The essential Linda Ronstadt playlist

Despite being released originally by Wanda Jackson in 1956, Linda Ronstadt is the artist that most music fans associate with “Silver Threads And Golden Needles.” Ronstadt actually recorded two different versions of the song, one in 1969 and another in 1973, the latter of which was a hit on the country charts.” 

Originally recorded in 1963 by Dee Dee Warwick, Linda Ronstadt’s version of “You’re No Good” came exactly a decade later in 1973, when she performed it on an episode of musical variety show “The Midnight Special.” It was an instant classic, soaring to #1 on the Billboard chart and eventually earning double-platinum certification from the Recording Industry Academy of America. 

A stunning, lonesome song written by the late Roy Orbison, Linda Ronstadt’s version of “Blue Bayou” is arguably the most recognizable. Released in 1977, the song features backing vocals from Eagles vocalist Don Henley. Ronstadt also recorded a rendition of the song in Spanish, called “Lago Azul.” 

Thanks to her powerhouse vocals, Linda Ronstadt has a habit of making her covers of classic songs the most famous, and “When Will I Be Loved” is no exception. Many fans of the song would likely be surprised to learn that it was originally written by Phil Everly, who notched a hit with the song in 1960. Ronstadt’s version soared to #2 on the charts and remains one of her most iconic vocal performances. 

Yet another cover smash for Ronstadt, “It’s So Easy” was co-written by Buddy Holly and released by his band The Crickets in 1958. Ronstadt proved the song’s timeless appeal in 1977 when she scored a top-ten hit thanks to the endlessly catchy chorus and Ronstadt’s powerful delivery. 

Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton, and Emmylou Harris teamed up in 1987 to release “Trio,” a collection of songs featuring three of country music’s most iconic vocalists, and the rest is music history. Written by record producer (and later, convicted murderer) Phil Spector, “To Know Him Is To Love Him” was a #1 hit for the trio on the country charts. 

In 1977, Linda Ronstadt flipped the script on Warren Zevon’s decidedly dark “Poor Poor Pitiful Me,” which somehow manages to work in a suıcide attempt in the very first stanza. Her version, which reverses the song’s gender roles, was both a country and all-genre hit.

Fans of the animated film “An American Tail” will immediately recognize “Somewhere Out There,” one of the ‘90s greatest power ballads. Recorded by Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram, the song was commissioned by film director Steven Spielberg, who accurately predicted that it would be a smash hit on the pop charts. 

Two truly iconic voices came together in 1989 when Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville headed into the studio to record “Don’t Know Much.” Arguably one of the most iconic duets of all time, the song earned Ronstadt and Neville a Grammy Award in 1990 for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group. 

The second song co-written by Buddy Holly and recorded by Linda Ronstadt, “That’ll Be The Day” appears on Ronstadt’s critically acclaimed 1976 album “Hasten Down The Wind.” It’s been covered by countless artists, ranging from Pat Boone to Modest Mouse, but Ronstadt’s version still reigns supreme. 

Translating to “for a love,” “Por Un Amor” is one of the most gorgeous tracks on 1987’s “Canciones de Mi Padre.” Backed by a full section of horns and lush harmonies, Ronstadt’s take on traditional Mexican singing is soulful and stunning. 

Only someone with a voice as iconic as Linda Ronstadt could take a Hank Williams classic like “I Can’t Help It If I’m Still In Love With You” and make it her own. Released in 1974, Ronstadt’s version of the song won the Grammy Award that year for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. 

Most people associate “Desperado” with the Eagles, whose legendary recording of the song was released in 1973. But Ronstadt’s version, released the same year, is credited by the band for popularizing the song thanks to Ronstadt’s haunting vocals and emotive delivery. 

This Neil Young tune was a hit on the country and pop charts for Ronstadt in 1975, released on her hit album “Prisoner In Disguise.” The multi-genre success of “Love Is A Rose” other songs from that time really cemented Ronstadt’s status as a bonafide crossover star. 

“Hay Unos Ojos,” which translates to “there are some eyes,” was released on Ronstadt’s 1987 Spanish-language album “Canciones de Mi Padre,” and it’s seriously gorgeous. The album focuses on traditional Mexican mariachi music, which serves as a tribute to Ronstadt’s family and musical heritage. 

One of Ronstadt’s first major hits, “Long Long Time” also earned her a Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary Female Vocal Performance after its release in 1970. 

Yet another stunner from "Trio," the collaborative album from Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt, “Telling Me Lies” earned Ronstadt both a major hit and a Grammy nomination for Country Song of the Year in 1987. 

A decade before the release of “Trio,” Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt teamed up to record “I Never Will Marry” in 1977. Their recording of the traditional folk song was an early look at just how impressive those harmonies would be, even before Emmylou Harris was in the mix. 

Both Bonnie Raitt and Linda Ronstadt have recorded “Love Has No Pride,” and it’s hard to say which one of these legendary women — pictured here with country icon George Jones — recorded the best version. Ronstadt’s came in 1973 and has since evolved into a fan favorite. 

This lovely song, from 1987’s “Canciones de Mi Padre,” is almost like a lullaby thanks to Ronstadt’s soothing, sweet vocals. Its lyrics, which compare the singer’s love to the sun, are equally charming.