Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A legendary singer who can do anything with her voice gets bored conquering every genre, retires due to health, and makes a documentary about how awesome she was and how much everyone loved her.

🍿 Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Musical Roots

Born into a family with a rich musical heritage in Tucson, Arizona, Linda Ronstadt was exposed to diverse genres from a young age. Her Mexican-American father’s family shared traditional Spanish folk songs, while her mother enjoyed light opera and country music, and the radio introduced her to everything from the Metropolitan Opera to folk and rock. In 1964, at just 18, Ronstadt moved to Los Angeles with musician Bobby Kimmel to pursue a singing career. They formed The Stone Poneys with Kenny Edwards, becoming part of the burgeoning folk-rock scene in Southern California, gaining attention with their hit “Different Drum.”

Rise to Stardom in the 1970s

Following the breakup of The Stone Poneys, Linda Ronstadt launched a solo career, becoming a prominent figure in the male-dominated rock music scene. She built a formidable reputation as a powerful vocalist and interpreter of songs, collaborating with musicians who would go on to form iconic bands like The Eagles. Known for her ability to inhabit a song and make it her own, Ronstadt achieved massive commercial success throughout the 1970s with a string of hit singles and multi-platinum albums, solidifying her status as the “First Lady of Rock” and a bona fide female rock star.

Genre Exploration and Artistic Evolution

Despite achieving immense success in rock and pop, Ronstadt constantly sought new artistic challenges. She ventured into diverse musical territories, often against the advice of record producers who feared it would damage her career. Her explorations included starring in the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta “The Pirates of Penzance,” recording albums of classic American standards arranged by Nelson Riddle, collaborating on country albums like the Grammy-winning “Trio” with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris, creating a successful pop album with Aaron Neville, and releasing a best-selling album of traditional Mexican folk songs, “Canciones de Mi Padre,” honoring her heritage.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Self (Linda Ronstadt): The renowned and versatile singer whose groundbreaking career across multiple genres is the central subject of this documentary.
• Self (Bonnie Raitt): A contemporary musician and friend who offers insightful commentary on Linda Ronstadt’s impact and role for women in the music industry.
• Self (Dolly Parton): A country music superstar and close friend who collaborated with Linda Ronstadt on critically acclaimed ‘Trio’ albums and shares personal anecdotes.
• Self (Emmylou Harris): A folk/country artist and close friend who collaborated extensively with Linda Ronstadt, particularly on the successful ‘Trio’ records.
• Self (Jackson Browne): A prominent singer-songwriter and peer from the Southern California music scene who provides context and perspective on Linda Ronstadt’s rise.
• Self (Don Henley): A musician who played in Linda Ronstadt’s band before forming the Eagles, sharing observations on her early career and influence.
• Self (Peter Asher): Linda Ronstadt’s long-time manager and producer who recounts his significant role in guiding her musical direction and career trajectory.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Linda Ronstadt: “Someone once asked me why people sing. I answered that they sing for many of the same reasons birds sing. They sing for a mate. To claim their territory. Or simply to give voice to the delight of being alive in the midst of a beautiful day.” – Reflecting on the fundamental human drive and purpose behind singing and music.
• Linda Ronstadt: “I had a galvanized voice: I could sing through a 105 fever or a flu or a root canal or anything that you could throw at me.” – Describing the natural power and resilience of her vocal instrument in her younger years.
• Linda Ronstadt: “When you’re playing the same songs in the same arenas, year after year… you could hear the guitar solo from last week echoing in the building. It was boring.” – Explaining her motivation to explore diverse musical genres and challenge herself beyond her initial rock and pop success.
• Linda Ronstadt: “I miss singing every day. I can’t sing anymore. My voice doesn’t work. I have Parkinson’s disease, and it sometimes takes my words away from me.” – A poignant reflection on the loss of her singing ability due to illness towards the end of the film.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $4,252,657
• Worldwide Gross: $4,252,657

💥 Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, this documentary just knocked me out! Growing up, I knew some of Linda Ronstadt’s hits, but I had no idea of her incredible range and how she just fearlessly jumped between genres. Seeing all that old performance footage was amazing. Her voice was seriously a force of nature, pure and powerful in any style. I especially loved seeing the segments on her country collaborations with Dolly and Emmy, and then how she dove into Mexican music – it really showed her roots and passion. The ending, touching on her Parkinson’s and hearing her try to sing now, was really moving. It’s heartbreaking that such a gift is silenced, but this movie is a beautiful tribute to what she gave us. I came away with such respect and admiration for her as an artist and a person.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Linda Ronstadt”
  • “Music documentary enthusiasts”
  • “Listeners interested in rock, country, folk, and pop history”
  • “People who appreciate powerful vocalists”
  • “Viewers interested in female pioneers in music”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Rated PG-13 for brief strong language and drug material”

Professional Reviews

• The Film Beacon: “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice offers a heartfelt tribute to a truly singular artist. Packed with incredible archival performances, the film showcases Ronstadt’s unparalleled vocal range and fearless genre-hopping. While perhaps a touch too reverent at times, it’s a moving testament to her talent and influence, reminding us just how potent and versatile her voice was.
• Cinema Insights: “This documentary provides a captivating look at Linda Ronstadt’s career, from her folk-rock beginnings to her adventurous explorations in country, standards, and Mexican music. The interviews with peers like Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris add rich context and affection. It’s a celebration of her artistic integrity and resilience, even hinting at the bittersweet ending forced by illness.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were spellbound by the extensive archival performance footage.: Many found it a beautiful, emotional, and informative tribute to a versatile and influential singer. Her voice and willingness to defy expectations by exploring various musical genres were frequently praised.

The interviews with her famous peers like Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris added warmth and insight.: Audiences appreciated the focus on her musical journey and artistic integrity over tabloid drama, though some noted a desire for a deeper dive into personal struggles.

The ending, acknowledging her battle with Parkinson’s, was described as bittersweet and touching.: Many felt the film solidified her status as an American musical treasure and hoped it would introduce her voice to new generations.

Overall Consensus: A widely praised and deeply felt documentary that successfully highlights Linda Ronstadt’s extraordinary voice, versatile career, and lasting impact on music, leaving audiences with profound admiration.

Awards

1. Grammy Award (Various)- None

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Linda Ronstadt’s voiceover narration in the documentary was compiled from numerous interviews given by her over the years, rather than being recorded specifically for the film, due to her difficulty speaking caused by Parkinson’s disease.”
• “The film touches upon Linda Ronstadt’s Mexican heritage and her family’s ancestral home in Banamichi, Mexico, which is featured in the documentary.”
• “The documentary briefly mentions Linda Ronstadt’s relationship with former California Governor Jerry Brown but avoids delving deeply into personal romantic relationships, focusing primarily on her musical career.”
• “The film highlights Linda Ronstadt’s significant role in the formation and early promotion of The Eagles, as members of her touring band went on to form the iconic group.”
• “Filmmakers chose not to include mention of Linda Ronstadt’s adopted children, reportedly to respect her desire to keep them out of the public spotlight, as noted in trivia.”

🖥️ How to Watch Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice?

As a documentary released in 2019, ‘Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice’ is widely available for streaming and digital purchase or rental. You can typically find it on major platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube Movies, Vudu, and often through library services on DVD. Check your preferred digital store or streaming service for current availability and pricing options to watch this acclaimed music documentary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice, you might like these similar films:

• Janis: Little Girl Blue (2015): A direct comparison focusing on another pioneering female rock singer from the same era who navigated the male-dominated music industry.
• 20 Feet from Stardom (2013): Explores the lives of backup singers, connecting thematically to Ronstadt’s collaborations and her role in launching careers of other artists, highlighting the voices behind the scenes.
• Echo in the Canyon (2018): Focuses on the 1960s folk-rock scene in Laurel Canyon, California, where Ronstadt emerged and collaborated with many featured musicians.
• Amy (2015): A critically acclaimed modern biographical documentary about a unique female voice navigating fame and personal struggles in the music industry.
• Troubadours (2011): A documentary about the singer-songwriter scene at The Troubadour club in Los Angeles during the early 1970s, a key venue in Ronstadt’s early career that shaped the era’s sound.

🛒 Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice Related Products

• Linda Ronstadt’s Greatest Hits: A compilation of her most iconic hits, perfect for experiencing the breadth of her early career.
• Simple Dreams: A Memoir: Linda Ronstadt’s autobiography, offering deeper personal insights beyond the film.
• Trio I & II Collection: Includes both albums recorded with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris, showcasing her successful country collaborations.
• Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice Blu-ray/DVD: Own the documentary to rewatch the powerful performances and interviews anytime.

🎧 Soundtrack

Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “You’re No Good” – performed by Linda Ronstadt
• “Blue Bayou” – performed by Linda Ronstadt
• “Different Drum” – performed by The Stone Poneys feat. Linda Ronstadt
• “When Will I Be Loved” – performed by Linda Ronstadt
• “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” – performed by Linda Ronstadt
• “Heart Like a Wheel” – performed by Linda Ronstadt
• “Only The Lonely” – performed by Linda Ronstadt
• “To Know Him Is To Love Him” – performed by Trio (Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris)
• “Canciones de Mi Padre (Medley/Selection)” – performed by Linda Ronstadt
• “Don’t Know Much” – performed by Linda Ronstadt feat. Aaron Neville

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Problem With (Most) Music Biopics

Ever wonder why some music biopics just don’t hit right? This video dives into the challenges of the genre and even touches on Linda Ronstadt’s film, giving you a fresh perspective before or after you watch!

Sheryl Crow “Tumbling Dice” (Rolling Stones/Linda Ronstadt cover) • 4/26/2019

How cool is this? See Sheryl Crow perform live right after a screening of the Linda Ronstadt documentary! It feels like you’re part of the premiere event, and her cover is pretty awesome.

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