Like many artists, Linda Ronstadt had to go through some rocky patches before finally hitting it big. When she did find success, Ronstadt enjoyed four decades of hits and still enjoys chart success. Her career started when she met guitarist Bob Kimmel while at college and they teamed up with guitarist and songwriter Kenny Edwards to create Stone Poneys. The trio started playing in California's folk scene in the 1960s and released three albums before Ronstadt left for a solo career in 1968. Her first few albums explored both her country and folk interests, but had only mediocre results on the charts.

That all changed when Ronstadt released Heart Like a Wheel in 1974, which was a carefully chosen mix of covers and new songs. The combination was magic and pushed the album to selling 2 million copies with singles like "You're No Good" and "I Can't Help It If I'm Still in Love With You." Hasten Down the Wind came next in 1976, and Ronstadt embarked on her first European tour that same year. She was a music superstar as she added in elements of rock to her style and released hit albums like Simple Dreams and Living in the U.S.A.

Entering the 1980s, Ronstadt continued her journey of success. Her early 1980s albums like the new wave album Mad Love (1980) and Get Closer (1982). Her success waned slightly with her 1982 release, but Ronstadt shot back to the top after releasing What's New and Lush Life. Ronstadt is half Mexican and explored that heritage by releasing a Spanish album in 1987 called Canciones de Mi Padre, which did well on the Billboard 200. Ronstadt has released more Spanish albums since as well as moving into more contemporary pop with her later releases. Recently, she collaborated with Ann Savoy in 2006 and released Adieu False Heart.