About the song
At 78, Linda Ronstadt Finally Breaks the Silence on the Seven Musicians She Hated THE MOST
For decades, Linda Ronstadt has been celebrated as one of the most versatile and gifted voices in music history — effortlessly moving between rock, country, folk, pop, and Latin genres. Known for her professionalism and collaborative spirit, Ronstadt rarely spoke negatively about her peers. But now, at the age of 78, in an uncharacteristically candid moment, she has revealed there are seven musicians she could “never work with again” — and the reasons behind her feelings have left fans stunned.
Ronstadt began by making it clear that her list was not about petty rivalries or jealousy, but about values. “I’ve worked with hundreds of musicians in my life,” she explained. “Most were wonderful. But there are some who taught me hard lessons about trust, respect, and what not to tolerate in this business.”
She refrained from naming all seven outright, instead sharing stories that offered subtle clues. One involved a producer-turned-performer who constantly dismissed her creative input during recording sessions, insisting his way was “the only way.” Another was a fellow singer who, during a joint tour in the ’70s, reportedly tried to sabotage her performances by demanding sound adjustments that favored their own voice.
One of the more shocking anecdotes concerned a popular rock frontman who, according to Ronstadt, treated his backing band and crew with open contempt. “It told me everything I needed to know,” she said. “Talent without kindness means nothing to me.”
Ronstadt also recounted a heartbreaking incident with a songwriter she admired, who publicly criticized her interpretations of his work. “He told me I didn’t ‘get’ his songs,” she said, “but those songs meant something to me, and my audience loved them. That’s when I realized some people just can’t stand to share credit.”
Though her words carried a quiet sting, she also admitted that time had softened her perspective. “Hate is too strong a word for most of them,” she said thoughtfully. “But disappointment? That stays with you.” She acknowledged that some on her list may have changed, but emphasized that she no longer feels the need to mend those bridges.
Fans were quick to speculate about the identities of the seven musicians, with social media debates erupting almost instantly. Some praised Ronstadt for speaking her truth after a lifetime of keeping her opinions private, while others felt the mystery of not naming names only heightened the intrigue.
Even in this rare moment of blunt honesty, Linda Ronstadt’s grace remained intact. She did not lash out or dwell on bitterness, instead using her platform to stress the importance of integrity in music. “You can have all the hit records in the world,” she concluded, “but if you forget that music is a shared experience — something you create together — then you’ve lost the whole point.”
At 78, Ronstadt has nothing left to prove. Her willingness to finally speak about the darker side of her career only deepens her reputation as an artist who, above all else, has always valued truth over pretense.
