About the song
When one hears the title “I Will Always Love You,” most minds leap to Dolly Parton, who wrote and first recorded the timeless ballad in 1973, or to Whitney Houston, whose 1992 rendition became one of the best-selling singles of all time. But in between those two towering versions lies a little-known yet unforgettable interpretation: Linda Ronstadt’s soulful cover, which brought the song to a whole new audience and revealed once again the extraordinary versatility of her voice.
In 1975, Linda Ronstadt was at the height of her powers. Having already found success with her album Heart Like a Wheel, which produced hits like You’re No Good and When Will I Be Loved, she was carving out her place as one of the most dynamic female voices in popular music. Her ability to weave effortlessly between folk, country, rock, and pop made her a genre-defying artist, one who could make any song entirely her own. It was during this creative burst that Ronstadt recorded “I Will Always Love You” for her album Prisoner in Disguise.
Unlike Dolly’s original, which carried the intimate ache of a farewell between two people bound by love but pulled apart by circumstance, Linda’s version leaned into her signature style—tender, soaring, and achingly direct. She stripped the song down to its raw emotions, her voice carrying both power and fragility. What emerged was not just a cover, but a reimagining: a heartfelt, bittersweet cry that resonated deeply with fans who were already attuned to her ability to sing with startling honesty.
What makes Ronstadt’s interpretation so remarkable is the way she captures both the strength and vulnerability of the lyrics. When she sang “And I will always love you,” it did not feel like a dramatic declaration—it felt like a whispered truth, something pulled straight from her soul. In her hands, the song became less about grand emotion and more about quiet, devastating reality.
Though her version did not reach the commercial heights of Dolly’s or Whitney’s, it played a pivotal role in spreading the song’s influence. For many rock and pop audiences in the 1970s, Linda’s recording was their first introduction to the song, bridging the worlds of country and mainstream music. This was Linda’s gift: to take a song rooted in one tradition and reveal its universal heart.
Looking back, Linda Ronstadt’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” stands as a testament to her artistry. She was never content to simply follow trends or stay confined to one genre. Instead, she trusted her instincts, choosing songs that spoke to her and delivering them in a way that touched listeners on the deepest levels.
Today, the legacy of “I Will Always Love You” belongs to many voices, but Linda Ronstadt’s cover deserves its place in the song’s remarkable history. It remains a beautiful example of how a great interpreter can bring new shades of meaning to a classic. Through her voice—gentle, fierce, and unforgettable—Linda reminded the world that love, even in parting, is eternal.
