How Linda Ronstadt Redefined Progressive Country for a New Generation

I should probably admit from the get-go that I’ll always have glittering praise to give Linda Ronstadt. She’s my town’s most loved musical darling. Tucson, Arizona has more than one building dedicated to her. And even though I’m biased, my praise is not a case of smoke without fire. She helped change the genres of country rock and prog-country for the better in the 1970s, and her voice is still a hard one to compare. The woman knew how to sing.

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While Ronstadt doesn’t really make music anymore and lives a quiet life, the work she put out in the 20th century has aged well enough for younger generations to enjoy. With that in mind, let’s explore some of Linda Ronstadt’s best work, and why she is such an important figure in country rock and progressive country music.

Linda Ronstadt Is a Legend of Progressive Country Music

Linda Ronstadt established herself as an important figure in the then-emerging country rock and folk rock genres in California during the 1970s. Her band, The Stone Poneys, got her quite a bit of attention. But really, it’s her solo work that really changed the game.

Ronstadt’s 1969 album, Hand Sown … Home Grown, is still considered to be the very first alternative country album to be released by a woman. You might remember the tune “Silver Threads And Golden Needles”, considering it was her first country hit. 

She didn’t gain nearly as much fame as she deserved during her formative years. However, people definitely knew who she was, considering she toured with the likes of Neil Young and The Doors, among others.

The 1970s were really Ronstadt’s golden age. She continued to define country rock with releases like Heart Like A Wheel, Simple Dreams, and (the more rock-leaning) Living In The USA. She was one of the biggest concert performers of her generation, though she has since been more associated with rock music than country. Either way, she got her start with incredible alternative and progressive country works in the 1970s.

Part of what made Ronstadt such an ear-catching musician in the burgeoning era of prog-country was the style in which she sang. Her voice was incredible, there’s no doubt about that. But she combined the country style of singing with the rhythms you’d typically hear in ranchera music. At the time, contemporary country didn’t mix and mesh with other genres. Ronstadt did it like it came naturally to her; and it probably did.

Photo by Ed Perlstein/Redferns/Getty Images

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