KCETLink in Partnership with Writers Bloc Presents an Interview with Rock Icon Linda Ronstadt

Grammy Award winner Linda Ronstadt discusses new memoir, Simple Dreams and her recent diagnosis of Parkinsons disease with journalist/radio personality Patt Morrison to air on KCETLink

BURBANK, CALIF. - Sept. 10, 2013 - Climbing to the top of the music industry is a feat for any artist, especially if youre a woman in the male-dominated music industry. Linda Ronstadt is one of the few female rock icons who not only broke through the glass ceiling, but remains one of the most adored performers of our era.

KCETLink, in partnership with the literary series Writers Bloc, will televise a special interview on Oct. 15 at 9:00 p.m. with Ronstadt and award-winning journalist and radio personality, Patt Morrison, discussing the rockers latest memoir, Simple Dreams. Ronstadt exposes the long and difficult road to becoming the most successful rock singer of the 70s and also reveals her inability to sing again due to her recent diagnosis of Parkinsons disease. The live event, filmed by KCETLink, took place on Sept. 24 at the Ann and Jerry Moss Theater at New Roads School in Santa Monica.

Ronstadt performed with the biggest names in rock--The Doors, The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Jackson Browne to name a few. Her backup band went on to become The Eagles. In rock, country, (and her fusion of the two genres), traditional Mexican songs, jazz and her association with Nelson Riddle on the Great American Songbook, Ronstadt has continuously and consistently reinvented her style and focus.

Her magnificent voice, soulful and thrilling interpretations of her songs, and genre-bending style catapulted her to the top with fans, but the male-dominated world of rock was surprisingly sexist and painful. In her memoir, Simple Dreams, Ronstadt leads us through the landscape of her musical and personal journey. Her landmark hit with the Stone Poneys, Different Drum, kick-started what would become an unbroken strand of great hits. She talks about her familys profound influence on her musical development.as well as the fishbowl-like relationship with our then--and current governor, Jerry Brown. Ronstadt also chronicles her recent diagnosis of Parkinsons Disease, disclosing that she can no longer sing.

Were thrilled to showcase the dynamic conversation of such a significant music icon like Ms.Ronstadt and an influential story-teller like Ms. Morrison, said Bohdan Zachary, Vice President, Broadcast, Syndication & Production for KCETLink. Sharing this inspirational story with our diverse viewers helps us remain dedicated to providing quality, substantive programming to the public.

The fourth production of the series, KCETLink Presents, KCETLink continues to offer enlightening and unique specials to audiences on KCET and Link TV, co-produced with acclaimed organizations such as L.A. based Writers Bloc, a nonprofit literary series. Previous KCETLink Presents productions included Eva Longoria and Justice Sonia Sotomayor; Sony Pictures CEO Michael Lynton and Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg; and author and journalist Shereen El Feki and comedian Omar Elba.

The executive producers for the Linda Ronstadt Writes Bloc special are KCETLinks Bohdan Zachary and Writers Bloc founder Andrea Grossman. Funding for this special is made possible by a grant from Bobby and Donna Colomby.

###

ABOUT KCETLink

KCETLink is the new national independent public transmedia organization formed by the merger between KCET and Link Media. A viewer-supported 501c(3) organization, its content is distributed nationally via satellite on DirecTV and DISH Networks, in Southern and Central California via broadcast, as well as through various digital delivery systems. KCET and Link TV are services of KCETLink. For additional information about KCETLink productions, web-exclusive content, programming schedules and events, please visit kcet.org or linktv.org.

ABOUT WRITERS BLOC

Writers Bloc (writersblocpresents.com) is a nonprofit literary series, now in its 17th season, dedicated to bringing to Los Angeles our favorite writers, artists and critics who have made a significant impact on our cultural landscape. Andrea Grossman is the founder and executive producer.

LINK:	http://www.kcet.org/about/pressroom/press-releases/kcetlink-in-partner...
	See more stories from kcet

Most recent headlines