Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice (2019)
PG-13 | 1h 35min | Documentary | 6 September 2019 (USA)
Opening in Dallas on 9/13 | Magnolia Theater
Synopsis: Since bursting onto the music scene in 1967, Linda Ronstadt’s extraordinary vocal range and ambition created unforgettable songs across rock, pop, country, folk ballads, American standards, classic Mexican music and soul. As the most popular female recording artist of the 1970s – with songs like “You’re No Good,” “When Will I Be Loved,” and “Blue Bayou”— Ronstadt filled huge arenas and produced an astounding eleven Platinum albums. Ronstadt was the first artist to top the Pop, Country, and R&B charts simultaneously, she won 10 Grammy Awards® on 26 nominations and attained a level of stardom the Tucson native never could have imagined.
In LINDA RONSTADT: THE SOUND OF MY VOICE, Ronstadt is our guide through growing up in Tucson singing Mexican canciones with her family; her folk days with the Stone Poneys; and her reign as the “queen of country rock” in the ‘70s and early ’80s. She was a pioneer and champion for women in the male-dominated music industry; a passionate advocate for human rights, and had a high-profile romance with California Governor Jerry Brown. Ultimately, her singing voice was stilled by illness and forced her into early retirement but her music and influence remain timeless. With moving performance footage and appearances by friends and collaborators including Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne, LINDA RONSTADT: THE SOUND OF MY VOICE celebrates an artist whose desire to share the music she loved, made generations of fans fall in love with her — and the sound of her voice.
Review: I grew up in a family of musicians and music lovers so obviously Linda Ronstadt is very familiar. But what I knew of her barely scratches the surface of the layers of talent and accomplishments. The ground breaking strides and genre jumping that she was able to do in male dominated era of music is astounding. This documentary is a very intimate and fact filled journey of not only Linda but some of the key players that defined the 70s era of music; and Ronstadt is a common link to them all.
Many of the icons of the industry share their hearts in this one as they talk about working with Linda and the influence she had. The most profound moments of course come from Ronstadt herself as she recalls family life and those early days. It is obvious that much of her success comes from a tenacity for excellence and the willingness and courage to think outside the box. When those around her would say that right was the logical move she would go left. It is these decisions that define her legacy and make this a fascinating film to watch.
Easy to watch and full of wonderful songs LINDA RONSTADT: THE SOUND OF MY VOICE is a must see for music fans and those who love a great story. Rated PG-13 for brief strong language and drug material it is safe for most any audience.
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