Lasting Legacy of Linda Ronstadt: A Look at the Influence on History

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Linda Ronstadt across different fields.

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

1974: Ronstadt's views on finding a mate

In 1974, Linda Ronstadt expressed her challenges in finding a compatible mate, highlighting the difficulties of balancing personal connection with musical inspiration, in Crawdaddy magazine.

1974: Inclusion of Heart Like a Wheel on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time

In 1974, Linda Ronstadt's album "Heart Like a Wheel" was included in "Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time" at number 164.

October 1978: Country Music magazine acknowledges Ronstadt's success

In October 1978, Country Music magazine recognized Linda Ronstadt's success, stating that Simple Dreams had solidified her role as the most successful female rock and roll and country star at that time.

1978: Ronstadt becomes "highest-paid woman in rock"

By the end of 1978, Linda Ronstadt had established herself as one of the most successful solo female acts in rock and pop. Due to her platinum album success and ability to sell out concerts in arenas and stadiums, she became known as the "highest-paid woman in rock", earning over $12 million and selling 17 million albums.

1978: Ronstadt recognized as one of "The Queens of Rock"

By the end of the decade, Linda Ronstadt had surpassed her female competition in record sales. In 1978, Us Weekly reported that Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, and Carly Simon had become "The Queens of Rock", signifying a shift in the music industry towards female artists.

1978: Ronstadt declared "America's best-known female rock singer"

In 1978, Rolling Stone declared Linda Ronstadt "by far America's best-known female rock singer." She achieved a third number 1 album on the Billboard Album Chart with Living in the USA and had a major hit single with "Ooo Baby Baby", which charted on Pop, AC, Country, and R&B charts. Living in the USA became the first album to ship double-platinum.

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.

1999: VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll Ranking

In 1999, Linda Ronstadt was ranked number 21 in VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll, recognizing her significant influence and contributions to the genre.

2002: Inclusion of The Very Best Of Linda Ronstadt on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time

In 2002, Linda Ronstadt's album "The Very Best Of Linda Ronstadt" was included in "Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time" at number 324.

2004: Assessment of Ronstadt's vocal talent

In 2004, Christopher Loudon of Jazz Times described Linda Ronstadt as possessing "arguably the most sterling set of pipes of her generation," highlighting her exceptional vocal abilities.

August 14, 2007: Reflection on Outspoken Views

On August 14, 2007, Linda Ronstadt commented on her well-publicized outspoken views, particularly the Aladdin incident, noting that she would be more gracious and respectful in expressing her opinions.

September 23, 2007: Induction into the Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame

On September 23, 2007, Linda Ronstadt was inducted into the Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame, alongside Stevie Nicks, Buck Owens, and Steven Spielberg, recognizing her contributions to the arts.

2007: Ronstadt reflects on singing with different artists

In 2007, Linda Ronstadt reflected that she could get things out of her voice that she can't do by herself with different artists, and that she can do things with Aaron Neville that she can't do alone.

August 17, 2008: Tribute and Trailblazer Award at the ALMA Awards

On August 17, 2008, Linda Ronstadt received a tribute and the Trailblazer Award, presented by Plácido Domingo, at the 2008 ALMA Awards, celebrating her contributions to American arts.

May 2009: Honorary Doctorate from Berklee College of Music

In May 2009, Linda Ronstadt was awarded an honorary doctorate of music degree from the Berklee College of Music. The award recognized her achievements, influence in music, and contributions to American and international culture.

2010: Hummin' to Myself album sales

As of 2010, Linda Ronstadt's 2004 jazz album, "Hummin' to Myself" had sold over 75,000 copies in the U.S.

2010: Sales of Linda Ronstadt's trilogy

As of 2010, the three albums that Linda Ronstadt recorded with Nelson Riddle in the 1980s had a combined sales total of nearly seven million copies in the U.S. alone.

2011: Ronstadt's Retirement

In 2011, Linda Ronstadt retired from performing. During her career she sold over 100 million records worldwide and was one of the top-grossing concert performers for over a decade, Ronstadt was the most successful female singer of the 1970s and stands as one of the most successful female recording artists in U.S. history.

2011: Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2011, Linda Ronstadt was awarded the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award by the Latin Recording Academy, recognizing her significant contributions to Latin music.

2012: Revision of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time

In 2012, "Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time" was revised, keeping only the compilation "The Very Best Of Linda Ronstadt" and raising it to the place once occupied by "Heart Like a Wheel".

April 10, 2014: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

On April 10, 2014, Linda Ronstadt was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing her significant contributions to music.

April 2014: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In April 2014, Linda Ronstadt was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, marking a significant recognition of her contributions to music.

July 28, 2014: Awarded the National Medal of Arts and Humanities

On July 28, 2014, Linda Ronstadt was awarded the National Medal of Arts and Humanities, a high honor recognizing her impact on American arts and culture.

2016: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2016, Linda Ronstadt was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy, celebrating her lasting impact on the music industry.

2016: Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award

In 2016, Linda Ronstadt was honored by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences with the Lifetime Achievement Grammy, recognizing her lasting impact on music.

July 2019: Selection as a Kennedy Center Honoree

In July 2019, Linda Ronstadt was selected as a Kennedy Center Honoree, celebrating her lifetime achievements and contributions to American culture through the performing arts.

2019: Kennedy Center Honors and Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 2019, Linda Ronstadt received the Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievements. Also in 2019, she received a star jointly with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for their work as the group Trio.

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.

December 2020: Canciones de Mi Padre Inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame

In December 2020, it was announced that Linda Ronstadt's Canciones de Mi Padre had been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

May 7, 2022: Renaming of the Tucson Music Hall as The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall

On May 7, 2022, during the International Mariachi Conference, the Tucson Music Hall at the Tucson Convention Center was officially renamed The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, honoring her legacy in her hometown.

2022: Publication of Memoir Feels Like Home

Linda Ronstadt's memoir Feels Like Home: A Song for the Sonoran Borderlands was published in 2022.

2023: Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Singers of All Time Ranking

In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Linda Ronstadt at No. 47 on their list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time, solidifying her legacy as one of the most iconic vocalists.