Linda Ronstadt, the renowned American singer known for hits like “You’re No Good” and “Blue Bayou,” recently revealed she has Parkinson’s disease, which has affected her ability to sing.
Born in 1946 in Tucson, Arizona, to a Mexican father and a white mother, Ronstadt’s musical journey began in her childhood, influenced by her father’s love for traditional Mexican music and her mother’s passion for classical operas. She gained fame with her band The Stone Poneys and their 1967 hit “Different Drum,” eventually becoming a trailblazer in various genres, including country, pop, and rock.
Her 1969 solo album, Hand Sown… Home Grown, marked the first alternative country record by a female artist, and she went on to achieve massive success with albums like Heart Like a Wheel (1974), Simple Dreams (1977), and Living in the USA (1978). Dubbed the “Queen of Rock” and the “First Lady of Rock,” Ronstadt broke barriers in a male-dominated industry, becoming the top female pop singer of the 1970s. She also made a mark on Broadway, earning a Tony nomination for The Pirates of Penzance and collaborating with composer Philip Glass and conductor Nelson Riddle. Despite facing sexism and loneliness in the music industry, Ronstadt’s resilience and talent shone through.