Linda Ronstadt – Simple Dreams

Catalog #: 6E-104  |  Side A Matrix: 6E-104-Side 1-1C-2G  |  Label: Asylum Records

About the Artist

Linda Ronstadt is one of the most celebrated and versatile vocalists in American music history. Born in Tucson, Arizona in 1946, she rose to prominence in the early 1970s and became one of the best-selling artists of the decade, earning Grammy Awards across country, pop, rock, and operetta. Her voice — a rich, emotionally direct instrument capable of moving effortlessly between genres — made her a defining figure of the California sound and a touchstone for generations of singers. At her commercial peak in the mid-to-late 1970s, Ronstadt was arguably the biggest-selling female recording artist in the world. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

About the Album

Released in September 1977 on Asylum Records, Simple Dreams arrived at the height of Ronstadt's commercial power and became one of the best-selling albums of that year, displacing Rumours by Fleetwood Mac from the top of the Billboard 200 — no small feat. Produced by Peter Asher, her long-time creative partner, the album is a masterclass in Ronstadt's genre-blending approach: rock, country, and pop woven together with effortless grace. The record showcases her gift for interpreting other writers' material and making it entirely her own, drawing from sources as diverse as Buddy Holly, the Rolling Stones, and Warren Zevon. It remains one of the definitive albums of the late-'70s California rock era.

Highlights

• Reached #1 on the Billboard 200 and was certified multi-platinum — one of the best-selling albums of 1977
• Includes her landmark cover of Blue Bayou, which became one of her signature songs and a massive crossover hit
• Features a stunning take on Warren Zevon's Carmelita, bringing the song to a mainstream audience for the first time
• Her cover of Buddy Holly's It's So Easy reached the Top 5, demonstrating her rock credibility alongside her pop appeal
• Produced by Peter Asher with the polished yet warm sound that defined Ronstadt's Asylum Records era
• A cornerstone of any serious classic rock or '70s pop vinyl collection

Record Condition

This copy has been carefully cleaned with a Spin-Clean record washer and stored in a new inner plastic sleeve. The vinyl shows minor surface scuffs consistent with age, but played flawlessly on a quality turntable with no skips. Minor pops and crackles were noted during playback — typical for a record of this vintage. Overall, a very solid player. The original inner sleeve is included.

Jacket Condition

The jacket is in Good (G) condition with buffed/worn corners, as shown in the photos. The cover art and text remain clearly legible. A honest, well-priced copy for a listener who wants to enjoy one of the great albums of the '70s.

Grading Summary

• Record: VG (plays well; minor surface marks, light pops/crackles)
• Jacket: G (buffed corners; cover art intact)
• Includes: Original inner sleeve

All items are shipped securely in protective mailers. Combined shipping available — please inquire before purchasing.