Michael J. Ronstadt

Michael J. Ronstadt - vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, grew up in Tucson, Arizona learning traditional songs from his father and MusicAL family and singing with his older sister Linda. He has toured all over the world since 2004 with the Santa Cruz River Band, released 2 children’s albums and 1 gospel CD, and performed on many of Linda Ronstadt’s recordings.

In the tradition of troubadours throughout the world, Michael’s songs continually pull the listener into stories about life, history, love, joy and hardship. Songs like “The Mill Of Oracle” will make you cry over the inanimate and “Wagon Mound” hauntingly takes the listener back to the Santa Fe Trail in the 1800’s. “Heartbreak ” has the audience relating to the universal experience of heartbreak and “Feel The Wind” resonates with anyone who has lost a loved one. Whether you’re a child falling asleep to Michael’s lullaby, “Mary” from Younger Generation or an adult reminiscing about Gettysburg during “Off To Battle,” his music relates to everyone.

Michael’s family dates back to Jamestown on his mothers side, his father’s side dates back to 1776 on his father’s mother’s side, and 1840 with his great grandfather arriving in northern Mexico from Germany, 13 years before the Gadsden Purchase. In 1882, the great Ronstadt family musical tradition began with Federico Ronstadt’s arrival to Tucson where he started the Club Filarmónico de Tucson. Michael continues to carry that torch to venues all over the world.

Born in 1953, Michael began playing guitar at age six. By high school, he was winning beard growing contests, actively performing solo and with family at community events, early folk era coffee houses, and local restaurants/bars. In 1975, Michael moved to Los Angeles working in the recording industry and performing at many local L.A. venues. After moving back to Tucson in 1980, he took over the family hardware business, performed with the Ronstadt Cousins until the late 1990’s, and brought live music back to the Tucson Unified School District. After recording his 2nd children’s album, The Younger Generation and putting out Father and Son In The Spirit Of One, Michael took to the road with Ted Ramirez as the Santa Cruz River Band. Currently he tours solo and with his two sons as the Ronstadt Trio, while continuing to perform with the Santa Cruz River Band.

Boasting a discography of more than 16 albums, Michael J. Ronstadt can be heard on 3 solo records, The Ronstadt Cousin’s Live In Canelo, Santa Cruz River Band’s Volumes I-IV, 7 of Linda Ronstadt’s records, Bobby Ronstadt’s Shadows In A Dream, and his son Michael G. Ronstadt’s Motionless Swirls (2006).