Introduction:
Linda Ronstadt’s iconic rendition of “When Will I Be Loved” was released as a single in March 1975, though it was first featured on her critically acclaimed album, Heart Like a Wheel, which debuted in November 1974. This powerful song falls primarily under the country rock genre, seamlessly blending elements of rock, pop, and traditional country music, a hallmark of Ronstadt’s versatile artistry during the 1970s.
Originally written and recorded by Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers in 1960, Ronstadt’s version breathed new life into the track, transforming it into a major hit that arguably surpassed the commercial success of the original. Her soulful and robust vocal performance, coupled with Peter Asher’s polished production, elevated the song and showcased her exceptional ability to interpret and make a song her own.
“When Will I Be Loved” proved to be a significant commercial triumph for Linda Ronstadt. It soared to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1975, narrowly missing the top spot due to the pervasive success of Captain & Tennille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together.” However, it did achieve the coveted number 1 position on the Cash Box Top 100 chart and also topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, marking her first number one hit in the country music genre. In addition to its US success, the song performed well internationally, reaching number 7 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart and also topping both the Canadian Adult Contemporary and Country Tracks charts. The B-side of the single, a cover of Buddy Holly’s “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore,” also gained considerable airplay, demonstrating the strength of the Heart Like a Wheel album as a whole. “When Will I Be Loved” remains one of Linda Ronstadt’s most beloved and enduring hits, solidifying her status as a mainstream superstar and a pivotal figure in the evolution of country rock.