Watch Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice

As a groundbreaking and influential artist, Linda Ronstadt's life and legacy are explored in the documentary film "Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice," released in 2019. The film is directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffery Friedman, who previously collaborated on the documentaries "The Celluloid Closet" and "Howl." The documentary takes a look at Ronstadt's life, starting from her childhood in Tucson, Arizona, where she had a passion for singing traditional Mexican music with her family. It follows her journey to Los Angeles in the mid-1960s, where she began performing with various folk and rock bands, ultimately establishing herself as an important member of the country-rock movement of the 70s. Ronstadt's music was not limited to just one genre, however, as she would go on to experiment with pop, jazz, opera, and Mexican folk music throughout her career.

The film uses a combination of archival footage and interviews with Ronstadt, family members, and colleagues, as well as fellow singers Bonnie Raitt and Dolly Parton, to paint a picture of Ronstadt's life and her musical contributions. Her personal struggles, including her battle with Parkinson's Disease and her decision to retire from performing, are also chronicled in the film.

One of the primary themes of the film is Ronstadt's role as a trailblazer for women in music. At a time when women were still fighting for their place in the industry, Ronstadt's success as a solo artist and collaborations with other female musicians like Emmylou Harris and Parton helped to pave the way for future generations of women in music.

The film is not just a celebration of Ronstadt's life and career, however, as it also touches on important social and political issues of the time. Ronstadt was an outspoken opponent of the Vietnam War and played a key role in the music industry's boycott of Arizona after the state refused to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The music itself is a key component of the documentary, with clips of Ronstadt's live performances, music videos, and recordings interspersed throughout. Viewers are treated to some of her biggest hits, including "You're No Good," "Different Drum," and "Blue Bayou." There are also performances from her collaborations with Harris and Parton, which include their rendition of Neil Young's "After the Gold Rush" and their hit single "Trio."

Overall, "Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice" is a moving tribute to an influential and iconic musician. The film is both a celebration of her achievements and a recognition of her struggles, and it serves as a reminder of the lasting impact she has had on the music industry. With interviews from some of her closest friends and colleagues, the documentary paints a picture of Ronstadt as not just a talented artist, but also an important feminist and advocate for social justice.

Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 77.