Linda Ronstadt’s ‘When Will I Be Loved’ Revives a Rockabilly Classic and Becomes a 1975 Country-Pop Sensation
In 1975, Linda Ronstadt’s When Will I Be Loved became one of the defining hits of her career, blending rock and country influences into a song that resonated with a broad audience. Originally recorded by The Everly Brothers in 1960, the song took on new life in Ronstadt’s hands, showcasing her signature powerhouse vocals and a more contemporary sound. The single soared to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 1 on the Cash Box chart, solidifying her status as one of the leading female artists of the decade. In the country market, it hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, proving her ability to effortlessly cross between genres.
Linda Ronstadt was no stranger to reinvention. Born in Tucson, Arizona, in 1946, she grew up in a musically diverse household, absorbing everything from traditional Mexican folk music to country and rock and roll. In the late 1960s, she found success as the lead singer of the Stone Poneys, but it was her solo career in the early ‘70s that truly set her apart. With a voice that could handle delicate ballads as well as full-throttle rock anthems, Ronstadt carved out a unique space in the industry. Her ability to blend rock, folk, country, and pop gave her a versatility that few artists could match, and by the time When Will I Be Loved was released, she was already on the brink of superstardom.
The song itself was originally written by Phil Everly and recorded by The Everly Brothers in 1960. Their version, a tight, harmony-driven rockabilly number, was a modest hit, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it wasn’t until Ronstadt reimagined the song in 1975 that it became a full-fledged classic. Unlike the Everlys’ upbeat yet restrained delivery, Ronstadt infused the song with a sense of urgency and emotional depth, making it a powerful anthem of frustration and longing.
Recording sessions for When Will I Be Loved took place at Sound Factory in Los Angeles, with producer Peter Asher at the helm. Asher, who had worked with James Taylor and later helped craft Ronstadt’s signature sound, created an arrangement that leaned heavily on rock instrumentation while maintaining the song’s country heart. The track featured a driving rhythm section, crisp electric guitar licks, and Ronstadt’s soaring, unmistakable vocals. The song’s production was raw yet polished, allowing Ronstadt’s emotional delivery to shine without being buried under studio effects.
Upon its release, When Will I Be Loved was met with widespread acclaim. Critics praised Ronstadt’s ability to take a well-known song and make it entirely her own. The single quickly climbed the charts, eventually peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it was held back from the top spot by The Captain & Tennille’s Love Will Keep Us Together. On the country charts, however, the song had no competition, reaching No. 1 and marking one of Ronstadt’s biggest achievements in the genre. The crossover appeal of the song helped introduce her music to an even wider audience.
More than just a hit record, When Will I Be Loved played a crucial role in shaping the country-rock movement of the 1970s. At a time when country music was still dominated by traditional sounds, Ronstadt’s version proved that rock-influenced country had a place in the mainstream. Her success paved the way for other female artists, such as Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton, to experiment with blending genres, ultimately expanding the boundaries of what country music could be.
For Ronstadt, the success of When Will I Be Loved was a pivotal moment in her career. The song became one of her signature hits, frequently performed in concerts and featured in her greatest hits compilations. It also reinforced her reputation as one of the most skilled interpreters of classic songs, a talent that would become a defining feature of her career. In the years that followed, she continued to build on this success with albums that explored everything from new wave to traditional mariachi music, but When Will I Be Loved remained one of her most beloved tracks.
The song’s influence extended beyond Ronstadt’s career, inspiring countless artists in both rock and country. Its seamless fusion of the two genres set a precedent for future country-rock acts, and its success demonstrated that a well-executed cover could be just as impactful—if not more so—than an original composition. Ronstadt’s interpretation stood as proof that strong vocals and emotional authenticity could elevate a song to new heights.
Over the years, When Will I Be Loved has been covered by various artists, but none have matched the success of Ronstadt’s rendition. The song has been performed by everyone from country legend Vince Gill to bluegrass artists, but its most famous version remains Ronstadt’s powerful, emotionally charged take. It remains a staple of classic rock and country radio, its timeless appeal continuing to resonate with new generations of listeners.
At the time of its release, Ronstadt was balancing massive success with the pressures of the music industry. While she had become one of the best-selling female artists of the decade, she was also one of the few women in rock to achieve such dominance. Songs like When Will I Be Loved highlighted not only her vocal abilities but also her ability to navigate an industry that was often reluctant to give female artists the same level of recognition as their male counterparts.
Decades after its release, When Will I Be Loved remains one of Linda Ronstadt’s most enduring songs. It continues to be celebrated as one of the great examples of 1970s country rock and is often included in retrospectives of the greatest songs of the era. Ronstadt’s ability to take a simple, heartfelt song and turn it into an anthem of resilience and longing is a testament to her unparalleled artistry.
The song also helped lay the foundation for the way artists approach covers in contemporary music. In an industry where reinterpreting classic songs can often be met with skepticism, When Will I Be Loved proved that a great artist could breathe new life into an existing song, making it feel fresh and relevant again. Ronstadt didn’t just cover When Will I Be Loved—she redefined it, ensuring its place in music history.
Ultimately, When Will I Be Loved stands as a testament to Linda Ronstadt’s talent, influence, and ability to bridge genres with ease. It remains an unforgettable piece of her legacy, a song that continues to capture the frustration, longing, and passion that defined her work. As new generations discover her music, When Will I Be Loved will no doubt continue to find its place in the hearts of listeners, proving that some songs—and some voices—never fade with time.
