Heat Wave

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin Linda Ronstadt’s sizzling rendition of Heat Wave from her 1975 album Prisoner in Disguise! This track, originally a 1963 Motown hit by Martha and the Vandellas, was transformed by Ronstadt into a rock-infused anthem that hit number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. According to a post on X, Ronstadt found recording this song challenging due to the unexpected complexity of coordinating with a large group of musicians, a sentiment echoed in a Far Out Magazine article where she admitted it nearly got the better of her. Her band had been pushing to include Heat Wave in her live sets for a while, and it finally debuted during a spontaneous performance at My Father’s Place, a Long Island club. As her sideman Andrew Gold shared with Rolling Stone, the band was prompted by the club’s manager to play it after running out of material during six encores, despite their sloppy execution, the crowd went wild, cementing its place in her repertoire.

Another tidbit about Heat Wave is its release history. Initially, Prisoner in Disguise’s lead single was Neil Young’s Love Is a Rose, with Heat Wave as the B-side. However, pop radio DJs favored Heat Wave, leading Asylum Records to flip the single, resulting in its Top 5 pop chart success, while Love Is a Rose hit the Top 5 on the country charts. This crossover appeal showcased Ronstadt’s ability to bridge genres, a hallmark of her career. The song’s infectious energy and Ronstadt’s powerhouse vocals made it a fan favorite, often highlighted in tribute performances like Heatwave: The Music of Linda Ronstadt, which celebrates her catalog with live shows.

Linda Ronstadt’s journey to stardom began in Tucson, Arizona, where she was born on July 15, 1946. Growing up in a musically inclined family, she was influenced by Mexican folk music and country sounds. While studying at Arizona State University, she met guitarist Bob Kimmel, and the two moved to Los Angeles, where they joined forces with Kenny Edwards to form the Stone Poneys. Their 1967 hit Different Drum put Ronstadt on the map, peaking at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. After the Stone Poneys disbanded, Ronstadt went solo, releasing her debut album Hand Sown… Home Grown in 1969, which marked her as a pioneer in the alt-country movement. Her 1974 album Heart Like a Wheel, featuring hits like You’re No Good, catapulted her to superstardom, earning her the first of 11 Grammy Awards.

Ronstadt’s versatility allowed her to tackle rock, country, pop, Latin, and even Broadway, earning her a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2014 and a National Medal of Arts in the same year. Her official website, lindaronstadt.com, offers updates on her music and legacy, including vinyl releases of classics like Canciones de mi Padre. Fans can connect with her on Facebook, where she shares news about reissues and tributes, and follow her on X for occasional updates. While her Instagram is less active, it features nostalgic photos and career highlights. For deeper fan engagement, check out the unofficial Linda Ronstadt Homepage, which provides detailed discographies and news, or join the Linda Ronstadt Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for her music with fellow enthusiasts.