriculture pioneer Wes Jackson, expressing her admiration for his work.

2007: Criticism of Tucson Development

In 2007, Linda Ronstadt drew both criticism and praise from Tucsonans for commenting on the city council's failings, developers' strip mall mentality, and growing dust problem, saying it had rendered the city unrecognizable and poorly developed.

August 2009: Advocacy for Gay Rights

In August 2009, Linda Ronstadt championed gay rights and same-sex marriage, stating that "homophobia is anti-family values" in an interview with PlanetOut Inc., titled "Linda Ronstadt's Gay Mission".

January 16, 2010: Participation in National Day of Action

On January 16, 2010, Linda Ronstadt participated in a "National Day of Action", focusing on the treatment of illegal aliens and Arizona's enforcement of its illegal immigrant law, particularly Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's efforts.

April 29, 2010: Campaign Against Arizona's SB 1070

On April 29, 2010, Linda Ronstadt began a campaign, including joining a lawsuit, against Arizona's new illegal-immigration law SB 1070, criticizing it as a devastating blow to law enforcement.

2011: Retirement Announcement and Health Diagnosis

In 2011, Linda Ronstadt announced her retirement from singing and revealed that she had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which was later determined to be progressive supranuclear palsy, affecting her ability to sing.

2011: Retirement Announcement

In 2011, Linda Ronstadt was interviewed by the Arizona Daily Star and announced her retirement.

December 2012: Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease

In December 2012, Linda Ronstadt was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which was later re-evaluated as progressive supranuclear palsy, and which caused her to lose her singing ability.

August 2013: Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease Revealed

In August 2013, Linda Ronstadt revealed her diagnosis with Parkinson's disease, which caused a loss of muscular control and impaired her ability to sing.

August 2013: Public Revelation of Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis

In August 2013, Linda Ronstadt revealed to Alanna Nash, writing for AARP, that she had Parkinson's disease and could "no longer sing a note." Her diagnosis was subsequently re-evaluated as progressive supranuclear palsy.

September 2013: Publication of "Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir"

In September 2013, Linda Ronstadt published her autobiography, "Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir", offering insights into her life and career.

2019: Release of Documentary "Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice"

In 2019, the documentary "Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice", based on her memoirs, was released, providing a visual retrospective of her life and career.

2019: Revised Diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

In late 2019, Linda Ronstadt's doctors revised her diagnosis from Parkinson's disease to progressive supranuclear palsy, a degenerative disease with similar symptoms.