Linda Ronstadt is an American singer and songwriter who became one of the most successful female artists of the 1970s and 1980s. Born in Tucson, Arizona in 1946, Ronstadt began her music career as the lead singer of the Stone Poneys in the mid-1960s. She later went on to pursue a successful solo career, releasing over 30 albums and earning 11 Grammy Awards.
Ronstadt’s music encompasses a variety of genres, including folk, rock, country, and pop. She is known for her powerful vocals and her ability to interpret and bring new life to songs written by others. Some of her most famous hits include “You’re No Good,” “Blue Bayou,” and “When Will I Be Loved.”
Throughout her career, Ronstadt was known for breaking down barriers for women in the music industry. She was one of the first female artists to achieve mainstream success in rock and roll, and she paved the way for future generations of women in music.
Ronstadt retired from singing in 2011 due to health issues, but her music continues to be celebrated and admired by fans around the world. She has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, among other honors, and her legacy as a trailblazing artist and musical icon remains strong.
1. Don’t Know Much
Linda Ronstadt's chart-topping hit 'Don't Know Much' is a soulful ballad featuring the unique vocal range of Linda and collaborator Aaron Neville. The song's romantic lyrics, backed by sweeping orchestration, make it a timeless classic for lovers worldwide.
Continuing with the theme of love, 'When Will I Be Loved' is a catchy tune that showcases Linda's rockabilly roots. The upbeat rhythm and infectious melody are sure to get any listener tapping their feet.
'Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind' is an emotional duet with Aaron Neville that highlights Linda's versatility as an artist. The powerful combination of their voices and heartfelt lyrics make it a standout track from her discography.
Pro Tip: Linda Ronstadt's music remains relevant today, serving as inspiration for aspiring musicians looking to blend various genres into their sound. If Linda Ronstadt can sing about being 'Willin'', then I'm 'Willin'' to listen to her sing about anything.
2. Willin’
One of Linda Ronstadt's most renowned musical compositions is a track that revolutionized the concept of country music. This song is notable for its highly energetic and evocative style, as well as for its beguiling lyrics that capture the unique backdrop of Southern USA. The Semantic NLP variation of '2. Willin’' refers to this widely celebrated composition that transforms traditional conventions into an unforgettable experience.
The song tells the story of a truck driver who journeys across America while battling addiction and other hardships. With dazzling vocals and superb instrumentation, the track remains one of Ronstadt's most beloved pieces till date. Its clever use of imagery coupled with slick guitar riffs makes it a standout in both form and content.
Notably, 'Willin’' was actually written by Lowell George, co-founder of rock band Little Feat, who originally recorded it before Ronstadt did. The tune has since enjoyed numerous covers by some great artists, but nothing matches Ronstadt's powerful rendition laced with a soulful touch that touches our heartstrings and takes us on an incredible journey through time and space.
If Linda Ronstadt sang My Funny Valentine to me, I'd definitely forget all the terrible Valentine's Days I've had before.
3. My Funny Valentine
This classic love ballad, originally from the musical 'Babes in Arms', is one of Linda Ronstadt's most iconic songs. 'My Funny Valentine' showcases Ronstadt's smooth and soulful vocals, allowing her to express raw emotions through every note. The song also features a beautiful orchestration that enhances the dreamy and romantic mood of the piece.
As Ronstadt sings about her quirky and imperfect lover, she paints a vivid picture of the beauty found in imperfections, making it relatable to many listeners. Her emotional delivery has been praised by critics and fans alike, solidifying this track as one of her best works.
Notably, this was not Ronstadt's first time performing 'My Funny Valentine'. She had previously recorded a version of the song for her 1983 album 'What's New', but it wasn't until later versions on subsequent albums that she truly perfected her rendition.
It was during live performances that Ronstadt would often give the song an extended instrumental intro, making it all the more special for fans who were lucky enough to attend one of her shows. Overall, if you're looking for a gorgeous and heartfelt tune to listen to, 'My Funny Valentine' is definitely worth your attention.
Blue Bayou is the perfect song for when you're feeling nostalgic for a time you never actually lived in.
4. Blue Bayou
With a voice that can move mountains, Linda Ronstadt's rendition of "Blue Bayou" became an iconic ballad in her career. The way she sang with emotion and beauty made this track as one of the most unforgettable tunes ever recorded by Ronstadt. This song has been recognized not only for its stunning vocal delivery but also for the drum beats, orchestral arrangements, and wonderful storytelling behind the lyrics. It's undoubtedly one of Ronstadt's best works which garnered numerous accolades from different music charts worldwide.
As Blue Bayou continues to penetrate the airwaves as a timeless classic, it stirs up memories and emotions within listeners. It tells a story that no matter how far someone goes or journeys through life, there is always this place where they'll come back to and find comfort in- just like home. Ronstadt brings out the beauty in every word penned down and paired it with various instruments, making it an excellent piece that brings happiness to those who hear it.
For years, "Blue Bayou" has been used in movies and TV shows which reinforce its cultural significance. Despite being released over four decades ago, the song is still played frequently on radios across the world today.
Pro Tip: Add "Blue Bayou" to your playlist if you want to take yourself on a musical journey of love and longingness through Linda Ronstadt's voice.
Roll the dice and take a tumble with Linda's soulful rendition of 'Tumbling Dice'.
5. Tumbling Dice
The iconic song, '5. Tumbling Dice', is one of the best creations by legendary singer Linda Ronstadt. This song showcases Ronstadt's sheer vocal talent and her ability to blend genres effortlessly. Here are six points that make this song a classic:
- The bluesy undertones combined with Ronstadt's powerful voice created a unique sound.
- The catchy chorus and memorable guitar riffs made it a fan favorite.
- It showcased Ronstadt's versatility as an artist, who could excel in different genres.
- The lyrics are evocative and poetic, capturing the essence of life's ups and downs.
- The backing vocals by Mick Jagger added another dimension to the track.
- Overall, the song is a masterpiece that captures the spirit of rock music in the 70s.
It's worth noting that '5. Tumbling Dice' has inspired countless musicians over the years and continues to do so.
If you haven't relished this iconic piece yet, make sure you do it as soon as possible! Listening to '5. Tumbling Dice' will undoubtedly give your music collection an added edge that can't be missed.
Silver Threads and Golden Needles? Sounds like Linda Ronstadt's been hoarding grandma's sewing kit again.
6. Silver Threads And Golden Needles
This timeless tune about heartbreak is another standout in Linda Ronstadt's discography. The lyrics describe the speaker's regret of giving love to someone who didn't deserve it, like "silver threads and golden needles cannot mend this heart." The upbeat country melody adds a layer of irony to the song's sad message. Despite being popularized by other female country singers, Ronstadt added her own rock sensibilities to create a unique rendition worth listening to.
In addition to being a fan favorite, "Silver Threads And Golden Needles" was also a chart success for Ronstadt. It was her second top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at #20 in late 1974. The song has been covered multiple times by various artists, including Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette.
Interestingly, while many associate "Silver Threads And Golden Needles" as a classic country song, it was actually first recorded by Wanda Jackson – known as "The Queen of Rockabilly" – in 1962. Jackson's original version leans more towards rockabilly than country, proving just how versatile the song can be across genres.
If Linda Ronstadt's voice had a time machine, it would take us back to the golden age of rock and roll with "Long Long Time".
7. Long Long Time
One of Linda Ronstadt's most beloved songs is a melancholic tune about heartbreak and longing. This seventh entry on the list showcases Ronstadt's incredible vocal range and ability to convey emotions through her performance. The haunting melody and poignant lyrics of this track make it an unforgettable addition to Ronstadt's discography.
"Long Long Time" was written by Gary White, a relatively obscure songwriter at the time. However, when Ronstadt recorded the song for her 1970 album "Silk Purse", it immediately struck a chord with listeners and became a staple of her live performances for years to come. The song's powerful imagery and heartfelt sentimentality highlight Ronstadt's mature artistic sensibilities even at such a young age.
What sets "Long Long Time" apart from other love ballads is its wistful tone that speaks to the universal experience of yearning for lost love. The song's moving melancholy captures the feeling of an endless search for something that may never be found again. Indeed, despite its mournfulness, "Long Long Time" remains one of the most beautiful tributes to lost love in all of popular music.
Even Linda Ronstadt can't make poor pitiful me sound as sexy as she does.
8. Poor, Poor Pitiful Me
This song, an upbeat country-rock track released in 1977, tells the literal and figurative story of a woman who has had enough of men taking advantage of her. With clever lyrics and strong vocals, Ronstadt imbues "Poor, Poor Pitiful Me" with both humor and pathos. The song was actually written by Warren Zevon but became one of Ronstadt's biggest hits. Its catchy chorus and relatable subject matter have ensured its legacy as a classic amongst Linda Ronstadt's repertoire.
In "Poor, Poor Pitiful Me", Linda Ronstadt takes a new spin on the age-old theme of heartbreak – rather than being defeated by it, she recognizes that sometimes it is better to just walk away from toxic love rather than trying to make it work. While the lyrics are sassy and humorous, there is also an underlying note of sadness to them – after all, nobody wants to feel like they are always getting the raw end of the deal in love!
Interestingly enough, when Warren Zevon first wrote this song he intended it as a send-up of Los Angeles women's liberation but Linda Ronstadt managed to infuse her own personality into the song. Combining her powerful voice with each line's witty sarcasm proved successful as 'Poor Poor Pitiful Me' held rank on the charts for several weeks.
This hit song has been covered by numerous other artists since its release including famous musicians such as Terri Clark and Bonnie Raitt. However, no one can deny that none have managed to leave their mark quite like Linda Ronstadt did!
Listening to Linda Ronstadt's 'It's So Easy' is like getting a warm hug from your ex who you're still kind of into.
9. It’s So Easy
This Linda Ronstadt classic often hits the top of the charts. With a catchy melody and upbeat tempo, "It's So Easy" is sure to get you on your feet. The lyrics are simple yet romantic, painting a picture of two lovers in a carefree state of mind. Ronstadt's vocals are breathtaking as she effortlessly belts out each note with her signature sound. Her undeniable talent for interpreting songs shines through on this track, making it a must-listen for any fan of classic rock and roll.
Even though Linda Ronstadt tells you 'You're No Good', you still can't resist dancing to this classic tune.
10. You’re No Good
With a place in Rolling Stone's 500 Best Songs of All Time and induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame, Linda Ronstadt's "You're No Good" showcases her unmatched vocal range. With a blend of rock and country sounds, the song dominated charts in the late 70s. The track perfectly encapsulates Ronstadt's ability to take on diverse genres with ease, creating an unforgettable listening experience.
Ronstadt's powerhouse vocals not only deliver the song's catchy chorus but also convey raw emotion throughout its entirety. Its upbeat yet fiery melody underscores her haunting lyrics about love gone wrong, making for a timeless breakup anthem. As one of her most recognizable tracks, it undoubtedly holds significant cultural weight and serves as a staple in Ronstadt's discography.
Beyond its commercial success, "You're No Good" continues to inspire artists across all genres nearly half a century later. Its memorable melody and passionate performance remain unmatched by any other version of the song to date.
If you haven't heard "You're No Good" yet, you owe it to yourself to do so immediately. You don't want to miss out on experiencing one of the greatest songs in music history by one of its brightest stars.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
