I always thought her decision and initiative to switch to Mexican music was astonishing and unprecedented, especially because it evoked her childhood and was a tribute to her father. Like you, Mexican music is not my cup of tea, but this was a bold thing to do. I always thought it was heartfelt and genuine, not just a crass commercial decision. From the article:
“Ronstadt looks back on her upbringing just north of the border in Tucson, where her German-Mexican dad sang Spanish songs to her in a lovely baritone. As a kid, she thought Spanish was for singing and English was for speaking; at the time, Mexican-American kids were often discouraged from speaking Spanish.”
I’m not sure she ‘switched’ to Mexican music. She did a couple of Spanish albums. Vicki Carr was very successful doing such a crossover.
After re-reading my own Comment, I do sound kind of harsh.
My college girlfriend really liked Ronstadt, so I listened to all her early stuff many, many times.
I liked her music, but I was never a passionate fan.
For some reason, seeing her become a Mexican folk singer on the Tonight Show was a complete shock I never quite got over.