Linda Ronstadt – When Will I Be Loved (1975)
“When Will I Be Loved” is a song that became iconic through Linda Ronstadt’s rendition in 1975. Originally written and recorded by Phil Everly of The Everly Brothers in 1960, Ronstadt’s cover gave the song a new life and helped cement her place as a leading artist in the rock and country genres. Her version topped the charts, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100, thus broadening her fan base and solidifying her reputation as a versatile and powerful vocalist. This cover was part of her album “Heart Like a Wheel,” a pivotal record that marked her transition into becoming one of the top female rock artists of the 1970s.
Ronstadt’s interpretation of “When Will I Be Loved” stands out due to her distinct vocal prowess. The arrangement is richer and more robust compared to the original Everly Brothers version, with Linda’s vocal performance bringing an emotional weight and depth to the song that resonated with audiences. The song’s instrumentation, featuring a strong drum beat, lush harmonies, and a crisp acoustic guitar, provided a perfect backdrop to Ronstadt’s powerful vocals, thus framing the heartache and longing expressed in the lyrics. This quality of emotional resonance is something Ronstadt infused into her performances, allowing her to connect with audiences both on records and in live settings.
The lyrics of “When Will I Be Loved” are straightforward yet profoundly relatable, touching on the universal theme of longing for love and the disappointment of unreciprocated feelings. Ronstadt’s delivery of the lines—imbued with a sense of longing and vulnerability—creates an immediate connection with listeners who may have experienced similar emotions. Her rendition speaks to those who have been let down in love yet continue to hope for a time when they will find the love they deserve. This simplicity and emotional directness are elements that allowed the song to strike a chord with a broad audience.
Ronstadt performed “When Will I Be Loved” frequently in her live shows, where her electrifying stage presence and vocal prowess were on full display. Audiences were consistently drawn to her live renditions, which showcased her ability to convey raw emotions through song. Her performances often included a tight-knit band that enhanced the song’s rock and roll elements, making it a staple of her concerts. Linda Ronstadt’s tours during this period were incredibly successful, and her performances of “When Will I Be Loved” contributed significantly to her reputation as one of the premier live performers of her era.
The impact of Ronstadt’s version of “When Will I Be Loved” extended beyond its commercial success. It helped pave the way for female artists in the rock genre by demonstrating that women could be commercially successful and critically acclaimed in a domain that was largely dominated by male artists at the time. Ronstadt’s success in a predominantly male industry inspired future generations of female musicians to pursue careers in rock and continue pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Culturally, Ronstadt’s rendition came to symbolize the freedom and expressiveness of the 1970s, an era characterized by significant social change and the reexamination of traditional gender roles. By executing artistically and commercially successful renditions of songs like “When Will I Be Loved,” Ronstadt challenged the conventional views of what female artists could achieve and what roles they could play within the music industry.
The success of the song also reaffirmed the viability of covering earlier works and bringing new interpretive angles to them. Ronstadt was particularly skilled at choosing songs that she could vocally occupy and make her own. The rejuvenation of classic tracks such as “When Will I Be Loved” highlighted her unique ability to transcend musical genres, crossing seamlessly between rock, country, and pop, thus creating a diverse catalog that appealed to a wide audience.
Listening to Linda Ronstadt’s “When Will I Be Loved” today, one can appreciate not only the timeless quality of her voice but also the historical importance of her interpretation. It serves as a reflective piece on the themes of unrequited love and hope for the future, all the while reminding listeners of Ronstadt’s crucial role in shaping the contemporary music scene.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL7K5Say2-I
