This week watched a film on CNN on the amazing and legendary singer Linda Ronstadt called, Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of my Voice, in case you are not familiar with this legendary singer and her fantastic voice.

Ronstadt burst into music since 1967, and her amazing vocals and songs which ranged from pop, rock, country, and folk ballads to her Mexican music and soul made this singer so unique.

Upon watching this documentary film, which she narrates, you see her rise to the music scene and her unique vocals. Ronstadt could sing songs which top the charts like in the 1970s, with chart-toppers like You’re no Good, When will I be loved, and Blue Bayou. With these songs, she would fill stadiums all around the world and is one of the few female singers who has earned 11 platinum albums, 10 Grammys, and many awards all around.  Not to mention how she could collaborate with the likes of the fantastic Jackson Browne, the incredible Johnny Cash, and collaborate with the talents of Dolly Parton and Emmy Lou Harris. Not to mention that her band included Don Henley and Glenn Frey, which later formed the formidable band, The Eagles. Thanks to Ronstadt, their first album song, Desperado, became a hit because of her amazing rendition of the song.

Ronstadt is the voice of her generation, but she also could bring the talents of her Mexican Roots. Her Dad was of Mexican Descent, and she decided in 1987 to release her biggest album yet.  It was an album entitled, Canciones De Mi Padre, which translates to The Songs of my Father.  This album paid tribute to the songs her dad had grown up with. She grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and thanks to the fact she lived in a border town, all the songs from Rock, Jazz, Folksongs, Mexican, and even Opera all appealed to Ronstadt at a very young age, music was a big part of her family.

Sadly after 2009, Ronstadt noticed something was wrong. She states that singing became very difficult even trying to sing in one tone, but nothing was coming outright. Eventually, she got the diagnosis that had plagued her own grandmother. They diagnosed her with Parkinson’s. As you know, Parkinson’s is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. It begins with tremors, which she admits to having before being officially diagnosed.

In her own words, Linda narrates this film in which she shares her upbringing, her rise to the top, and the beautiful legacy of her career and her many musical talents, and her famous friends also talk about how amazingly talented she is.

I have to say, Linda Ronstadt has always been at the top of my list of female singers. I can’t even imagine how devastating it must have been for her and all those who love her to learn of such sadness.

Growing up in Brownsville, Texas, I could totally relate to her music, especially since I grew up bilingual I especially enjoyed singing along to her music. The album I love the most is, Canciones De Mi Padre. I grew up hearing all these classic Mexican songs since my father would play his guitar and play them to us, and all of my family and friends would gather to sing along to them.

So, for me, Ronstadt’s legacy and her voice will carry for many decades to come and will never be forgotten. You can always check out Linda Ronstadt’s music and career on YouTube under Linda Ronstadt. Also, if you have not seen her CNN Documentary called, Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice, it is on Hulu.

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