Few musicians out there have or had a voice like Linda Ronstadt. She’s an icon, one of the most distinct vocalists of the 1960s and 1970s, and her legacy in progressive country and rock music is still felt today. If you’re new to Ronstadt’s catalogue, congratulations. You have a lot of great work to sift through. Why not start with a couple of fan favorites? Let’s take a look at just a few of the best Linda Ronstadt songs of all time! This list is far from exhaustive, though.
“When Will I Be Loved”
“When Will I Be Loved” is a gorgeous classic from The Everly Brothers. It was made even more gorgeous when Ronstadt delivered her own version of the song. Along with singers Andrew Gold and Kenny Edwards, Ronstadt delivers a stunning rendition of the OG 50s rock tune, with just the right amount of country and rock elements in tandem. It’s no surprise that this song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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“Different Drum”
Linda Ronstadt’s first introduction to the masses was with The Stone Poneys. This outfit came a little bit after the folk-rock explosion of the mid-60s, so there was some struggle to stand out for a while. However, all of that changed when they released “Different Drum” in 1967. The song ended up being Ronstadt’s very first hit song, and inspired her to become a solo artist.
“Tumbling Dice”
Linda Ronstadt covered a lot of songs in her heyday. And very rarely did she ever deliver a solid rendition of a song made by someone else. When she took on a Rolling Stones classic, though, I can imagine that she was at least a little nervous. They’re not the easiest band to cover. But, as always, Ronstadt took on the rock band’s song with a surprising level of edginess. Honestly, I often forget that this one was a Rolling Stones original. I always associate it with Linda Ronstadt.
“You’re No Good”
Some would say this Linda Ronstadt isn’t underrated, but I’m inclined to disagree. She was always so good at taking older songs and breathing new life into them, and that’s precisely what she did with “You’re No Good”, a gorgeous tune originally recorded by Dee Dee Warwick back in the early 60s. Ronstadt’s version has a little bit of a rock and roll element to it, and he voice is a sonic delight.
Photo by Gus Stewart/Redferns