From the moment she could speak, Linda Ronstadt's heart was set on music. "I think I was about 2 when I realized that singing was my destiny," she shares with Closer. "Music was always a part of my life. I sang everywhere I went, and I loved every second of it. But to be honest, I never imagined I'd become a star or famous. It wasn’t about that—it was about the joy of creating something beautiful."
Fast forward a few decades, and Linda Ronstadt became one of the most iconic performers of the 1970s. With ten Billboard top-10 singles under her belt, including timeless hits like “You’re No Good,” “Blue Bayou,” and “Poor Poor Pitiful Me,” her voice became the soundtrack of a generation. Over nearly five decades in the spotlight, she earned an impressive 11 Grammy Awards, cementing her status as a legendary figure in the music world.
One of her most personal works, the groundbreaking album Canciones de Mi Padre, released in 1987, dives deep into her Mexican roots and heritage. As an Arizona native, this album reflects not just her family ties but also her cultural identity. Last year, the album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a testament to its lasting impact.
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Life Choices and Musical Regrets
What do you think you would have done if you hadn’t become a singer?
“I have no idea! I love reading, but school was never my thing. If I hadn’t pursued music, I might have ended up as a music teacher. There’s something magical about passing on the gift of music to others.”
Advice for Her Younger Self
If you could go back in time and give your younger self advice, what would you say?
“I’d tell my younger self to master an instrument early—either the guitar or piano. I’d also encourage myself to spend more time learning traditional Mexican music. I knew it, but not well enough to perform it professionally. It took a lot of effort to understand rhythm, and I truly believe that my understanding of Mexican music helped me grow as a singer. It gave me the rhythm that I needed to excel.”
Heritage and Identity
Were you very aware of your Mexican heritage growing up?
“Absolutely. In my household, Spanish was the language we sang in, and English was what we spoke. There were plenty of Spanish speakers around, and the adults had their private language, which they didn’t teach us kids so they could talk freely. We grew up with Mexican foods like tortillas and tamales, especially during the holidays. It was a bilingual household, and that was just our way of life.”
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Embracing Her Roots
As a young person, did you ever try to hide or downplay your heritage?
“Not at all. Arizona used to be a part of Mexico, and I was born just 60 minutes from the Mexican border. The border was open back then, and we’d cross over for lunch, parties, dances, baptisms, and weddings. My father did business with ranchers in northern Mexico, so we had connections on both sides. Unfortunately, they’ve built a fence in that part of the desert now, but the culture remains the same. It’s heartbreaking to see the division.”
The Challenges of Being a Trailblazer
Did you find it difficult to be taken seriously as a female musician in the 1970s?
“I tried to take myself seriously, but I wasn’t always confident in my abilities. I could tell the difference between good and where I was at. It was all about putting my head down and doing the work. That’s how I improved.”
Fending Off Opportunists
Did you run into people who tried to take advantage of you?
“Oh, people have tried to take advantage of me my whole life. It happens to everyone. Thankfully, I had a great manager who shielded me from a lot of that nonsense.”
Life After Music
Since retiring in 2011 due to supranuclear palsy, how has your relationship with music changed?
“I can’t play the guitar or piano anymore, and singing is out of the question. I miss those things, and I miss knitting too. But I’m grateful that I can still read. That’s a blessing.”
Music as a Listener
Do you still listen to music?
“Yes, but I don’t listen to my own records. I enjoy Marisoul from La Santa Cecilia and Billie Eilish. Their music brings me joy.”
Family and Legacy
Do your adopted children, Mary and Carlos, follow in your musical footsteps?
“They both enjoy music. My daughter can sing harmonies because I taught her. My son is incredibly talented on the guitar—he picked it up quickly—but music isn’t his main focus. He’s a tech-savvy guy with a great job and a wonderful girlfriend. For them, music is a source of personal enjoyment, which is exactly what it should be.”
Current Lifestyle
What does your life look like today?
“It’s peaceful. I have a strong support system, and I’m surrounded by family and friends. I’m content. YouTube is a treasure trove of operatic performances, and I adore opera. I also love ballet. I can’t wait for the day when we can gather in theaters and experience live performances again.”
Future Goals and
