About the song
Linda Ronstadt’s career is filled with timeless reinterpretations of classic songs, and few illustrate her artistry as vividly as her 1975 recording of “When Will I Be Loved.” Originally written by Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers, the song was first released in 1960 and became a rock and roll standard. When Ronstadt revived it 15 years later, she transformed it into one of her signature hits, showcasing not only her vocal versatility but also her ability to bridge the gap between rock, country, and pop. Her version became one of the defining songs of the 1970s, a track that resonated with listeners for its emotional honesty and musical energy.
Origins of the Song
The Everly Brothers recorded “When Will I Be Loved” in 1960. With their signature harmonies and jangly guitars, the song fit perfectly into the early rock and roll landscape. It reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, establishing itself as one of the duo’s many enduring hits.
The lyrics express frustration with love’s disappointments: the narrator has been hurt, lied to, and mistreated, and now questions when genuine love will arrive. While simple in construction, the song struck a chord with audiences thanks to its universal theme and memorable melody.
By the mid-1970s, Linda Ronstadt had become known as one of the foremost interpreters of songs across genres. With her background in folk-rock, country rock, and pop, she was uniquely positioned to reimagine “When Will I Be Loved” for a new generation.
Linda Ronstadt’s Recording
Ronstadt recorded “When Will I Be Loved” for her sixth studio album, Heart Like a Wheel (1974), which would become one of her most acclaimed works. The track was released as a single in 1975 and quickly became a major hit, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. This success underscored Ronstadt’s ability to appeal to both rock and country audiences, cementing her crossover status.
Her version is livelier and more assertive than the Everly Brothers’ original. Where the Everlys’ rendition carried a polished early rock feel, Ronstadt injected the song with her powerhouse vocals, a driving rhythm section, and a country-rock edge that reflected the musical trends of the 1970s.
Themes and Lyrics
The lyrics of “When Will I Be Loved” are straightforward but emotionally potent. They capture the universal feelings of betrayal and longing for true love:
“I’ve been cheated, been mistreated…”
“When will I be loved?”
The narrator laments repeated heartbreak, expressing vulnerability while still holding out hope for a future when love will be genuine.
Ronstadt’s delivery of these lines is key to why her version resonates so deeply. She brings urgency and raw emotion to the words, turning them from a simple lament into an anthem of resilience. The way she belts the refrain makes the listener feel the weight of the question—when will I be loved?—not just as a personal inquiry but as something universally relatable.
Musical Arrangement
Musically, Ronstadt’s version reflects the blend of country and rock that defined much of her career. The arrangement is upbeat, with jangling guitars, steady percussion, and layered harmonies that give the track a buoyant feel. Her band, including some of the finest session musicians of the time, provides a crisp, energetic backdrop that allows her vocals to take center stage.
The contrast between the lyrics’ sorrowful theme and the lively instrumentation creates an interesting tension. Instead of being a purely melancholy song, Ronstadt’s rendition feels defiant—almost celebratory in its refusal to be defeated by heartache. This dynamic quality is part of what made the track so appealing to a wide audience.
Impact on Linda Ronstadt’s Career
“When Will I Be Loved” was pivotal in solidifying Ronstadt’s reputation as a major force in both pop and country music. It became one of her signature songs, frequently performed in concerts and featured in greatest hits compilations. Its chart success demonstrated her crossover appeal, proving that she could dominate in multiple genres simultaneously.
The song also contributed to the overall success of Heart Like a Wheel, which won Ronstadt her first Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female. The album is often cited as one of the best of her career, and “When Will I Be Loved” played a significant role in its impact.
Legacy of the Song
Today, “When Will I Be Loved” is remembered as both an Everly Brothers classic and a Linda Ronstadt standard. Her version introduced the song to a new generation, ensuring its place in the canon of American popular music. Many listeners, in fact, first encountered the song through Ronstadt’s recording, and for them, her interpretation remains the definitive one.
The song’s enduring popularity lies in its timeless theme. Almost everyone has experienced disappointment in love, and Ronstadt’s passionate delivery captures that shared human experience. Her ability to take a song with simple lyrics and infuse it with such emotional power is a testament to her artistry.
Conclusion
Linda Ronstadt’s recording of “When Will I Be Loved” exemplifies her extraordinary talent as one of the great interpreters of modern music. By taking a classic Everly Brothers hit and transforming it with her powerhouse vocals, energetic arrangement, and emotional depth, she created a version that was both faithful to its roots and refreshingly original.
The song’s success not only contributed to her breakthrough as a crossover star but also showcased the universal themes of heartbreak and longing that continue to resonate with listeners today. Decades later, Ronstadt’s “When Will I Be Loved” remains a vibrant, emotionally charged anthem that highlights the enduring power of her voice and the timeless appeal of great songwriting.