Ep 828. Linda Ronstadt, Part 1

In season 7 episode 828 of Tavis Smiley, the focus is on legendary singer Linda Ronstadt. This is the first of a three-part series featuring Ronstadt, during which she discusses her life, career, and music. Ronstadt is a well-known figure in the world of rock and roll, having been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

The episode begins with a brief introduction of Ronstadt, followed by a clip of one of her most famous performances of "You're No Good". Tavis Smiley sits down with Ronstadt to begin the interview, asking her about her upbringing in Arizona. Ronstadt talks about growing up in a musical family and how her father, who was a Mexican-American musician, influenced her love for music.

The conversation then moves to Ronstadt's early career, when she was a lead singer for the Stone Poneys. She talks about how she came to be a part of the band and how they eventually signed a record deal. Ronstadt also shares her thoughts on being a woman in the music industry at that time and how it was a challenge to be taken seriously. Despite the obstacles, she persisted and went on to achieve massive success as a solo artist.

Ronstadt talks about her approach to music and how she always tried to stay true to herself as an artist. She explains that she never wanted to be pigeonholed into one genre and liked to explore different styles of music. Ronstadt also discusses her collaborations with various artists, including Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris.

The interview takes a more personal turn when Ronstadt talks about her battle with Parkinson's disease and how it has affected her singing career. She discusses her decision to retire from singing and how difficult it was to come to terms with the fact that she may never be able to sing again. Ronstadt also talks about her advocacy work for Parkinson's research and her hope for finding a cure.

The episode ends with a clip of Ronstadt performing "Different Drum" with the Stone Poneys. Tavis Smiley thanks her for coming on the show and promises that there will be more to come in the next two episodes of the series.

Overall, the episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and career of one of the most successful and influential female artists of all time. Ronstadt's candidness and humility make her an endearing and relatable figure, while her talent and drive are truly inspiring. Fans of Ronstadt and music lovers in general will not want to miss this episode.