In 1980, Linda Ronstadt was at a pivotal, transformative turning point in her life and career, defined by a bold transition from the “Queen of Rock” to a celebrated Broadway theater star.
Frustrated with the limits of stadium rock, Ronstadt shocked the music industry by moving to New York City to star in the New York Shakespeare Festival’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic operetta, The Pirates of Penzance. She played the innocent, high-soprano lead role of Mabel.
Critics doubted a rock star could handle the demanding operatic vocal ranges required for the part. The show opened in Central Park in August 1980 to rave reviews and massive commercial success. Her performance silenced critics, shattered box office records, and eventually earned her a Tony Award nomination.
Before hitting the stage, Ronstadt released her tenth studio album, Mad Love, in February 1980. The record featured a distinct, aggressive New Wave and punk-infused sound. She covered tracks by Elvis Costello and moved away from her signature 1970s country-rock style. The album was a commercial hit, entering the charts at number five (a record-breaking debut for a female artist at the time) and quickly going platinum.
Visually, Ronstadt debuted a dramatic makeover in 1980 to match her musical shift. She traded her iconic 1970s long hair, peasant blouses, and hoop earrings for a short, spiked, modern New Wave haircut and edgy, minimalist fashion. This striking look was famously captured by photographer Annie Leibovitz for the cover of Rolling Stone, as well as by Martha Swope in her studio portraits:
0 comments:
Post a Comment