Linda Ronstadt
A chart-topping force with 29 studio albums and a legacy spanning rock, country, and Spanish-language classics.
Linda Ronstadt is an American singer with a discography comprising 29 studio albums, 37 compilation albums, one live album, one box set, and two extended plays. Her career began with the Stone Poneys before she launched her solo journey in 1969 with Hand Sown ... Home Grown. Over decades, she achieved massive commercial success, topping charts in the US, Canada, Australia, and beyond. From the gold-certified Don't Cry Now to the multi-platinum Simple Dreams, Ronstadt consistently delivered hits that defined eras of American music.
- Nationality
- American
- Vocal Style
- Versatile Pop/Rock/Country
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Ronstadt's ascent began in earnest with her 1970 album Silk Purse, which marked her first entry into the charts across the US and Canada. By 1973, Don't Cry Now became her first gold-certified release under Asylum Records. The following year, Heart Like a Wheel topped the US all-genre chart and earned two times platinum status for selling two million copies. This momentum continued with Prisoner in Disguise reaching the top five of the US charts, followed by Hasten Down the Wind, which topped charts in four other countries.
In Their Own Story
In 1976, Ronstadt released her first Greatest Hits compilation, a disc that became one of her best-selling works with seven times platinum certification from the RIAA. The late 1970s saw Simple Dreams reach number one in the US, Australia, and Canada, earning multi-platinum status across multiple territories including New Zealand. Living in the USA followed in 1979 as another chart-topper. By 1983, What's New returned her to the US top ten with two times platinum sales in the US. The decade concluded with significant collaborative and solo successes: Trio in 1987 topped the Canada all-genre chart, while Canciones de Mi Padre earned two times platinum status for her Spanish-language work.
Reader's Guide
Fans can trace Ronstadt's evolution through her diverse catalog, starting with her early dual credit on Linda Ronstadt, Stone Poneys and Friends, Vol. III in 1968. Her later years featured the collaborative Trio II (1999), which earned a gold certification as her only 1990s US-certified album. The 2000s saw releases like A Merry Little Christmas and Hummin' to Myself, though these reached lower chart positions. Compilations remained potent; Duets made the US top 40 in 2014, and The Complete Trio Collection charted in the US, Australia, and the UK by 2016. Her final studio project was a 2006 collaboration with Ann Savoy.
Did You Know?
- Her first studio album, Linda Ronstadt, Stone Poneys and Friends, Vol. III (1968), was a dual credit with the Stone Poneys.
- Heart Like a Wheel certified two times platinum by the RIAA for selling two million copies.
- Canciones de Mi Padre (1987) was her first Spanish language album and later received 2× Platinum (Latin) certification from the RIAA.
- Trio II (1999) and 'Feels Like Home' (1995) were both 1990s albums to receive US sales certifications, with 'Feels Like Home' certifying gold in 1995.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Linda Ronstadt?
She is an American singer celebrated for her versatile vocal style across pop, rock, and country genres. Her career features twenty-nine studio albums and a legacy spanning decades of commercial success.
When did she launch her solo work?
After performing with the Stone Poneys, she started her independent career in 1969 with Hand Sown ... Home Grown. This release initiated a period where she consistently delivered hits that defined eras of American music.
Which albums are considered her biggest successes?
From the gold-certified Don't Cry Now to the multi-platinum Simple Dreams, she achieved enormous chart performance. These records topped charts in the US, Canada, Australia, and beyond during their release periods.
Why is she listed as a collaborator here?
She joined forces with Dolly Parton for the legendary Trio albums, creating country-pop classics together. This partnership cemented her importance as a peer who shared significant industry milestones with Parton.
What genres does her discography include?
Her work encompasses rock and country standards alongside Spanish-language classics that showcase her range. She continues to be recognized as a leader on the charts known for delivering music across multiple distinct styles.