Linda Ronstadt Documentary Secures Distribution After Positive Reviews

The upcoming Linda Ronstadt documentary called Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice will soon be headed to a theater (hopefully) near you. Produced in part by CNN Films, there was at least the notion the film might be broadcast on the cable news station only. But Greenwich Entertainment and 1091 have co-acquired the North American distribution rights to the film after positive reviews at film festivals, and plan to have the documentary open in theaters come September.
Featuring Jackson Browne, Emmylou Harris, Don Henley, Aaron Neville, Dolly Parton, and Bonnie Raitt, The Sound of My Voice includes rare photos from Ronstadt’s childhood in Tucson, Arizona, and archival footage from many of her most iconic performances. Linda Ronstadt helps narrate the film, which covers her life up until her retirement from performing due to Parkinson’s Disease in 2011.
The film debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 26th to mostly positive reviews, holding a 75% rating on rotten tomatoes at the moment, with the only criticisms of the film being that it’s more of a documentary-style release as opposed to a more dramatic biopic. On IMBD, the film holds a 9.4/10 rating. It also won the HBO Audience Award / Best Documentary Feature at the Provincetown Film Festival.
The film was directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman from Telling Pictures. Epstein has won two Academy Awards for his work directing documentaries previously (Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt, and The Times of Harvey Milk), and Jeffry Friedman was nominated for an Academy Award for the Netflix short documentary End Game. The Linda Ronstadt documentary was produced by James Keach, Michele Farinola, Rob Epstein, and Jeffrey Friedman.
Though known just as much for being a pop and rock performer, Linda Ronstadt began her music career in country, covering many classic country songs on her early albums, and earning three #1 albums in the genre in the 70’s, as well as a Grammy Award. She also participated in the award-winning supergroup called Trio with Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton, who both appear in The Sound of My Voice. Trio landed Linda her second country music Grammy in 1987.
It was also recently announced that Ronstadt will be on of this year’s recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors, along with Sally Field, Sesame Street, conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, and Earth, Wind and Fire. The event will air on PBS December 15th.
July 22, 2019 @ 9:57 am
Many of us who are fans of Linda’s have been advocating for this film to get a theatrical release, because I think it’s easy for people to forget just how much of an impact she has had on female artists over the last fifty years, whether it’s been in pop, folk, country, or rock. It is also way too easy to fault her for supposedly not having been “charismatic” on stage, when it was the sheer power and skill she had with her voice that helped make the connection with her fans and her peers stick. This film should go a long way to making the case for her (IMHO).
July 22, 2019 @ 12:14 pm
There’s just something validating by a film getting into theaters as opposed to just airing on a cable TV station in some off peak weekend time slot. This has to feel like a “win” for everyone involved.
July 22, 2019 @ 11:26 am
Thanks for this, Very much looking forward to it. And certainly not looking forward to any comments which show up today complaining that this doesn’t belong in a country music blog.
July 22, 2019 @ 12:54 pm
As a HUGE fan of Ms. Ronstadt since 1976, and having the opportunity to see her perform live in larger and smaller venues (she looked great in the Cub Scout uniform lol), l will say that Linda never acted the diva. Rather, she preferred to perform and be perceived as part of an ensemble of very talented musicians, be it a full orchestra, or with the mariachi, or in excellentCalifornia country rock band, or harmonizing with her 2 amigas, Dolly and Emmylou. Music is a collaborative effort, and she saw herself in performance as the vocalist in an ensemble. I’m certain the footage from her live shows will delight her long term fans, and for moviegoers liess familiar with her stellar career, they will definitely see and appreciate the power, range, technical control and emotional connection She brought to every one of her recordings that made her is one of the most Exceptional female vocalists of our time, in good stead with the divas. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the documentary at a movie theater near me!
Linda has always been somewhat the unsung hero of 20th century American music; it is fitting that she’s being acknowledged with this documentary made by some very fine movie makers.
July 22, 2019 @ 12:57 pm
My first meeting with Linda was in 1972, at Disneyland. Sam Riddle & I were asked to host Grad Night, so that a few thousand Southern California high school graduates could see Smokey & The Miracles, the Staple Singers and Linda Ronstadt…her band later known as The Eagles. Years later I had listened to “Women ‘Cross the River” and once you hear it, and see the video, you, too, will be taken with the writing and overall production. I ran into Linda at Govinda’s, here in Tucson and told her what I thought of the song. I asked her who produced it, and she told me she did. Linda was blessed with so much talent! I am glad to have gotten to know her… and that voice. Greg Shannon
July 22, 2019 @ 1:16 pm
Divine pipes – anyone who came to Ronstadt, especially in the 70s, knows how gorgeous and rare her voice was. Probably the most “charismatic” female performer I ever witnessed in 70s and 80s. Genre be damned. She, more than just about anyone else, pioneered and popularized country rock and when she took that voice elsewhere, well Viva Linda. Can’t wait to see this film.
My goodness she’s just been named a Kennedy Center Honoree and this year had a #1 album on Amazon and I-tunes. This notion of her being “under recognized” really needs to be put to bed. She has been lauded big-time since the publication of her memoir as she began to ” step out” more after years of being very reclusive.
July 22, 2019 @ 1:54 pm
For those of us not fortunate to live in a large metropolitan area, will the film be broadcast on CNN as well?
July 22, 2019 @ 1:57 pm
There is no official word, but my guess is it will receive wide distribution once it’s done with its theater run.
July 22, 2019 @ 4:29 pm
I think CNN televises this early next year. But one hopes that a DVD release happens first.
July 22, 2019 @ 2:00 pm
I, along with ever other high school boy in the late 60’s had a serious crush on her.
July 23, 2019 @ 12:07 pm
Yup.
July 22, 2019 @ 2:08 pm
She is an amazing singet3with z heart of gold
She is a d has always been one of the most talented I know.
Much respect and love. I still love her music so much. God bless
July 22, 2019 @ 2:23 pm
She was my first concert! I have followed her through all of her genres and loved her Big Band efforts. Beautiful woman with a beautiful voice. Parkinson’s sux.
July 22, 2019 @ 2:38 pm
Great fan of the lady with the beautiful, powerful voice….so sad about her disability but she’ll always be remembered.
July 22, 2019 @ 3:14 pm
One of my earlier music memories is my father playing Blue Bayou on cassette in the car. I’ll be down for a watch for the nostalgia.
July 22, 2019 @ 4:12 pm
Seen her at radio city in New york , gave her roses ! One of my greatest moments of my life
July 22, 2019 @ 4:12 pm
I see that Linda Ronstadt is receiving the Kennedy Center Honors treatment this year, too. She’s a national treasure.
July 22, 2019 @ 4:43 pm
Iconic voice
One of my Favs of All Time
Always sang her in Karaoke
July 22, 2019 @ 5:57 pm
Miss Ronstadt was apart of childhood, being mexican & white, gay. Her talent was my go to when I was beat by my father, ridiculed at school. She brought light to my blue life. Her voice is what I turn to today. She will always be a teacher of voice in my heart.
July 23, 2019 @ 2:07 am
…kindred spirit, here. My first big gay “love affair” and “breakup” occurred during the “Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind” era. The album remains as my all-time favorite Ronstadt recording – it’s my “go to” when I’m faced with the need to escape into deep emotional waters. I believe it’s an example of the perfect pop recording – not only accomplishing the lyrical feat (mostly due to Jimmy Webb & Carla Bonoff) of taking the listener through the deepest of lows (“Shattered”) to the highest of highs (“Trouble Again”) – as well as offering immaculate Ronstadt vocals accompanied by pristine orchestral arrangements. Side note, Linda Ronstadt is the only female vocalist that Barbra Streisand has publicly stated she believes her better, delaying her own recording of “standards” due to her belief she could never best Ronstadt’s efforts.
July 23, 2019 @ 8:38 pm
Thank you for sharing. It’s amazing how music can save us.
July 22, 2019 @ 7:07 pm
Ms Ronstadt has been my most favorite female vocalist since 1976. While I feel the loss of her voice acutely, I’m grateful for the recordings that captured her songs, enabling future generations to experience her magic. Her voice lives on.
July 22, 2019 @ 8:06 pm
As a vocalist/sometimes composer Linda was and IS my “go to” Teacher as a poor, but culturally Rich Person thanks to all the “Stages” I have visited via Linda! I was blessed to see her at the Warfield with the Mariachis/Tahoe with Nelson and the SB Bowl a few times in some retrospectives…SHE DEFINED female musicianship for me, and as a person aspiring in voice with a disability, a severe orthodontic jaw injury, singing her stuff and trying so hard to “learn” was ultimately by the Teacher of Audio, Miss Linda,,,a journey of the Ear and the inward Journey of learning to LISTEN…..only those who know how,,,,do and appreciate as much! Goddess Bless Linda in all her remaining days for STICKING to her pop guns and hand held weapons of faith and aural powers
July 22, 2019 @ 8:48 pm
Linda Linda Linda if you ever seen or heard her you were hooked. Linda modest and all for the music it’s a shame today’s singers have to have a gala for a concert. Linda’s concert was all about the music no faking it or side show. Sad she cannot perform today but so bless I have my recordings she has put to vinyl. Love her beauty and her heavenly voice. So glad I grew up when she was performing.
July 22, 2019 @ 9:41 pm
i love her voice. true talent. things change in life , and she will always be remembered as the best of the best!
July 23, 2019 @ 10:20 am
Linda ronstadt ! Buenisima para cantar musics ranchera ! In Spanish ????????????❤️????
July 23, 2019 @ 3:00 pm
One of the all timegreatest female vocalists ever. I saw Linda open for Paul Butterfield Blues circa 1967 at the Bitter End, New York NY. Parkinson’s cut her career short. I was inspired by Linda, Muhammed Ali, and Michael Fox to get DBS for my own diagnosis of ET/Parkinson’s
July 23, 2019 @ 4:57 pm
You know, I’ve been seeing these article’s lately abut the “GREATEST WOMAN IN R&R” and Singers such as Stevie Nicks, Ann, and Nancy Wilson, Janis Joplin and that’s great! because the mentioned Woman deserves to be on that list but!!!! When you put other Singer’s such as Gwen Stefanie and Taylor Swift on the same list WITHOUT ANY MENTION OF LINDA RONSTADT… it’s very upsetting to me!! Why would you put Gwen and Taylor on that list at all!!…if it wasn’t for Ronstadt… some of the newbie’s would not be singer’s today as Linda Ronstadt was one of the BEST FEMALE SINGER’S EVER!! WHO OPENED THE DOOR FOR THESE SINGER’S OF TODAY.
July 23, 2019 @ 6:37 pm
My very first concert. Andrew Gold opened for her. I have always loved her pure strong voice. She is beautiful inside and out. Not stuck on herself like so many if these new so-called singers on the radio. They can’t hold a candle to Linda. She was the first I heard sing Desperado, I Will Always Love You and Willin’. Just can’t say enough about her.
July 23, 2019 @ 6:41 pm
I’m glad to see Linda is finally getting this well-deserved honor. It seems she has received almost every award possible now except one. She needs to be recognized as a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame for her contributions to and influence in the country music field. In her prime era, I think she was cited as an influence by new female country artists more than any other singer except for Patsy Cline.
July 24, 2019 @ 7:14 am
Yes, the country music industry has been the slowest to recognize the impact she has had on it, even when it is from the West Coast, though peers like Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, and more recent ones like Margo Price and Kelsey Waldon, have done so.
Still, Linda is touched and flattered by these accolades she has gotten in recent years, only in a way that is extremely modest (arguably even self-deprecating). She always thought of herself as a singer, pure and simple, albeit one who has mastered pretty much every style that is in her musical DNA. To her, it is doing the work as such that has meant the most to her, and not being showered with prizes. Her famous quote (and again, I wish Nashville would take this to heart, since their constant awards shows are creating swelled egos there) is: “If you’re doing it for prizes, you’re in big trouble.”
July 23, 2019 @ 8:35 pm
I’ve loved Linda ever since my late father gave me a CD of her greatest hits when I was a teenager. I fell in love with her voice instantly. I used to listen to “Blue Bayou” on repeat and sing along to it, and many of her other wonderful songs. I hope this documentary reminds people how important she is! I look forward to watching it.
July 24, 2019 @ 7:18 pm
Another thing I think is instructive to point out, given the whole imbroglio we’ve had over “pop/country” and the muddying of country music by Lil Nas X, Florida-Georgia Line, and others, is that Linda, perhaps more than anyone else, actually blurred the lines between pop and country at her apex in a way that was, surprisingly, largely non-controversial. She had this habit of getting material of hers that was quite blatantly NOT country at all onto country radio (“Back In The USA”; “Poor, Poor, Pitiful Me”; “That’ll Be The Day”), and there was almost no objection to it. And then you have the fact that she was the first female artist to have the same album (HEART LIKE A WHEEL) at #1 on both the pop and country album charts, plus a #1 pop hit (“You’re No Good”) during the same Billboard chart week (February 15, 1975), AND a song at #7 on the C&W singles chart, headed for #2 (“I Can’t Help It If I’m Still In Love With You”).
In every sense of the term, Linda not only broke whatever rules there may have been about female singers, but she basically said that, as far as she was concerned, there were NO rules, and she made no apologies in saying so. Ask not only current admirers like Trisha or Martina, and especially her good pal Emmylou Harris, and they will say the same thing. It appears that this documentary film is going to make the case for this reality (IMHO).
July 25, 2019 @ 12:16 pm
Here is the two-and-a-half minute trailer for THE SOUND OF MY VOICE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDMYAsu5PvI
August 18, 2019 @ 9:19 pm
Linda FINALLY got a star this year on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this year!