Often dismissed by rock historians as a product of the antiseptic Californian country-music scene, an artist who relied on watered-down covers of classic rock n' roll and pop standards, this description of Linda Ronstadt couldn't be further from the truth. Throughout a recording career that has covered more than forty years she has recorded in a remarkable variety of styles from pure country to pop, light opera to big band standards and new wave to mariachi, often taking risks beyond the reach of many critically acclaimed artists. It would be hard, if not impossible, to find another vocalist who has had a more diversified career. In their press release for the album Winterlight her record company managed to convey exactly what it was that made Linda Ronstadt such a special artist.
