Linda Ronstadt stands as a vocal powerhouse from her generation, captivating audiences and filling arenas with iconic hits like “When Will I Be Loved” and “Blue Bayou.” Her early success provided her the platform to explore diverse musical avenues, showcasing her remarkable versatility and artistic curiosity.
Beyond mainstream pop and rock, Ronstadt ventured into Broadway, earning a Tony nomination for her performance in “Pirates of Penzance.” She embraced the Great American Songbook, collaborating with the legendary arranger Nelson Riddle on a trilogy of albums. She also celebrated her Mexican heritage with heartfelt mariachi albums sung entirely in Spanish. Adding to her collaborations, she recorded two acclaimed albums with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris as part of the iconic trio.
The unifying element across Ronstadt’s varied projects is her exceptional vocal talent and her profound ability to connect with the heart of a song. This list celebrates 25 of Linda Ronstadt’s best songs, tracing her musical journey from her early days with “Different Drum” to later masterpieces like “Don’t Know Much.”
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25. ‘What’s New’
Ronstadt’s selection of “What’s New,” a poignant ballad first popularized by Bob Crosby and His Orchestra in 1939, as the title track and lead single for her initial foray into the Great American Songbook, collaborating with Nelson Riddle, was deliberate and impactful.
Her rendition of this timeless classic is breathtaking, revealing new facets of her vocal capabilities against the backdrop of Riddle’s rich and refined orchestrations. “[These songs] were my teachers,” Ronstadt shared with The Arizona Republic in 2018, reflecting on the project’s impact. “I found my authentic voice singing them.” This album, a daring move for a rock artist in the early 1980s, defied expectations, reaching No. 3 on the charts and achieving triple platinum status.
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24. ‘Hay Unos Ojos’
Linda Ronstadt dominated the pop music scene of the 1970s, boasting three chart-topping albums and a string of Top 10 hits. However, it wasn’t until 1987 that she realized a long-held ambition: “Canciones de Mi Padre,” an album deeply rooted in her Mexican heritage. This project was brought to life with the collaboration of renowned mariachi ensembles like Mariachi Vargas, Mariachi Los Camperos, and Mariachi Los Galleros de Pedro Rey.
“Hay Unos Ojos,” penned by the celebrated mariachi composer Ruben Fuentes, is a standout track from this double-platinum album. “Canciones de Mi Padre” achieved remarkable success, becoming the highest-selling non-English language album in US history and earning Ronstadt another Grammy Award.
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23. ‘When I Fall in Love’
Doris Day’s hit version of “When I Fall in Love” set the standard in 1952. Ronstadt’s interpretation opened “Lush Life,” her second album of jazz standards with Nelson Riddle.
Riddle’s arrangement here is notably understated. A lone guitar introduces the song, its chords and melodic flourishes providing delicate accompaniment to Ronstadt’s restrained vocal. The strings enter subtly, adding layers of nuance. This restraint creates an intimate atmosphere, perfectly complementing her wistful and heartfelt delivery of the lyrics, making it a standout among Songs From Linda Ronstadt’s standards collection.
22. ‘I Never Will Marry’
Dolly Parton, Ronstadt’s future Trio collaborator, lends her distinctive harmonies to this beautifully stark rendition of a traditional ballad. The song tells the poignant story of a woman who vows to remain unmarried after losing her beloved.
Ronstadt had previously performed “I Never Will Marry” with Johnny Cash on his TV show in 1969. However, this version, featured on 1977’s “Simple Dreams,” carries a deeper sense of sorrow, amplified by Parton’s mournful harmonies on the chorus. Despite being released as the B-side to her cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Tumbling Dice,” “I Never Will Marry” achieved Top 10 success on the country charts in the summer of 1978.
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21. ‘Lo Siento Mi Vida’
Years before “Canciones de Mi Padre,” Ronstadt subtly incorporated her Spanish-language heritage into “Hasten Down the Wind” with “Lo Siento Mi Vida.”
This tender Mexican folk ballad was a collaborative songwriting effort between Ronstadt, her father Gilbert Ronstadt, and former Stone Poneys bandmate Kenny Edwards. Edwards’ acoustic guitar and harmonies, along with Dan Dugmore’s haunting steel guitar, enhance the song’s melancholic mood. “Lo Siento Mi Vida,” translating to “I’m Sorry, My Love,” marked Ronstadt’s first songwriting credit, highlighting her growing artistry beyond interpretation.
20. ‘Willin”
Lowell George penned “Willin'” during his time with Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention. Little Feat, George’s band, recorded it in both acoustic and full-band arrangements. Ronstadt’s version strikes a balance, injecting more emotion and vocal finesse.
For many, Ronstadt singing “And if you give me weed, whites and wine” elevated this track to a standout in her discography. Regardless, she imbued the song with her unique style while respecting the essence of earlier renditions, solidifying its place among her best songs.
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19. ‘Heat Wave’
“Heat Wave,” a Motown classic, was one of two such covers on Ronstadt’s “Prisoner in Disguise.” Despite being the B-side of “Love Is a Rose,” a Neil Young song leaning towards her country sensibilities, her rendition of “Heat Wave” climbed to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
While acknowledging Martha Reeves’ iconic version, Ronstadt infused the song with her own energy, from the exuberant “Yeah yeah yeah yeahs” to the unexpected falsetto at the song’s close. This cover is a testament to her ability to reinterpret and revitalize classic songs.
18. ‘Love Has No Pride’
Bonnie Raitt’s original recording of “Love Has No Pride” is a masterclass in understated emotion. Ronstadt’s version is more overtly passionate.
Her vocal performance conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by emotion, moving from the contained delivery of “I’ve had bad dreams too many times to think that they don’t mean much any more” to the raw desperation in “But if you want me to beg, I’ll fall down on my knees.” Jimmie Haskell’s sensitive string arrangement amplifies the song’s pathos, showcasing one of Ronstadt’s most powerfully nuanced vocal performances. Though it peaked at No. 67, “Love Has No Pride” resonates deeply within her catalog.
17. ‘Dark End of the Street’
“Dark End of the Street,” a heartbreaking song of forbidden love, was first made famous by James Carr in 1967. Percy Sledge, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and Aretha Franklin also recorded it before Ronstadt included it on her 1974 chart-topping album “Heart Like a Wheel.”
Ronstadt’s version emphasizes the inherent sadness of “hiding in shadows where we don’t belong.” With Cissy Houston on backing vocals, the song builds to a soulful climax, underscoring the sense of inevitable discovery and heartbreak.
16. ‘Silver Threads and Golden Needles’
Ronstadt often introduced “Silver Threads and Golden Needles,” first recorded by rockabilly queen Wanda Jackson, as “the first country-rock song I ever learned.” Her 1969 version on “Hand Sown… Home Grown,” despite a psychedelic fuzz-guitar element, leaned closer to traditional country.
The 1973 rendition on “Don’t Cry Now,” featuring dueling fiddle and steel guitar solos, reached the Top 20 on the country charts. Regardless of its country-rock classification, Ronstadt’s heartfelt delivery of the lyric, “You can’t buy my love with money ’cause I never was that kind,” is undeniable.
15. ‘I Can’t Let Go’
“I Can’t Let Go,” a hit single from “Mad Love,” was originally performed by Evie Sands. Ronstadt’s version draws more heavily from the Hollies’ 1966 recording. Pete Asher’s production sharpened the edges, aligning it with the New Wave sound of the era.
The result is an infectious power-pop track that rivals any skinny-tie band of the time. Ronstadt’s rendition, the most commercially successful, peaked at No. 31 on the Hot 100.
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14. ‘Don’t Know Much’
Released in 1989, “Don’t Know Much,” a duet with Aaron Neville, was the first of two hit singles from their triple-platinum album “Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind.” It reached No. 2 on the Hot 100, topped the Adult Contemporary charts, and won a 1990 Grammy.
While both Ronstadt and Neville are individually exceptional vocalists, with Neville delivering a more flamboyant performance, their chemistry is what truly elevates this romantic duet. Their heartfelt rendition of “I know I love you” resonates with sincerity, making it a timeless love song.
13. ‘The Tracks of My Tears’
The Miracles’ original “The Tracks of My Tears” was hailed by Rolling Stone as the Greatest Motown Song of All Time. Ronstadt’s version respectfully stays close to the original.
She adds steel guitar, lending a touch of country flavor that may explain its higher placement on the country charts (No. 11) compared to the Hot 100 (No. 25). However, the overall feel remains distinctly Motown, albeit with a slightly more melancholic tone in Ronstadt’s voice compared to Smokey Robinson’s.
12. ‘How Do I Make You’
“How Do I Make You,” a “Mad Love” single, felt like Ronstadt’s most deliberate step into the punk and New Wave landscape. This high-energy track bursts into life with an urgent snare roll.
Written by Billy Steinberg, influenced by “My Sharona,” it echoes the Knack with its New Wave accents and frenetic guitar solo. Ronstadt fully commits to the song’s demanding energy, singing over driving guitars, with Nicolette Larson’s harmonies adding to the intensity. The single reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating her ability to adapt and thrive in changing musical climates.
11. ‘That’ll Be the Day’
Ronstadt’s “That’ll Be the Day” bears little sonic resemblance to Buddy Holly’s chart-topping hit. Yet, it captures the authentic rockabilly spirit perhaps even more than her other Holly covers.
From the slapback echo to the twangy guitar licks and doo-wop backing vocals, it embodies rockabilly authenticity. The rhythm section swings with classic rockabilly swagger. While Ronstadt’s version peaked at No. 11, less successful than Holly’s, it became the biggest hit from her acclaimed “Hasten Down the Wind” album, showcasing her range and versatility.
10. ‘It’s So Easy’
“It’s So Easy,” the most successful of Ronstadt’s Buddy Holly covers from the 70s, reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, surpassing Holly’s original, which never charted.
Ronstadt’s gritty reinvention infuses a California country-rock vibe into the rockabilly original. From the opening riff to her snarling delivery and the prominent cowbell, it’s unmistakably a 70s California production, but brilliantly so. The harmonies during the stripped-down bridge are particularly sensational.
9. ‘I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love With You)’
Years before their “Trio” collaboration, Emmylou Harris contributed harmonies to this highlight of “Heart Like a Wheel,” a poignant rendition of a Hank Williams classic. Sneaky Pete Kleinow’s pedal steel guitar underscores the song’s heartbreak.
Ronstadt’s wounded vocal earned her first Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female. The vocal blend with Harris is pure country gold, especially on the line, “It’s hard to know another’s lips have kissed you.” This track reached No. 2 on the country chart, mirroring the success of Williams’ original.
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8. ‘Hurt So Bad’
“Hurt So Bad,” a soulful ballad, was a Top 10 hit for Little Anthony and the Imperials in 1965. Ronstadt’s version amplifies the emotional pain, from the vulnerable opening to the impassioned pleas of “please don’t go.”
Her final plea in the bridge is punctuated by Danny Kortchmar’s searing guitar solo, mixed prominently for maximum impact. The second Top 10 hit from “Mad Love,” peaking at No. 8, it stands as the highest-charting version of this classic song, showcasing Ronstadt’s ability to make every song her own.
7. ‘Faithless Love’
J.D. Souther penned “Faithless Love,” which Ronstadt first recorded on “Heart Like a Wheel.” Her rendition deeply connects with the sorrow in Souther’s lyrics, evoking images of “raindrops falling on a broken rose down in some valley where nobody goes.”
Souther joins her on harmonies during the bridge, enhancing the ache in her voice as she sings, “I guess I’m standing in the hall of broken dreams.” The arrangement builds subtly from a banjo introduction to a richly orchestrated bridge, maintaining a delicate balance and mirroring the restraint of Ronstadt’s vocal performance.
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6. ‘When Will I Be Loved’
When Stevie Nicks honored Ronstadt at her Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, “When Will I Be Loved” was the chosen song for the all-star tribute. The selection was apt, recognizing its iconic status in Ronstadt’s repertoire.
Phil Everly wrote the song, and the Everly Brothers’ original reached No. 8 in 1960. Ronstadt’s version, characteristically, is a complete reimagining. The Everlys’ version lacks the opening guitar slide and the distinctive instrumental break that defines Ronstadt’s. Her rendition soared to No. 2 on the Hot 100 and topped the country charts, becoming one of her signature tunes.
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5. ‘Blue Bayou’
“Blue Bayou,” often considered Ronstadt’s signature song, is a melancholic ballad co-written by Roy Orbison. Orbison’s original had minor success in the early 60s. Ronstadt’s version is significantly moodier. While the syndrum accents might sound dated to some, the arrangement masterfully enhances Ronstadt’s wistful vocal.
The opening verse features just Ronstadt and a subtle bassline, with the arrangement gradually layering in marimba, steel guitar, and Don Henley’s backing vocals. Ronstadt’s vocal is impeccable, moving from understated longing to a powerful declaration of return, hitting a soaring high note on the final “bayou,” solidifying its place among the best songs from Linda Ronstadt.
4. ‘It Doesn’t Matter Anymore’
“It Doesn’t Matter Anymore,” the most subdued of Ronstadt’s Buddy Holly covers (written by Paul Anka), draws from the despair in Anka’s lyrics, contrasting with Holly’s upbeat original. Ronstadt slows the tempo dramatically for emotional impact.
Starting with finger-picked guitar and Ronstadt’s wistful vocal, the arrangement gradually builds with tasteful strings and Sneaky Pete Kleinow’s pedal steel guitar. As the B-side to the more commercially geared “When Will I Be Loved,” it still reached No. 47 on the Hot 100 and No. 20 on the Adult Contemporary chart, showcasing the power of its understated beauty.
3. ‘You’re No Good’
Ronstadt’s initial reaction to Peter Asher’s guitar-driven production for her first chart-topping single, “You’re No Good,” as revealed in the documentary “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice,” was surprise: “Oh, I don’t like it. It sounds like the Beatles.”
Despite her initial reservations, “You’re No Good” sounds distinctly unlike the Beatles, and also departs from the horn-driven R&B of Dee Dee Warwick’s and Betty Everett’s earlier versions.
Yet, Ronstadt’s rendition is undeniably soulful, with powerful vocals backed by soulful harmonies. This combination of brooding rock arrangement and soulful vocals proved irresistible, making “You’re No Good” her biggest mainstream hit since “Different Drum” eight years prior, reaching the top of the charts.
2. ‘Different Drum’
“Different Drum” marked Linda Ronstadt’s introduction to a wider audience. This baroque-pop ballad, written by Mike Nesmith of the Monkees, was initially intended for his group, but circumstances led it to Ronstadt.
Although credited to the Stone Poneys featuring Linda Ronstadt, she was the sole band member on the recording, joined by future Eagle Bernie Leadon and session musicians. Producer Nick Venet crafted a perfect chamber-pop arrangement, complete with a harpsichord solo, perfectly complementing Ronstadt’s assertive vocal delivery of lines like, “All I’m sayin’ is I’m not ready for any person, place or thing tryin’ to pull the reins in on me.”
1. ‘Long, Long Time’
“Long, Long Time,” another baroque-pop ballad, carries even greater emotional weight than “Different Drum.” Dramatic strings open the song, receding to reveal acoustic guitar and Ronstadt’s restrained vocal, setting a tone of vulnerability with the opening lines, “Love will abide, take things in stride.” She then unleashes the full force of her voice on “Sounds like good advice but there’s no one at my side.”
The strings return for an instrumental break and underscore her vocal throughout, emphasizing the desperation in the final chorus: “‘Cause I’ve done everything I know to try and make you mine. And I think I’m gonna love you for a long long time.” This line, delivered with raw emotion, encapsulates heartbreak. Released in 1970, it peaked at No. 25 on the Hot 100 and earned Ronstadt her first Grammy nomination, cementing its place as her greatest song.
Contact the author Ed Masley at [email protected] or 602-444-4495. Follow him on Twitter @EdMasley.
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