Stone Poneys: The Folk-Rock Launchpad of Linda Ronstadt

The Stone Poneys were a pivotal American folk-rock band formed in Los Angeles in the mid-1960s. While the group released three albums, their lasting legacy is as the professional launching pad for one of rock's most celebrated voices, Linda Ronstadt.

Early career

The Stone Poneys formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, California, around the core trio of Linda Ronstadt, guitarist Bob Kimmel, and bassist Kenny Edwards. They quickly became a staple of the city's vibrant folk and folk-rock scene, performing at clubs like the Troubadour and signing a recording contract with Capitol Records in 1966.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 1967 with their second album, Evergreen, Volume 2, and specifically its single "Different Drum." Written by Michael Nesmith of The Monkees, the song featured Ronstadt's powerful, clear vocals and a more polished, country-rock arrangement. It became a national hit, reaching No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and establishing Ronstadt as a star.

Key tracks

Different Drum — This 1967 single was the band's sole major hit and remains the definitive Stone Poneys recording.

Some of Shelly's Blues — Another Michael Nesmith composition from their debut album that showcased their early folk-rock sound.

Up to My Neck in High Muddy Water — A track from their final album, Linda Ronstadt, Stone Poneys and Friends, Vol. III, highlighting their evolving country-rock direction.

Capitalizing on the success of "Different Drum," Capitol Records pushed for a third album, but internal tensions and a clear focus on Ronstadt's burgeoning talent led to the group's dissolution. Their final album, 1968's Linda Ronstadt, Stone Poneys and Friends, Vol. III, was essentially a Ronstadt solo project in all but name, featuring extensive session musicians.

For fans of the Stone Poneys' melodic folk-rock and the clear-voiced storytelling of Linda Ronstadt, explore similar artists from the same era. The jangle-pop sound of The Byrds was a direct influence on the band's later work. The intricate harmonies of The Mamas And The Papas share a kinship with the group's early arrangements. The country-tinged rock of The Flying Burrito Brothers followed a similar path from folk roots. For another powerful female vocalist from the scene, listen to Judy Collins.

The Stone Poneys' music, particularly the hit "Different Drum," maintains a cherished place in the rotation of classic rock FM stations and dedicated 1960s retrospectives. Their songs are fixtures on online radio streams specializing in folk-rock and the roots of the California sound, connecting new listeners with this foundational era.

You can hear the essential folk-rock of the Stone Poneys on radio stations featured here. Discover their pivotal role in music history and the early work of Linda Ronstadt by tuning into the classic rock and specialty genre stations available on onairium.com.