Post by the Scribe on Jun 3, 2022 1:31:09 GMT
Michael J. Ronstadt, brother of Linda, dies at 62
Cathalena E. Burch Arizona Daily Star Aug 9, 2016
Michael J. Ronstadt, the youngest brother of singer Linda Ronstadt, died Sunday night. He was 62 years old.
Ronstadt was a prominent musician in Tucson, performing for years with his sons Michael G. and Petie Ronstadt, in the Ronstadt Generations band. His last performance with the group was in June, when they released “In the Land of the Setting Sun.” The album came out in May and the group performed several CD release concerts.
Ronstadt had been ill for several months before the release but at a show in June at Monterey Court, he appeared to catch a second wind, said son Petie.
“That night when he started it seemed like, ‘OK, he’s hurting’,” Petie Ronstadt said. “By the time we got into that second set, that third set, he was his normal self. He was there in the moment and shared it. It was a pretty spectacular night.”
Tributes to Ronstadt started pouring into Facebook early Tuesday. Denny Gibson from Cincinnati wrote, "Thanks for the music, thanks for the memories, and thanks for the next generation." Percussionist Rob Saunders, from the United Kingdom, said, "Was a pleasure to share a stage with you The #Cheesecutters in Wales UK. Love (to) your family."
In addition to his two sons, Michael J. Ronstadt is survived by his wife, Deborah; sister Linda; brother Peter; granddaughter Annabelle; and dozens of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Cathalena E. Burch Arizona Daily Star Aug 9, 2016
Michael J. Ronstadt, the youngest brother of singer Linda Ronstadt, died Sunday night. He was 62 years old.
Ronstadt was a prominent musician in Tucson, performing for years with his sons Michael G. and Petie Ronstadt, in the Ronstadt Generations band. His last performance with the group was in June, when they released “In the Land of the Setting Sun.” The album came out in May and the group performed several CD release concerts.
Ronstadt had been ill for several months before the release but at a show in June at Monterey Court, he appeared to catch a second wind, said son Petie.
“That night when he started it seemed like, ‘OK, he’s hurting’,” Petie Ronstadt said. “By the time we got into that second set, that third set, he was his normal self. He was there in the moment and shared it. It was a pretty spectacular night.”
Tributes to Ronstadt started pouring into Facebook early Tuesday. Denny Gibson from Cincinnati wrote, "Thanks for the music, thanks for the memories, and thanks for the next generation." Percussionist Rob Saunders, from the United Kingdom, said, "Was a pleasure to share a stage with you The #Cheesecutters in Wales UK. Love (to) your family."
In addition to his two sons, Michael J. Ronstadt is survived by his wife, Deborah; sister Linda; brother Peter; granddaughter Annabelle; and dozens of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Linda Ronstadt mourning musician brother Michael
www.hollywood.com/general/linda-ronstadt-mourning-musician-brother-michael-60619644
Aug 11, 2016
WENN
Linda Ronstadt is in mourning after the death of her musician brother Michael J. Ronstadt.
Michael, who sang on his sister’s 1987 Spanish language album Canciones de Mi Padre, passed away on Sunday (07Aug16) at the age of 62, following a battle with liver cancer.
After her younger brother’s death, Linda, 70, paid tribute to him, and recalled how she would rope both Michael and their late sibling Suzie in when she needed vocal accompaniment on certain tracks.
“Whenever we needed an extra part I would just get a brother or cousin,” she told the Arizona Daily Star. “He sang on several tunes and so did (late sister) Suzie…You just took it for granted.”
The Blue Bayou singer also explained how as a child Michael and his friend, music producer Jim Brady, invented a hang glider and created their own radio station, leading her to nickname him after the inventive Donald Duck character Gyro Gearloose.
“He tried to run off a cliff (with his hang glider),” she reminisced. “They were building stuff and trying to broadcast stuff. Mike played the bass and he was bringing his bass back and forth to school. He had this big huge instrument with his arms around. He was really definitely Gyro Gearloose.”
Michael’s son, who shares his father’s name and is also a musician, remembers him as a man who lived for music.
“He just wanted to do music,” he says. “That was his passion. When he took the chance to jump in and do it, even as a little kid I could tell he was happier.”
Michael J. Ronstadt is survived by his wife, Deborah and two sons, Michael G. Ronstadt and Peter.
The Ronstadt family is holding a private funeral service for Michael but are also organising a public musical tribute.
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