Voice Teacher Reacts to LINDA RONSTADT - Vocal Analysis/Fangirling 

She really had it all. Rock singer, Country singer, Ballad singer, Musicals, Spanish....And everyone had a huge crush on her.

She earned 12 Grammy Awards during her career. She encompassed a wide range of musical genres, including rock, jazz, country, Spanish classics and won a Tony Award for her singing in the operetta "Pirates of Penzance" in 1980. Arguably one of the most gifted and talented female singers of all time!

I love Linda 💕💕. In the second clip (You’re No Good) that’s Clydie King on the right and Venetta Fields, two of the female singers from the trio The Blackberries, who were singing backup for Linda. Just in case anyone is interested!

I'm so glad that Linda is still being appreciated for the wonderful artist that she was. Her range of vocal styles throughout her career was so impressive. As a teen in the 1970s I followed her career and eagerly anticipated the release of each next album. Her Stone Pony years, her Nelson Riddle years, her Spanish roots album and her collaborations with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris. She truly is an artist to study and soak in for years to come. And that is completely ignoring the fact that she is a stunningly beautiful woman with a commanding stage presence. Do yourself a favor and search out anything you can find on Linda Ronstadt.

My favorite female singer of all time, there's NOTHING Linda couldn't do. The fact that she can longer sing is such a tragedy, but I'm so glad to have all this video, so we never forget what a legend she is.

73 years old. In 1969 I was in college when I first heard her with the Stone Poneys. Remember most of the music we listened to was AM radio mono through a cheap speaker. So, I knew hearing her she was special. Was fortunate to see her in concert twice. I almost felt she did not need a loudspeaker.

Country, rock, popular classics, Gilbert &Sullivam, who else could do this and pull it off so naturally? . Every single note dead center, and that vibrato. She was a gem

Old jazzman here. Linda was the best female vocalist I’ve ever heard. She was a true musician! Great voice, with a real understanding of the nuances of the music. I miss her.

One of the most endearing qualities of Linda's voice is that she uses it as in instrument, not a bazooka. Nuanced, artistic, delicate yet with strength when needed, she uses her interpretive gifts pleasingly and effectively....unlike some of the autotuned drivel, melodramatic syrup or shrieking and screeching that passes for "range" today. No unnecessary drama here, just subtle beauty....

As a teenager living in London during the 70's I was in a record shop(remember them) and they were playing a song over the sound system called Love has no Pride. I had to ask who it was and bought the album there and then. In the days before the internet it was hard to find out much about this wonderful singer. I bought every album I could find, and even though no one I knew had any idea who she was, I became a huge fan. To this day, I still believe she is one of, if not the greatest female singers of all time. Thank you so much for doing this video

Of all the great songs she sang. Absolute favorite one, was Blue Bayou. Goosebumps still today when hearing that. Incredibly talented, gifted and beautiful woman, she'll always be! ♥️♥️♥️

My dad was HUGE fan of her music, especially mariachi. He has passed so whenever I hear Linda Ronstadt, I tear up 😢. Thank you for the memories ❤

Linda kept developing all through her career. Most pop artists get stuck in replaying their popular songs. Linda has the courage to keep developing as an artist throughout her career. She wasn't afraid to move on.

Thank you for pointing out something I've known for the past 50 years, her talent knows no boundaries. 🔥🙏❤️🌹

The first time I heard Linda was when my brother played "Linda Ronstadt Greatest Hits". A girlfriend gave the album to me when I had to move out of town. Linda's voice filled the house and I sat there stunned and my mom got so excited she began to dance with a big smile on her face..Pretty incredible moment in 1977.

Joyful to hear a professional love her voice on a technical level. I think her voice is heavenly. ❤❤❤

No one can match Linda’s combination of beauty power and versatility. And a looker to boot

I'm 53 and I grew up listening to Linda, Thank you Jesus. She really is the greatest.

Despite her incredible success as a rock 'n' roll performer, she was not afraid to move on. She seemed more afraid to NOT move on. She was driven to keep expanding herself to fulfill her inner desires, and to fully experience her vocal potential, despite what anyone else said or thought about it. She was incredibly confident and courageous, and is a national treasure.

No doubt about Linda....A voice of a century. Especially the Spanish/Mexican songs. Linda has said her favorite songs and singing are the Mexican songs. She said "It makes her voice have little kisses and hearts around it"....Those songs are the deepest and fully realized. I don't even speak Spanish , you don't have to, to get the beauty and vocal heritage of her roots.

Her voice, her generosity (she basically "created" The Eagles). What a legend. Life's not fair..

For me, the greatest thing about the Divine Ms. Ronstadt is her intelligence. It shines through in all of her performances. And she always sang in service of the song--not to show off her great vocal chops, but to convey the mood and meaning of the song.

It's just amazing with such a small frame she can push out that kind of power. Karen Carpenter had the same gift.

It's telling that you're using live performances. No hiding behind studio massaging and production tricks. Just pure versatile talent and ability. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

When you said she didn't use a lot of agility in her pop vocals but she had it, that is so true, but that is one of the main things I like about her. She didn't have the need to show that off and detract from the song the way most vocalists do today. Her enunciation and vocal quality is unsurpassed.

Everyone is making wonderful comments about Linda and I agree. She was "Linda The Perfect". But I want to comment about you. I just love the way you get so excited over these artists. It makes you really fun to watch. I wish you were my neighbor.

Also a lifelong fan of Linda. She had such a beautiful way of placing a catch, or croon in her phrases to pull on your heart strings. Brings to mind the way Patsy Cline could draw every bit of emotion out of a word or phrase.

Linda's attitude about doing something totally different was incredible. When record companies told her she can't do this, it will destroy your career she would say I can't NOT do this. Such a National Treasure. I was in the 4th grade in Tombstone AZ, her high school choir from Tucson was giving concerts at schools all around AZ. Linda sang 4 solos, I believe she was a senior at Catalina High School then, but her voice was so beautiful way back then. I saw 2 of her concerts later in life, just an amazing experience to watch and hear her sing.

I became an instant fan when I heard her sing Different Drum with the Stone Ponies. It only got better from there when she went solo. Then, to add a cherry on top she did the 3 LPs with Nelson Riddle. I'll never forget one time I was visiting my parents and dad and I were in my car and this song, Skylark, came on the car stereo. Dad said, "who is that ? she's fantastic" He grew up in the big band era with all the great singers and was also a fan of Nelson Riddle. It was a great moment.

And to think, her managers and advisors said that the Mariachi album would ruin her career but she didn't balk. She really wanted this. You are so sweet, your enthusiasm is inspiring. I've been listening to her music for over fifty years.

When I learned Linda Ronstadt was no longer singing due to Parkinson's I cried like a baby for a solid hour. My only solace is her recordings and this wonderful analysis that puts words to what we all know and feel about her music.

She was born in 1946, which means she was only 23 in 1969 when Different Drum was released. Such a phenomenal talent! And Pirates of Penzance was SO fun! My all-time favorite song of hers is Long Long Time. 😭😭😭

Linda didn't need to melisma us to death to show how good she was. She was the very best of all time. And if she had developed her operatic voice at a younger age she might have been the greatest "Bel Canto" and Handel singer of her generation.

For some reason, I couldn’t edit my previous comment but I just wanted to add something regarding the last clip. I have watched many many of her live performances and I’ve seen the entire “Canciones de Mi Padre” live show (on video) from start to finish. I enjoyed her Spanish performances most because of the pure joy on her face when she did it. The sheer determination and effort that went into this is just stunning. I’ve read her musical autobiography and seen her documentary and have a whole new appreciation for what went into Linda Ronstadt’s instrument and what went into nurturing it in order to create the end heavenly result. 😇

Power, Pitch, Clarity, Vibrato, Timbre, Resonance, Sustain, and above it all, that remarkable Tone. Linda had it all, and she could sing it all.

Linda was a definite favorite of mine. She and Karen Carpenter taught me how to sing. 😊

So delighted to see one of younger generation and knowledge of the human vice appreciate one of our greatest singers. Thank you

The last Linda Ronstadt song that you selected last sung in Spanish is from an album called "Canciones de mi Padre" released in 1987 which translates to "Songs of My Father". The entire album is in Spanish and even if you don't know the language is just very excellent and fun to listen to.

I grew up in Tucson (Linda's home town) when she was becoming big.. Her family are musical , they play /sang mariachi , even during our street fairs downtown (the clip may have been at the stone pony, a small bar not far from my house, and Im pretty sure she was only @ 18) Prayers for Linda at this time in her life.

So glad that you included Pirates of Penzance and her Latin albums. I especially love her "Mas Canciones" album. When my siblings and I were kids, we would play our VHS tape of Pirates over and over. We loved it so much.💙

Simply one of the most prolific, versatile and powerful singers ever. She literally could sing anything!! Not a "rock" singer' trying standards! Nope. When singing rock, a brilliant rock singer. But when she changed styles, she just became that style and you would never think for a moment that she didn't sing that style her entire career. One of my top three favorite female singers of all-time.

I been in love with Linda's voice since the 70s. Actually got to meet her in 1978. I love what Dolly Parton said about her. She said that Linda could sing the phone book and people would listen and love it.

She was a force of Nature. I loved this video. Her singing can leave you speechless.

I am 77 and I have loved Linda from the very beginning. At that time, though, I was only interested in her "pop" songs. It took me a while to appreciate her versatility. I have a playlist of all my favorites and her version of "My Funny Valentine" is absolutely incredible!!

Great reaction. She's one of my faves all-time also. I especially like the album, "Whats New" just doesn't get any better, thank you. There's a reason she's sold over 100 million records, and has 14 certified platinum's.

Young Lady, you just made my day. Linda is my favorite vocalist of all time. A wonderful voice and a master of the vocal belt, yet able to sing low and soft as well as go into a more classical head voice when called for. She was in my opinion the most versatile singer of my generation. Oh, yeah, I'm 69 years old. I guess that's why today I'm so in love with Floor Jansen because I see so many of Linda's vocal qualities in her and she also has that devil may care attitude when it comes to trying out other genres of music and doing what to others would seem too impossible or too risky for their careers, Linda will always be my favorite and Floor is right up there with her to me. I just listened to Linda's "Faithless Love" and it's still as current in my mind as it was back in the mid 70's. Oh, and yes I have over 20 of her albums on vinyl so I really am a fan...I miss the sound of her voice...

what a gift she had. We are fortunate to have her records available for us to continue hearing this talent.

Excellent video. I love seeing and hearing people honor Linda’s work. I was fortunate to grow up listening to Linda and attending her many of her concerts. I love how you explain what she is doing when she sings. Each song is so familiar to me but what blessing to understand more about the mastery of her voice. Thank you so much!

Stumbled upon this during my usual Linda Ronstadt marathon and I have to say, the only thing better than listening to Linda is watching you listen to Linda, lol, your smile is amazing.

Linda is one of the most beautiful voices. I love the way she was able to sing anything. I love all her music. Linda grew up in a very musical family, where she probably learned how to control her voice listening to her family sing. She is awesome.

Linda Ronstadt always made it seem so effortless. She never ever sounded as if she was straining for a note, even when she was belting it out. Only a few other female singers had that voice quality - Karen Carpenter and Eva Cassidy come to mind Besides, of course, the fact that her pitch was always dead on, and the emotion always came through no matter what she sang. I'll never get tired of her voice.

There are certain notes that she hits that make me tear up. Just the pure beauty of it

Well, this was a delightful discovery today. I am the kind of fan you described when talking about your own admiration for the most beautiful voice on the planet. I could go on for pages about how her music has enriched my life but I am just going to enjoy the rest of this video and assume I will communicate with you in the future. 🌺✌️

Amazing voice, amazing talent, amazing women, amazing, amazing. Linda's ability to cross over a wide range of music, Rock, Country, Jazz, Opera, Spanish Folklorical make her a true American treasure. I love you Linda 💖

Such a beautiful, clear voice. My favorite recordings are the Great American Songbook ones with Nelson Riddle. So many gorgeous songs on those. They never get old.

And those examples only begin to scratch the surface. Have seen Linda numerous times over the years and... She NEVER failed to impress! ✌

It is a delight to hear your voice analysis. It is just as much a delight to observe you do the analysis. You are professional while showing your enjoyment of expresssing your praise of Linda R.. Thank you !

I've always been in awe of her mid-range - so rich and powerful. Then, hearing her sing those high notes in Pirates of Penzance is just unbelievable. Usually, a singer might be good at one or the other (low range or high range), but both? Plus, she was singing all over the scale in perfect control. Really unbelievable and such an inspiration.

Linda Ronstadt is one of the best female singers & can sing any genre from ballads to country to rock & even opera. She has had so many hits such as "Blue Bayou", "You're No Good", "Long Long Time", "Poor Poor Pitiful Me", "Desperado" etc. Ronstadt also did two great duets, "Somewhere Out There" (with James Ingram) & "Don't Know Much" (with Aaron Neville). The Eagles were her backing band till they went out on their own & she has covered a lot of their songs. She also did a couple of "Trio" albums with Dolly Parton & Emmylou Harris.

Much props to you for using a wide range of styles of vocalization from Linda without going to her iconic "Blue Bayou". Some times, I think the masses only know that particular song when referencing her. Well done.

I’ve absolutely adored Linda since I first heard her in the 70s. It wasn’t cool as a kid to like her music, but I was drawn to it to such an extent that peer pressure just didn’t even come into the equation. Even today, and knowing how incredible she is as an artist., I’m still surprised every time I hear her sing. I know how good she is, and yet every time I hear her I can’t believe what I’m hearing, even though I should know. I don’t know whether that makes any sense. I think it’s that my brain can’t process that someone can be that good, so the second she stops singing. I forget how good it was, and then it surprises me again. And it’s everything she touches. Whether it’s rock, pop, country, operetta, it’s all unbelievable. I will love her my entire life. I can say that with absolute certainty.

She's the most versatile female singer that I know of.

I still play her Nelson Riddle album all the time....glad you showed the Pirates clip also...I'm 80 years old and she was THE ONE in my day.

I saw Linda in concert four times. Three times at the ~20,000 capacity Merriweather Post Pavilion, but the first time was the very small Ritchie Coliseum, a glorified gymnasium that also hosts music events and was across Rt 1 from the University I attended. It was December 1974 at the beginning of her Heart Like A Wheel tour. I was right in front of the stage on the basketball court seated on canvas. It was a magical performance and I completely share your enthusiasm for her singing. I recently heard Dolly Parton speaking of her time with Linda and Emmy Lou Harris recording as The Trio. Dolly loves Linda, but says she can be a "Pain in the ass!" Paraphrasing - 'Linda would want to do another take and have me try something new. And I said I'll sing it again but it will be the same way as before because I can't do the things you can do.' Linda's voice was unique and it's just so sad that it's lost to us now. 😭

I didn't think you would mention her mariachi album. It became one of the most iconic in that style of Mexican music. She has a special place in our hearts because of it. The voice inflections she makes like the one you mention are what gave authenticity to her interpretations and are some of the things that make this music so fun and enjoyable.

She is the most extraordinary talent. My favorite is her rendition of a Roy Orbison song: “Blue Bayou” OH MY!! I could listen to that all day on repeat. Also loved her with Dolly Parton & Emmy Lou Harris.

I had all her albums in the seventies. Loved her covers of Warren Zevon songs.

Last of the baby boomer here, I couldn’t believe she sang a wide range of Mexican music, giving Spanish singing women a huge surprise, up there with legends. I enjoyed watching U watching her let loose, thanks!

My teenage crush! And I still adore her! She could kill it with gutbucket rock/blues/country and pivot and make you cry with a soulful rendition of a ballad. The fact that she covered some great artists, like Buddy Holly, The Everly Brothers, Martha and the Vandellas, Little Anthony and the Imperials, and Smokey Robinson, and make her renditions her own is magical, and a tribute to her talent.

The last note off Bluer Bayou is the most perfect and beautiful I have ever heard.

Thanks for all of these comments,. I have worked with many wonderful singers in the course of my career but Linda is the greatest. So exciting to see her being so thoughtfully appreciated.

The last two were so amazing to me. I had no idea she did either of those, and was more familiar with her contemporary rock sound. I would have been impressed with those two performances no matter who it was, because they were amazing, but it was quite eye opening to realize that it was her, just out experimenting with something different, and killing it! What a star. Thanks for sharing these!

It is so refreshing to hear "you" explain what "we" are hearing! Truly entertaining!!

Long, Long Time = best vocal performance in the history of pop music. And she just sings the melody.

The most talented and versatile vocalist EVER!!!

Linda was my first album cover crush. And listening to her voice just makes you fall in love with her even more. I can't remember anyone having a voice quite like her with it being so sweet and mellow with and with a range that bring out a powerhouse. With "Different Drum" which was written by Mike Nesmith of the Monkees, but she made it her own. She even gave her band a break, a little group known as the Eagles. I remember my baby sister dancing with my grandfather to "Blue Bayou" with her standing on his shoes.

Hearing Linda for the first time in the early '70s, she had such a rich tone to her voice and it came from the diaphragm where it should. Such a naturally gifted singer.

One of my favorite singers of all time. She started off great and kept getting better for so many years.

I'm with you. Linda is so humble but THE BEST ❤️💕 she is a natural. I think that she is not fully aware of how really good she is absolutely wonderful 💕 love her ❤️❤️❤️

In the 70's every youngsters had her poster on the wall , she was every boy dream , her music spoke to people and she produced tons of great music .thanks for your reaction

Yeah my mom saw a dual concert of Linda Ronstadt and Emmy Lou Harris!!! She said it was absolutely amazing!!!

Not only was she a unique talent, but also a very generous artist when it came to supporting other artists. That says a lot about her too.

Different Drum is such a heart-throb song. You can't listen to this without falling in love with her a little.

Linda nearly brings me to tears whenever I listen to her singing Jimmy Webb's The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, and Blue Bayou? Well, you know.💞

Skylark - "And in your lonely flight"...the sustained tone on "...flight..."; I'm not ashamed to say that stabbed me right in the heart. Such emotion. Thank you for reminding me of her, and and helping me fall in love with her voice all over again.

She completely controls her voice and uses modulations and overtones very professionally, without being afraid to reach even splitting. Bravo to the great vocalist!

Nice change up video Beth. I’m also a fan of LR and love her work but it was interesting to get your insights into her vocal ability. Awesome!❤

I love that you discovered Linda and all her many genres of music! She was and still is one of my greatest inspirations as a vocalist. She's one of the best belters of all time, but can go into a head voice mix just as easily. Go Linda!

Brilliant! A wonderful choice for listeners who appreciate an incredibly versatile and powerful vocalist. I cannot think of anyone who started in country, pop, rock and moved on to big band, operetta, and mariachi. Her performances in each genre are fantastic. What a huge talent.

That "whimpery" sound in her last number - the ode to her heritage - is actually very common with vocalists of this genre. Just the same, it's very cool to hear her do it so well. It is what made her album Canciones de mi Padre so authentic.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for showing the full range of Linda’s voice,through different genres, throughout her career. Growing up in Tucson, we were always proud to hear her music as it played on the radio, with the announcement, “and here’s Tucson’s own, Linda Ronstadt!”

I agree! Linda Ronstadt is definitely one of the best vocalists of all time. I had the pleasure to see her in concert when she was in her heyday. I also was fortunate enough to see her in the Broadway production of Pirates of Penzance with Kevin Kline in 1981. Amazing performance!! The voice of an angel💃

*The Vocalyst* I love you for this post! You lovingly analyzed Linda Ronstadt voice. I idolize this singer. Now I want to see your other videos. Definitely subscribed and liked this post!

She and Nelson did those songs justice. The first song what's new was a very impressive rendering.

I saw her in Pirates on Broadway. The show won a tony for best revival and Ronstadt was nominated for best actress in a musical.

Yesterday I saw your reaction to PMJ - Morgan James' version of Dream On. Today I got to see you do this. It's delightful to watch YOU watching something you enjoy so much! True joy for us. Thanks for the gift of experiencing and sharing your joy with us!

It's extraordinary how she was able to master so many different genres of music. She even did opera, hitting all the soprano high notes. Truly a unique, broke the mold kind of a talent.

Her duet with Aaron Neville was our wedding song. She is one of those most beautiful singers of all time. ♥️♥️♥️

This encompasses Linda's versatility and capability completely. Thank you.

Great episode Bethany! Linda is one of the great female singers who could sing any genre of music.