Linda Ronstadt, a legendary figure in both traditional pop and country music, has always embraced a broad and nuanced approach to her craft. While her music is often associated with these genres, it defies simple categorization. Much of Ronstadt’s musical journey and success can be traced back to early rock pioneers and her deep connection to timeless songwriters, including Warren Zevon.
Linda Ronstadt’s Early Musical Influences
Growing up, Linda Ronstadt was surrounded by the revolutionary sounds of Buddy Holly and Little Richard. These early rock legends introduced her to the possibilities of musical innovation and creativity. However, Ronstadt’s connection to music went deeper than just the genres or styles—she was keenly attuned to how certain melodies and tones could evoke profound emotions and memories.
As she matured as an artist, Ronstadt found herself gravitating toward the heartfelt vocal styles of Billie Holiday, an influence introduced to her by her father. Holiday, along with Frank Sinatra, left a lasting impact on Ronstadt’s understanding of vocal intimacy and the evolution of pop music. Reflecting on their influence, Ronstadt once said, “[Billie Holiday] made music so intimate. She and Frank Sinatra are the two biggest influences on popular singing in the 20th century. I tried to do what they did.”
The Special Bond Between Linda Ronstadt and Warren Zevon
While Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra shaped her vocal approach, Warren Zevon became a critical figure in Ronstadt’s life, both musically and personally. For Ronstadt, no songwriter held as much emotional depth and intimacy as Zevon. Like many of Zevon’s admirers, she was drawn to his fearless songwriting, dark wit, and the polished yet accessible nature of his music.
Ronstadt played an instrumental role in bringing Warren Zevon’s music to a wider audience. In the early years of his career, she performed renditions of his songs, helping to push his work into the mainstream. Though Zevon’s success was slow to materialize, his debut album eventually included collaborations with major figures like Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, John McVie, Eagles members, Carl Wilson, and, of course, Ronstadt herself.
Linda Ronstadt on Warren Zevon’s Songwriting
In later years, Ronstadt reflected on her connection to Zevon and the profound impact his music had on her. “We were always so connected,” Ronstadt said in an interview with Dig about their relationship. “I knew him by reputation because he was at the Troubadour club a lot. He wrote such beautiful songs.”
Ronstadt understood Zevon’s music on a deeply personal level, and despite his often reclusive nature, she felt a strong bond through his words. One of her few regrets is not recording more of his songs. If given the chance to go back, she has said she would have loved to record the song “Accidentally Like A Martyr.”
Although Ronstadt had already recorded notable Zevon songs like “Carmelita” and “Poor Poor Pitiful Me,” his music continued to resonate with her in ways she hadn’t fully explored. Reflecting on “Accidentally Like A Martyr,” she admitted, “There are some songs of his I really wish I had recorded, especially ‘Accidentally Like A Martyr’. I feel like it was a missed opportunity, but I was a bit overwhelmed by doing it at the time.”
Warren Zevon’s Influence on Ronstadt’s Musical Choices
It’s easy to understand why Linda Ronstadt felt such a profound connection to Warren Zevon and his music. His songs, particularly “Accidentally Like A Martyr,” epitomized the emotional intensity she often sought in other songwriters. The song’s themes of love and loss, coupled with its deeply emotional core, resonated with Ronstadt long after Zevon’s passing.
“Accidentally Like A Martyr” became even more meaningful when Bob Dylan, a friend and contemporary of Zevon, began performing it on tour around the time of Zevon’s battle with cancer. For Ronstadt, this connection made the song a powerful tribute to both love and loss, encapsulating what she found most moving about Zevon’s music.
The Legacy of Linda Ronstadt and Warren Zevon’s Relationship
Linda Ronstadt’s relationship with Warren Zevon goes beyond the usual artist-to-artist dynamic. She not only helped introduce Zevon’s music to a broader audience but also found herself deeply connected to his songwriting style. Their musical connection is a testament to how Ronstadt viewed music—not just as a commercial product but as an emotional and personal expression.
While Ronstadt may regret not recording more of Zevon’s work, her renditions of his songs have cemented their shared legacy in rock and pop history. Together, they shaped the sound of an era, with Ronstadt helping to propel Zevon’s unique voice into the mainstream.
