Linda Ronstadt was a vocal acrobat back in the day, contorting her sound to fit any style for any need. Not only was she a superstar with her own music, but she was also a hit singer when lending her voice to some of music’s most iconic works. Here are just seven of the legendary albums that feature Ronstadt.
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1. Harvest – Neil Young
Neil Young’s 1972 release Harvest sees an array of guests like David Crosby, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, James Taylor, as well as the vocal stylings of Ronstadt. She provided her distinctive backing vocals to the iconic tracks “Heart of Gold” and “Old Man”
She also made an appearance on Young’s 1992 work, Harvest Moon.
2. Grievous Angel – Gram Parsons
Ronstadt’s harmonies can be heard on the song “In My Hour of Darkness” from Gram Parson’s 1973 magnum opus Grievous Angel.
3. Graceland – Paul Simon
Ronstadt makes an appearance on Paul Simon’s legendary Graceland. The track “Under African Skies” received her vocal stylings.
4. Hobo’s Lullaby – Arlo Guthrie
Her unmatched harmonies found their way onto Arlo Guthrie’s folk masterpiece, the 1972 album Hobo’s Lullaby.
5. JT – James Taylor
Ronstadt lent her harmonies to the forlorn “Bartender’s Blues” on James Taylor’s 1977 album, JT. She can also be heard on several of his other releases, like the 1972 album One Man Dog.
6. Roses in the Snow – Emmylou Harris
She provided her voice on longtime collaborator Emmylou Harris’ Roses in the Snow. Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson also made guest appearances on the 1980 release.
Ronstadt can also be heard on Harris’ other works, like the 1975 album, Pieces of the Sky, and The Ballad of Sally Rose from 1985.
7. Excitable Boy – Warren Zevon
Credited on Warren Zevon’s iconic Excitable Boy, Ronstadt can be heard lending backing vocals to the title track. Her voice can also be found on Zevon’s 1980 record, Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School.
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