#490 of 500
· Rolling Stone
“The back half of the RS500 is where the interesting debates live. Heart Like a Wheel is Linda Ronstadt's statement piece (1975) — locked in from the first groove. The original pressing does justice to a record that defined its corner of rock.”
Linda Ronstadt is an American popular music icon who rose to prominence in the 1970s, becoming one of the best-selling female artists of that decade. Born in Tucson, Arizona in 1946, she began her career with the Stone Poneys before establishing herself as a solo artist. Her commercial peak came between 1974 and 1987, during which she released a series of platinum and multi-platinum albums including Heart Like a Wheel (1974), Hasten Down the Wind (1976), and Simple Dreams (1978). Ronstadt's career was marked by remarkable versatility—she successfully navigated country-rock, pop, standards, opera, and Mexican folk music. Her final album of new material, Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind (1989), featured a duet with Aaron Neville. After 2011, she largely retired from performing due to Parkinson's disease.
Style
Ronstadt's sound encompasses country-rock, soft rock, pop, and traditional standards, characterized by her powerful contralto voice and sophisticated interpretation of diverse material. Her approach emphasized emotional clarity and vocal control across genres.
Significance
As one of the 1970s' most consistent chart successes and best-selling female artists, Ronstadt's albums are essential to any serious vinyl collection from that era. Her genre-spanning catalog and multiple platinum records make her records highly valued by collectors seeking quality pressings and diverse musical exploration.
Coat of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
Shares Ronstadt's ability to infuse rock and pop sensibilities into country-influenced material with deeply personal songwriting.
Nick of Time
Bonnie Raitt
Delivers blues-rock authenticity with strong female vocals and contemporary production similar to Ronstadt's crossover appeal.
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