“Los Laureles”: Linda Ronstadt’s Heartfelt Embrace of Her Mexican Roots
For decades, Linda Ronstadt graced the American music scene with a voice of unparalleled versatility, effortlessly navigating rock, country, folk, pop, and even light opera. But in 1987, she embarked on a deeply personal and groundbreaking musical journey that would not only redefine her career but also introduce a rich cultural heritage to a vast new audience. With the release of ‘Canciones de Mi Padre’ (Songs of My Father), Ronstadt paid homage to her Mexican-American heritage, bringing the vibrant sounds of mariachi music to the forefront. Among the album’s cherished tracks is the evocative “Los Laureles” (The Laurels).
“Los Laureles” was a featured song on the album ‘Canciones de Mi Padre’, which was released on November 24, 1987. While not released as a standalone single for radio play in the traditional pop sense, the album itself was a phenomenal success. It went on to become the biggest-selling non-English language album in American record history, achieving double-platinum certification and winning a Grammy Award for Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album. The album charted at No. 42 on the Billboard 200 and No. 54 on the Canadian RPM Top Albums chart, demonstrating its widespread appeal beyond just the traditional Latin music market. Its impact was enormous, both commercially and culturally, selling over 2.5 million copies in the U.S. alone and inspiring a new appreciation for mariachi music among mainstream audiences. “Los Laureles” contributed significantly to the album’s immersive and authentic experience, becoming a beloved part of Ronstadt’s groundbreaking mariachi repertoire.
The story behind ‘Canciones de Mi Padre’ and, by extension, songs like “Los Laureles,” is deeply personal for Linda Ronstadt. Her father’s family had deep roots in Sonora, Mexico, and growing up in Tucson, Arizona, she was steeped in the sounds of traditional Mexican folk songs, particularly canciones rancheras (country songs) and mariachi music, which her father often sang at home. This album was a passion project, a dream long deferred, as Ronstadt pursued her highly successful English-language career. Despite initial reluctance from her record label about the commercial viability of an entirely Spanish-language album, Ronstadt’s determination, coupled with the support of producer Peter Asher and the collaboration with legendary Mexican composer and producer Rubén Fuentes (director of Mexico’s renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán), brought this vision to life.
“Los Laureles” itself is a traditional Mexican ranchera, a standard in the mariachi repertoire. While the exact original authorship of many traditional canciones can be debated, “Los Laureles” is widely attributed to José López. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its poignant lyrics and timeless melody, making it a staple for mariachi bands and a beloved piece of Mexican musical heritage. Ronstadt’s decision to include it on her album was a powerful nod to the authentic sounds and stories that shaped her own upbringing.
At its core, “Los Laureles” is a song about enduring love, unrequited desire, and the pain of potential separation. The lyrics use the imagery of “green laurel trees” and “fiery roses” to evoke a sense of natural beauty and deep, sometimes agonizing, passion. The singer’s plea, “If you are thinking of leaving me, better to take away my life,” speaks to the profound depth of their love and the unbearable thought of being abandoned. It touches on themes of pride, heartache, and the bittersweet acceptance of fate when a loved one might be “too far gone” or “promised to someone else.” The song captures the dramatic and often melancholic essence of traditional Mexican love songs, where emotions are expressed with raw honesty and a touch of poetic flair. For older readers, particularly those with a connection to Latin American culture, “Los Laureles” resonates with the timeless themes of love’s triumphs and heartbreaks, recalling cherished memories and the universality of human emotion.
Listening to Linda Ronstadt’s rendition of “Los Laureles” is a truly captivating experience. Her vocal performance is a masterclass in interpreting ranchera music. While she was not a native Spanish speaker, Ronstadt meticulously worked on her pronunciation and phrasing, imbuing every word with genuine emotion and respect for the tradition. Her powerful yet tender voice, effortlessly soaring with the mariachi ensemble, brings a profound authenticity to the song. The rich instrumentation of the mariachi band – the vibrant trumpets, the soulful violins, the rhythmic guitarrón and vihuela, and the driving guitar – creates a lush and evocative soundscape. It’s a testament to Ronstadt’s artistry that she didn’t merely sing these songs; she became them, embracing her heritage with a passion that was undeniable.
“Los Laureles” is not just a beautiful song; it’s a vital piece of a groundbreaking album that broadened cultural understanding and brought the beauty of mariachi music to an unprecedented global audience. It stands as a powerful reminder of Linda Ronstadt’s incredible talent, her unwavering artistic integrity, and her profound connection to her roots. It invites us to close our eyes and be transported to a world of passion, longing, and enduring musical tradition, felt deeply in every note of “Los Laureles.”