Linda Ronstadt is a legend—an artist whose voice transcends genres, generations, and musical boundaries. From rock and country to pop, folk, and even Latin music, her ability to bring raw emotion and power to every song she touched made her one of the most influential vocalists of all time. With a career spanning over four decades, she dominated the charts, won countless awards, and left behind a catalog of unforgettable hits that still resonate today.
Her music wasn’t just popular—it was groundbreaking. Whether she was reimagining rock classics, breathing new life into country ballads, or delivering soul-stirring performances that could bring listeners to tears, Ronstadt had a rare gift: the ability to make any song her own. She didn’t just sing—she felt every lyric, and so did her audience.
In this list of Linda Ronstadt’s top 10 most popular songs, we celebrate the tracks that defined her career, topped the charts, and became timeless anthems. From fiery rock anthems to heart-wrenching ballads, these are the songs that cemented her place in music history. Get ready to rediscover the magic of Linda Ronstadt—one unforgettable song at a time. 🎶
1. “You’re No Good” (1963, Linda Ronstadt version: 1974)
Originally recorded by Dee Dee Warwick in 1963, You’re No Good took on a whole new life when Linda Ronstadt released her version in 1974 on Heart Like a Wheel. With its sultry blues-infused melody, dramatic build-up, and powerhouse vocals, Ronstadt turned the song into an unforgettable anthem of heartbreak and self-empowerment. Her emotional intensity, paired with a soaring arrangement, helped propel the song to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100—her first chart-topping hit. This success cemented her status as one of the leading female rock vocalists of her time, proving that she could take an existing song and make it entirely her own.
2. “Blue Bayou” (1961, Linda Ronstadt version: 1977)
First recorded by Roy Orbison in 1961, Blue Bayou became one of Linda Ronstadt’s signature songs when she reimagined it in 1977 for her album Simple Dreams. Her heartfelt, aching delivery conveys a deep longing for home and simpler times, making the song resonate on an emotional level with audiences worldwide. Blending elements of country, rock, and pop, her rendition climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned her a Grammy nomination. With its dreamy, melancholic melody and Ronstadt’s rich, expressive vocals, Blue Bayou remains one of her most beloved and enduring performances.
3. “When Will I Be Loved” (1960, Linda Ronstadt version: 1975)
Originally written by Phil Everly and recorded by The Everly Brothers in 1960, When Will I Be Loved found new life when Linda Ronstadt released her electrifying rendition on Heart Like a Wheel in 1975. Her version took on an upbeat, country-rock feel, giving the song a fresh urgency. The infectious rhythm, combined with her commanding vocal presence, turned it into a major hit, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song became a fan favorite, frequently played on the radio and showcasing Ronstadt’s talent for blending rock and country influences seamlessly.
4. “It’s So Easy” (1958, Linda Ronstadt version: 1977)
Buddy Holly’s original 1958 rockabilly track It’s So Easy had a lighthearted charm, but when Linda Ronstadt covered it in 1977 for Simple Dreams, she infused it with sultry energy and a more intense, modern rock sound. Her version, full of confident swagger and infectious hooks, soared to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became one of her most recognizable hits, proving her ability to reimagine classic rock songs while making them sound fresh and uniquely her own.
5. “Different Drum” (1967, with The Stone Poneys)
Written by Michael Nesmith, Different Drum was the song that put Linda Ronstadt on the map when she recorded it with The Stone Poneys in 1967. Unlike its original folk rendition, her version featured lush, baroque pop instrumentation, giving it a grand, orchestral feel. The song’s lyrics—about a fiercely independent woman refusing to be tied down—resonated deeply with audiences. Ronstadt’s confident, emotive vocals made it an instant classic and foreshadowed her future success as a solo artist.
6. “Long, Long Time” (1970)
Few songs capture the pain of unrequited love as powerfully as Long, Long Time, released in 1970 on Silk Purse. This haunting ballad, with its sparse yet dramatic arrangement, showcased Ronstadt’s ability to convey deep, raw emotion. The song’s melancholy melody, accompanied by an aching string section, allowed her voice to take center stage, earning her a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Female Vocal Performance. Even decades later, Long, Long Time remains one of her most poignant and soul-stirring recordings.
7. “Heat Wave” (1963, Linda Ronstadt version: 1975)
Martha and the Vandellas made Heat Wave a Motown classic in 1963, but when Linda Ronstadt covered it for her 1975 album Prisoner in Disguise, she put her own spin on the song, infusing it with rock-and-roll flair. Her version maintained the original’s high-energy feel but added a smoother, polished production, showcasing her ability to reinterpret R&B hits in a way that felt both classic and modern. The track’s upbeat rhythm and fiery vocal performance made it a standout on the album and a staple in her repertoire.
8. “That’ll Be the Day” (1956, Linda Ronstadt version: 1976)
Originally recorded by Buddy Holly & The Crickets in 1956, That’ll Be the Day was already a rock-and-roll staple when Ronstadt gave it her own country-rock twist on Hasten Down the Wind in 1976. Her rendition retained the song’s nostalgic charm while adding fresh energy and vocal strength, blending rock’s early roots with her contemporary sound. While not one of her biggest chart hits, it further solidified her reputation as a masterful interpreter of classic songs.
9. “Ooh Baby Baby” (1965, Linda Ronstadt version: 1978)
Originally recorded by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles in 1965, Ooh Baby Baby became one of Linda Ronstadt’s most romantic covers when she recorded it for Living in the USA in 1978. Her soft, breathy vocals and smooth, dreamy production gave the song an ethereal quality, making it one of her most memorable ballads. The song became a Top 10 hit, highlighting her ability to take a Motown classic and give it a fresh, deeply personal interpretation.
10. “Love Is a Rose” (1974, Linda Ronstadt version: 1975)
Written by Neil Young, Love Is a Rose was originally released as a demo in 1974 before Linda Ronstadt transformed it into a lively, bluegrass-tinged country hit on Prisoner in Disguise in 1975. Her version, with its upbeat tempo and folk-country fusion, became a Top 5 hit on the country charts. It remained a staple in her live performances, proving her versatility and ability to bring warmth and authenticity to every song she touched.
Samuel Moore 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.
