Linda Ronstadt on the artist that is always “at the top of his game”
Throughout her career, Linda Ronstadt has worked with some of the most beloved names in music history. As the darling of the 1970s folk scene thanks to her golden voice, she found herself becoming peers and friends with countless incredible artists as she covered their songs and they always thanked her for it in a beautiful exchange of mutual admiration. When it comes to the one artist she thinks is at the top of his game and always has been, and he would certainly say the same thing back.
“Linda was our muse and a brave artist who followed her instincts,” Glenn Frey once said of Ronstadt. As a major reason why the Eagles first formed, the boys in the band forever thanked the folk star, deeming her “the first lady of country rock”.
They weren’t the only ones to grant her such high praise. Neil Young made her a regular fixture in his studio, asking her first to add harmonies to ‘Old Man’ and ‘Heart Of Gold’ and then seemingly becoming hooked on the beautiful sound and texture she brought to his work. For the decades following, he routinely called her up to come in and boost his recordings.
Throughout her career, she’s collaborated with so many stars that it’s hard to keep track. There’s Paul Simon, Johnny Cash, Frank Zappa, Gram Parsons, Warren Zevon and a long list of others. Each one of them has something nice to say about them, and in return, Ronstadt has never been shy with her praise.
It created enduring friendships and collaborative links that have lasted decades. Especially when it comes to Randy Newman, their mutual admiration for one another is still strong today as Ronstadt said, “I still speak to Randy as often as I can.”
“He is so funny,” she said, talking fondly about her friend, “I’ve worked with him when he cracked the orchestra up so much they can hardly play.” But beyond their personal connection, which was first fostered decades ago and has lasted ever since, her love for Newman is also tied to her deep love for his music.
She has covered his songs throughout her career, time and time again. The pair have also come together for duets or worked together on Randy Newman’s Faust, his 1995 musical in which she provided vocals. Even in 2023, in an interview for Dig, the respect and awe she feels towards Newman is strong as ever as she said, “He is also an example of someone who is working at the top of his game after so many years in the business,” she said. “So many musicians have a little peak and that’s it, but Randy is still cranking out great songs that make you laugh or cry.”
