Few voices in music history are as powerful, versatile, and emotionally resonant as Linda Ronstadt’s. A true trailblazer, Ronstadt effortlessly bridged genres, mastering rock, pop, country, folk, and even operetta with her unmatched vocal prowess. Her ability to pour raw emotion into every note made her one of the most celebrated and influential artists of her time. With a career spanning decades, Linda Ronstadt is more than a singer—she’s an icon who redefined what it means to be a crossover artist, inspiring countless musicians and earning the eternal love of fans worldwide.
In this article, we take a journey through the top 10 most popular Linda Ronstadt songs of all time—tracks that showcase her remarkable talent and the emotional depth she brought to every performance. From the fiery passion of “You’re No Good” to the bittersweet beauty of “Blue Bayou” and the heartfelt longing of “Long, Long Time,” these songs are timeless classics that solidified her status as one of music’s greatest voices. Whether you’ve been a fan for years or are just discovering her incredible catalog, this list celebrates the music that made Linda Ronstadt a legend. So turn up the volume and let her extraordinary voice take you on an unforgettable journey.
1. “When Will I Be Loved” (1975)
In 1975, Linda Ronstadt took The Everly Brothers’ 1960 classic “When Will I Be Loved” and turned it into a major hit of her own. Her rendition, featured on the Heart Like a Wheel album, brought a fresh energy to the song, blending country and rock influences seamlessly. Ronstadt’s version reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, with her bright, optimistic vocals contrasting the song’s underlying frustration with love. The upbeat, country-infused arrangement gave the song a sense of hope despite its heartbreak theme, and it quickly became a fan favorite. Her ability to take classic material and give it new life was on full display here, as she injected a sense of fun and resilience into the track, making it one of the standout songs in her discography.
2. “It’s So Easy” (1977)
Ronstadt’s 1977 cover of Buddy Holly’s “It’s So Easy” turned the rockabilly classic into a high-energy rock track that captivated listeners. Featured on her Simple Dreams album, her version reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing her knack for revitalizing older hits with her own modern spin. With its infectious rhythm and Ronstadt’s confident, powerful vocals, “It’s So Easy” became an instant hit, capturing the vibrant spirit of the song while adding a contemporary edge. The track’s upbeat tempo and Ronstadt’s energetic delivery made it a favorite for fans, proving once again her talent for reimagining classic songs with flair and charisma. Her version of “It’s So Easy” continues to be celebrated as one of the highlights of her career.
3. “You’re No Good” (1974)
Linda Ronstadt’s 1974 version of “You’re No Good” catapulted her into stardom, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a defining hit of her career. Originally written by Clint Ballard Jr. and recorded by Dee Dee Warwick in 1963, Ronstadt transformed the song into an electrifying rock anthem. Her powerful, emotive vocals, combined with a driving rhythm section and searing guitar solo, gave the track a bold edge that resonated with listeners. Featured on her breakthrough album Heart Like a Wheel, “You’re No Good” showcased Ronstadt’s ability to blend vulnerability with strength, making it both a song of heartbreak and empowerment. The track’s massive success cemented her as one of the leading voices of the 1970s, and it remains a signature hit in her catalog, capturing the emotional rollercoaster of love lost with a raw, dynamic intensity.
4. “Blue Bayou” (1977)
Released in 1977, Linda Ronstadt’s version of “Blue Bayou” is one of her most iconic ballads. Originally a hit for Roy Orbison in 1963, Ronstadt brought her own unique touch to the song, imbuing it with a haunting beauty that resonated deeply with audiences. Her tender, soaring voice captured the song’s essence of longing for a simpler, peaceful life by the water. The song’s gentle, lilting melody, combined with Ronstadt’s emotive delivery, made “Blue Bayou” a timeless classic. It reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a fan favorite, demonstrating her ability to channel deep emotion into her performances. Whether it was the nostalgia in her voice or the dreamy atmosphere created by the arrangement, Ronstadt’s rendition of “Blue Bayou” struck a chord with listeners, solidifying her status as one of the most beloved voices of her generation.
5. “Love Is a Rose” (1975)
Linda Ronstadt’s 1975 cover of Neil Young’s “Love Is a Rose” brought a breezy, country flair to this gentle love song. Featured on her Prisoner in Disguise album, Ronstadt’s version became a crossover hit, charting on both the pop and country charts. Her warm, clear vocals brought out the simplicity and beauty in the song’s lyrics, capturing the bittersweet essence of love. With its upbeat, yet laid-back vibe, Ronstadt’s take on “Love Is a Rose” became a fan favorite, further showcasing her ability to infuse a sense of warmth and authenticity into her music. The song remains a beloved part of her repertoire, demonstrating her unique ability to blend folk, country, and rock elements seamlessly.
6. “Heat Wave” (1975)
In 1975, Linda Ronstadt delivered a scorching rendition of Martha and the Vandellas’ Motown hit “Heat Wave,” injecting it with rock-and-roll fire. Her version, featured on the Prisoner in Disguise album, peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the standout tracks of the era. With her high-energy vocals and the song’s infectious rhythm, Ronstadt managed to reimagine the Motown classic while retaining its original spirit. The song’s driving beat and Ronstadt’s vocal intensity made it an exciting and dynamic hit, proving her versatility as an artist. “Heat Wave” remains a favorite among her fans, a perfect example of how she could take a well-known song and make it her own.
7. “Different Drum” (1967)
“Different Drum” marked Linda Ronstadt’s first major hit, recorded in 1967 with her band, The Stone Poneys. Written by Michael Nesmith of The Monkees, the song became a folk-rock anthem, expressing the desire for independence and freedom from a relationship that just wasn’t meant to last. Ronstadt’s folk-tinged vocals gave the song its emotional core, helping it reach #13 on the Billboard Hot 100. The string arrangement added a unique touch, making “Different Drum” stand out during an era dominated by folk and rock. This song was a major turning point in Ronstadt’s career, showcasing her vocal talent and emotional depth, and it helped launch her journey toward becoming one of the most successful female artists of the decade.
8. “Don’t Know Much” (1989)
In 1989, Linda Ronstadt joined forces with Aaron Neville for the Grammy Award-winning duet “Don’t Know Much.” This emotional ballad, featured on her album Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind, became a massive hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s lush orchestration and heartfelt lyrics captured the vulnerability and depth of love, and the blending of Ronstadt and Neville’s voices created a stunning harmony that resonated with listeners. Their powerful vocal chemistry turned “Don’t Know Much” into an enduring love song that continues to captivate fans. The emotional intensity of the track, combined with the tenderness of their performance, made it a standout moment in both artists’ careers.
9. “Ooh Baby Baby” (1978)
Linda Ronstadt’s 1978 cover of Smokey Robinson’s “Ooh Baby Baby” brought a smooth, sultry energy to the song, making it a standout track on her Living in the USA album. Originally a hit for Smokey Robinson and The Miracles in 1965, Ronstadt’s version added a contemporary rock edge while still capturing the emotional nuances of the original. Her tender yet powerful vocals gave the song a fresh dynamic, helping it reach the top 10 on the Billboard charts. Ronstadt’s ability to reinterpret R&B classics with her unique style is on full display in “Ooh Baby Baby,” and it remains a fan favorite for its sensual, soulful vibe.
10. “Tracks of My Tears” (1975)
Linda Ronstadt’s 1975 cover of Smokey Robinson’s “Tracks of My Tears” added a new layer of emotion to the Motown classic. Featured on her Prisoner in Disguise album, Ronstadt’s version became a top 40 hit, thanks to her heartfelt delivery and lush instrumentation. Her rendition captured the song’s deep sense of melancholy, with her tender, soulful vocals bringing a fresh poignancy to the lyrics. The song’s timeless theme of hidden heartbreak resonated with listeners, making it one of Ronstadt’s standout performances. Once again, she demonstrated her ability to take a classic song and breathe new life into it, highlighting the depth of her vocal and emotional range.