Linda Ronstadt has struck an agreement with entertainment executive Irving Azoff’s new Los Angeles-based venture, Iconic Artists Group, to promote and market her songs and image online, it was announced Monday.
The partnership, which includes the acquisition of her music catalog, will allow Iconic to introduce Ronstadt’s music to new generations of fans, Azoff said. Known initially as a rock ‘n’ roll artist, Ronstadt has dabbled in various genres throughout the years, including country, light opera and Latin.
The deal with Ronstadt comes on the heels of Iconic’s recent purchase of David Crosby’s catalogue, including his publishing and recorded music rights, and the company’s recent partnership with the Beach Boys to purchase a controlling stake in their catalog, including sound recordings, the brand, select musical compositions, and memorabilia.
Over the past six months, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Stevie Nicks have sold all or part of their song catalogs to other companies.
Famous for her hits and covers of such songs as Roy Orbison’s “Blue Bayou,” the Eagles’ “Desperado” and The Everly Brothers’ “When Will I Be Loved,” Ronstadt is known as an interpreter of songs, able to put her stamp on songs by other artists.
As a female trailblazer, she won her 11th Grammy Award on March 14 for best music film for her documentary, “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice” during Women’s History Month.
“I’m very pleased about this partnership,” Ronstadt said. “It’s extremely gratifying to be in the company of Irving Azoff, his team, and his family of great artists, many of whom have been my friends and colleagues for years. It feels like home.”
Ronstadt, 74, gave her last performance in 2009, and retired two years later after she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Azoff said Ronstadt’s “talent is unparalleled, but her courage and commitment to make important music of many genres is her legacy. We will preserve that legacy for her at all costs.”