Episode 11: Heart Like A Wheel by Linda Ronstadt

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March 18, 2025 • 68 mins

In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl take a deep dive into Heart Like a Wheel, Linda Ronstadt’s 1974 breakthrough album. They explore Ronstadt’s immense vocal talent, her impact on the Southern California music scene, and her impressive ability to cross musical genres. With a mix of country, rock, and pop influences, Heart Like a Wheel cemented Ronstadt’s place as a powerhouse in the music industry. Dan and Carl also discuss the album’s historical significance, standout tracks, and how it stacks up against other classic records.

Key Points

Linda Ronstadt’s Background: Born in 1946 in Tucson, Arizona, Ronstadt grew up surrounded by music, heavily influenced by her father’s love of traditional Mexican songs.
Formation of The Eagles: Ronstadt played a key role in the early careers of Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and other Eagles members, as they were originally part of her backing band.
Covers Done Right: Heart Like a Wheel is an album of covers that showcases Ronstadt’s ability to reinterpret and elevate existing material with stunning vocal precision.
Biggest Hits:
- You're No Good – A dark and moody classic that kicks off the album with a bang.
- When Will I Be Loved – A high-energy Everly Brothers cover that brings a needed boost to the second half of the album.
- It Doesn't Matter Anymore – A heartfelt take on the Buddy Holly classic.
- Willin’ – A beautiful, hypnotic rendition of the Little Feat song, rumored to be tied to a personal connection with Lowell George.
Notable Musicians and Contributions:
- Background vocals by Sissy Houston (mother of Whitney Houston) on Dark End of the Street.
- Instrumental features by Sneaky Pete Kleinow (pedal steel), Andrew Gold (piano, guitar), and Emmylou Harris (harmonies on I Can’t Help It If I’m Still in Love with You).
- Album produced by Peter Asher, also known for his work with James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt.
Production Quality: A mostly clean and warm production, though some arrangements (such as the title track) stand out stylistically from the rest of the album.
Final Verdict: Heart Like a Wheel is an incredibly listenable album, full of fantastic musicianship and timeless vocal performances. Dan and Carl both agree: They would hit it!