A Night of Legends: Five Voices Unite to Honor Linda Ronstadt
Amid the dramatic and colorful 2014 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, one of the most emotionally stirring segments was the tribute to Linda Ronstadt. Unable to attend due to declining health from progressive supranuclear palsy, Ronstadt was honored in absentia by a stellar assembly of artists.
The ceremony’s host, Glenn Frey of the Eagles and a longtime collaborator of Ronstadt’s, took the stage first. He delivered a heartfelt induction speech, recounting their early touring days and her expansive career—culminating in a moving acceptance in her name.
He referred to Ronstadt’s body of work—31 albums sold over 100 million records—and portrayed her as an artist driven not by fame but by artistry and integrity. His voice broke as he praised her authenticity and indelible impact on generations of female musicians.
Following Frey’s introduction, Carrie Underwood stepped forward, performing “Different Drum,” the Stone Poneys hit that helped launch Ronstadt’s broader career. Underwood’s rendition was polished, poignant, and served as a tender opening to the tribute sequence.
The next intimate moment featured a duet of “Blue Bayou,” delivered by Bonnie Raitt and Emmylou Harris. Their voices blended in a soulful, country-tinged homage, reflecting Ronstadt’s country-rock versatility and emotional resonance.
Sheryl Crow followed, joined by Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, and Carrie Underwood in a spirited version of “You’re No Good,” a chart-topping Ronstadt classic. The performance was simultaneously playful and respectful, honoring the original’s sass and energy.
Then came “It’s So Easy,” a song that had inspired Stevie Nicks herself. Nicks led, backed by Crow, Harris, Raitt, Underwood, and Glenn Frey. The rendition carried a rock swagger, recalling the timeless 1970s feel while exuding mutual admiration and camaraderie.
The tribute reached a powerful crescendo with “When Will I Be Loved,” performed as a group finale by Sheryl Crow, Emmylou Harris, Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, and Carrie Underwood. The unity of voices underscored the collective respect and affection for Ronstadt’s legacy.
This all-star tribute illuminated Ronstadt’s profound influence on these artists. Each performance felt personal yet part of a greater celebration, weaving together different facets of her career and genre-crossing appeal.
The evening as a whole was memorable, with other headline acts and speeches punctuating the program, but the Ronstadt segment stood apart. It was uniquely moving and heartfelt, highlighting her importance even in absentia.
The sequence—from soulful ballads to rock-inflected anthems—reflected the breadth of Ronstadt’s artistry. Each singer contributed not just vocals but emotion, crafting a collective portrait of a beloved musical pioneer.
The order and arrangement of the songs helped tell Ronstadt’s story: beginning with the innocence of “Different Drum,” moving through the heartfelt “Blue Bayou,” the feisty “You’re No Good,” the rocking “It’s So Easy,” and closing with the harmonies of “When Will I Be Loved.”
Images and accounts from the night confirmed the lineup of each performance, showing how seamlessly the artists blended their individual styles into a cohesive tribute, reinforcing the depth of Ronstadt’s influence.
Stevie Nicks reflected later that performing “It’s So Easy” was particularly meaningful—she had been inspired by Ronstadt’s version in high school, and sharing the stage with other women she admired added emotional resonance.
In sum, the tribute was not merely a medley of songs; it was a symbolic representation of Ronstadt’s influence. From country roots to rock stardom, the performers honored her legacy authentically, ensuring she remained at the center of the narrative even in absence.
That night, under the vaulted ceilings of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the world witnessed a moving testament: artists giving voice to gratitude, evoking one of music’s most versatile and influential figures. The sequence was a layered, heartfelt homage that remains unforgettable in Hall of Fame history.
