Linda Ronstadt: The Sound Of My Voice — 4 Gavels 88% Rotten Tomatoes

Immediately noticeable about Linda Ronstadt is how easy she makes it look. From pop to R&B to opera to Latino, her voice is one for the ages. Linda Ronstadt: The Sound Of My Voice is a documentary of the first female rock star and the choices she makes to control her own career, often contrary to the wishes of her studio executives. Remember Rick Nelson and Garden Party “but if memories were all I sang, I’d rather drive a truck?” Linda is compelled to sing new songs, old songs, sing with others, even in a complementary role. Determined not to be categorized, she explores, helping other women like Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton along the way. I give the film 4 Gavels and it receives an 88% Rotten Tomatoes rating with a near unanimous 99% Audience score.

Plot

From childhood to her present battle with Parkinson’s disease, from the Stone Poneys to her fling with Gov. Jerry Brown, this is Linda Ronstadt non-stop. Which one is your favorite? You’re No Good, When Will I Be Loved, Blue Bayou, Don’t Know Much with Aaron Neville, and many, many, more bring back memories.

Actors

No actors needed, just the best of her profession. Hear from Jackson Browne, David Geffen, Bonnie Raitt, Cameron Crowe, Don Henley and others who love this woman.

Final Thoughts

Insecure in her talent, but never so in her goals, Linda Ronstadt paves the way for future generations of young women. The grind and loneliness of the road with only male musicians takes a toll as she has a dalliance with diet pills. But, throughout it all, the family influence remains the strongest. Her maternal grandfather was a prolific inventor with over 700 patents. Her father was of Mexican heritage; Linda enamored with his beautiful baritone voice. All in all, this is quite the music lovers delight and a good musical history follow-up to Echo In The Canyon. Not sure where you will find this one outside an indie theater, but I’d add it to your to-do list as it is well worth the 95 minutes of solid gold!