Linda Ronstadt

Singer. Born on July 14, 1946, in Tucson, Arizona. From a musically inclined family, Ronstadt left college to her dreams of being a singer in Los Angeles. Although she recorded and performed with the Stone Poneys and a solo artist for years, she finally found success with Heart Like a Wheel (1974). The album had several hits, including "You're No Good" and "When Will I Be Loved." The album went platinum-meaning it sold more than one million copies-as did her next few albums, establishing her as a music superstar during the 1970s.

In 1980s, Ronstadt tried her hand at pop standards, working with famed arranger Nelson Riddle. Together they put out three albums: Lush Life (1982), What's New (1983), and For Sentimental Reasons (1986). She also explored her Hispanic heritage by recording a Spanish-language album Canciones de Mi Padre (1987), which was filled with traditional Mexican songs like the ones her father loved. Two other Spanish-language albums followed-Mas Canciones (1990) and Frenesi (1992).

Ronstadt continues to experiment with different musical styles. In collaboration with Ann Savoy, she takes on Cajun music in her latest album Adieu False Heart (2006). While she still records new material and performs live, Ronstadt has slowed down a bit in recent years, choosing to spend more time with her family. She lives with her two adopted children in her hometown of Tucson.