Evolution of Linda Ronstadt 1970s

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From a country-rock singer to one of the most commercially successful recording artists of her time, Linda Ronstadt's evolution in the 1970s was marked by artistic growth and immense popularity. Her powerful vocal delivery and keen selection of material produced a string of definitive records. Here we revisit the pivotal moments that shaped her formidable journey through the decade.

📌 1970 – Ronstadt releases her second solo album, Silk Purse. With this Nashville-recorded effort, she delves deeper into a country framework, leading to the Top 40 hit "Long Long Time," which earned Ronstadt her first Grammy nomination as a solo artist.

📌 1972 – Her third, self-titled album, Linda Ronstadt, is released. The record was significant for showcasing her developing country-rock sound and for using a group of session players who would shortly thereafter form the Eagles.

📌 1973 – Signing with the new Asylum Records label, Ronstadt puts out Don't Cry Now. This album, co-produced by J.D. Souther, demonstrated a more polished production quality and included the successful single "Love Has No Pride," which furthered her commercial ascent.

📌 1974 – Ronstadt experiences a massive career breakthrough with the album Heart Like a Wheel. It soared to the top of the Billboard 200 chart, her first #1 album. The success was propelled by the single "You're No Good," which also hit #1, cementing her position as a major new force in music.

📌 1975 – Continuing her streak of success, Ronstadt releases Prisoner in Disguise. The album became another platinum seller, featuring the hit singles "Heat Wave" and "The Tracks of My Tears," which highlighted her talent for reinterpreting songs from different genres.

📌 1976 – Ronstadt delivers her third consecutive multi-million-selling album, Hasten Down the Wind. The record won her a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female, and featured her dynamic version of Buddy Holly's "That'll Be the Day."

📌 1977 – She attains a new level of stardom with the album Simple Dreams. The release held the #1 spot on the Billboard album chart for five straight weeks and spawned the massive hits "Blue Bayou" and "It's So Easy," making her the first female artist to simultaneously have two songs in the Top 5.

📌 1978 – Ronstadt releases Living in the USA, her third consecutive chart-topping album. The famous cover photograph of her on roller skates captured her widespread appeal. The album continued her hit-making run with singles like "Ooh Baby Baby" and her take on Chuck Berry's "Back in the U.S.A."

📌 1979 – To close out the decade, Ronstadt appears on the cover of Rolling Stone for the sixth time, a record for any female artist up to that point. This placement underscored her visibility and importance in the musical landscape of the 1970s.

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