When Will I Be Loved (Live 1975)

Here are some interesting trivia and stories about Linda Ronstadt's "When Will I Be Loved (Live 1975)" based on previous interviews, quotes, and social media posts. The song, originally written by Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers and a top-ten hit in 1960, was covered by Linda Ronstadt in 1975 on her album *Heart Like a Wheel*. Her version rearranged the verses, transposing the first and fourth verses of the original, and featured group vocals with Ronstadt, Kenny Edwards, and Andrew Gold, adding a fresh country-rock energy that made it an even bigger hit, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. According to Rolling Stone, Phil Everly drew inspiration for the song while sitting in his car outside an A&W root beer stand, reflecting on his on-again, off-again romance with Jackie Ertel-Bleyer, whom he later married in 1963 and divorced in 1972. Ronstadt’s live 1975 performance of the song, which your Zoo Crew DJs are spinning, captured her commanding vocal presence and became a fan favorite, often highlighted in posts on platforms like X and Reddit for its infectious rhythm and emotional depth.

Fans on social media, particularly on X and Reddit, have shared memories of how Ronstadt’s version resonated with them, with some noting it as a staple of 1970s radio that showcased her ability to blend rock and country influences seamlessly. A 2021 Reddit post in the r/Music community praised the 1976 live version, emphasizing its enduring appeal and Ronstadt’s powerful delivery. Additionally, a 2024 blog post on My Desultory Blog recalled a listener turning up the volume on their car radio upon hearing the song on SiriusXM’s The Bridge, triggered by Ronstadt’s memorable harmonies at the start, indicating its lasting impact on audiences. Capitol Records initially hesitated between releasing "When Will I Be Loved" or "You’re No Good" as the lead single from *Heart Like a Wheel*, but "You’re No Good" took precedence, with "When Will I Be Loved" following as the second single in March 1975, nearly reaching No. 1, only blocked by Captain & Tennille’s "Love Will Keep Us Together."

As for how Linda Ronstadt got started, she was born on July 15, 1946, in Tucson, Arizona, and raised on a ranch in a family of Mexican and German heritage that introduced her to a wide range of music, including Mexican Mariachi and folk songs. Her eclectic musical influences, rooted in what she heard before age 10, later allowed her to excel across genres like rock, country, pop, and Latin music. Ronstadt left home at 17 and joined the folk-oriented trio The Stone Poneys in 1966 in California, where they recorded three albums and scored a hit with "Different Drum." After the group disbanded, she launched her solo career in 1968, initially with modest success on her first four albums between 1969 and 1973. Her breakthrough came in 1974 with the album *Heart Like a Wheel*, produced by Peter Asher, which sold over a million copies and established her as a leading figure in country rock, introducing audiences to songwriters like Neil Young and Jackson Browne while collaborating with future Eagles members.

Ronstadt’s official website is lindaronstadt.com, where fans can find the latest updates, merchandise, and information about her career. You can also follow her on social media at Facebook (facebook.com/LindaRonstadt), Instagram (instagram.com/lindaronstadt), and X (twitter.com/LindaRonstadt). For fan engagement, there’s an unofficial fan website dedicated to her at ronstadt-linda.com, which offers additional resources and celebrates her legacy as America’s greatest female singer. Additionally, fans can join or follow the Facebook group facebook.com/groups/lindaronstadtfans to connect with other Zoo Freaks who admire her work.