Another 70’s rock-icon biography has made its way to the big screen. This time, Linda Ronstadt is the subject in a new documentary, “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice” Linda Jager has the Friday Film Review.
Widely known as one of the greatest living vocalists, Linda Ronstadt is the subject of a new documentary Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice, that takes viewers on a chronological tour of her career.
Narrated in her own voice, Linda begins with stories from her childhood in Tucson, Arizona, where she was inspired to follow in her grandfather’s musical footsteps rooted in the cultural Mexican/American traditions of the southwest.
Growing up in a musical family, Linda later joined two of her siblings to form The New Union Ramblers. Eventually the band split and Linda moved out to LA in 1964 to embark on a solo career.
Linda soon found a new band- The Stone Poneys - who made it to the stage of the famed Troubadour with their 1967 hit “Different Drum,” just as the 70’s folk movement was about to take hold. Linda’s voice was a standout, and soon she was well on her way to a successful career as a solo artist.
Throughout the film, Linda’s narrative is augmented by anecdotes from several of her friends and colleagues including Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Don Henley, Aaron Neville and many others. The film also touches on Ronstadt’s notoriety as the long time girlfriend of California Governor and presidential candidate Jerry Brown.
A gifted musician, Linda explored and found music that fit her vocal style - from the countless hits she recorded in the 70’s and 80’s to her lesser know, but equally impressive turns singing everything from opera to traditional Mexican Mariachi music .
Oscar nominated directors Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman balance the high points of Linda’s career- winning multiple Grammys, an Emmy, and an induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - with her current struggles with Parkinson’s disease, which has sadly left her unable to sing.
Running 95 minutes and rated PG-13 for some strong language and drug material, Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice is a must see for fans of her music and filmgoers of all ages who will be inspired by Ronstadt’s wide ranging talent and gentle heart.
