Linda Ronstadt, one of the most influential voices of the 20th century, has always been known for her grace, professionalism, and powerful vocal talent.

For decades, she maintained a dignified silence about the personal and professional conflicts she endured in the male-dominated music industry.

However, in a rare and candid revelation, Linda recently opened up about seven musicians she secretly despised—artists she clashed with, who betrayed her trust, or whose egos left lasting scars.

This article explores those intense relationships and sheds light on the challenges Linda faced beyond the spotlight.

 

The story begins in 1979 backstage at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, a legendary venue where many artists have launched their careers.

Linda Ronstadt had just walked out of the green room, visibly upset.

The reason? She saw that the scheduled performer was not her or even the Eagles, but Don Henley.

Their relationship had started warmly—Henley was once her drummer and backup singer—but as the Eagles’ fame skyrocketed, Henley’s ego grew disproportionately.

 

By 1975, tensions exploded during a backstage argument at the Universal Amphitheater.

Henley insulted Linda by suggesting she should stick to singing covers and leave songwriting to “real artists.” This crude remark was a breaking point.

Linda not only walked away but revoked Henley’s access to her tour.

Privately, she described him as a “climber who lost his soul,” signaling deep disappointment and betrayal.

 

Another dramatic encounter involved Jim Morrison of The Doors.

In 1968, at an afterparty near the Whiskey A Go Go, Morrison, intoxicated on absinthe and ego, dragged Linda on stage and attempted to kiss her mid-performance—collapsing into her microphone stand in the process.

The incident was humiliating and left a lasting emotional scar.

 

Morrison later mocked Linda in interviews, calling her “sweet but spineless.

” Privately, Linda labeled him a “brilliant wreck,” a symbol of the toxic male rock culture that she often found herself fighting against.

Morrison’s behavior exemplified the darker side of rock stardom, where talent was often overshadowed by destructive egos.

 

Not all conflicts were about personality or ego; some were ideological.

In 1976, during a benefit concert for farm workers, Linda clashed with Neil Young.

Although both artists were vocal about social justice, Young dismissed Linda’s contributions as “too commercial” and refused to allow politically charged songs during the event.

He took center stage and later publicly stated that Linda wasn’t “built for protest.”

 

For Linda, whose activism was deeply rooted in her Mexican heritage, this dismissal was profoundly hurtful.

From that moment on, she declined any further appearances alongside Neil Young, marking a clear break in their professional relationship.

 

Linda’s attempt to collaborate with Frank Zappa in 1974 ended in bitter disappointment.

Intrigued by Zappa’s avant-garde style, she considered recording one of his songs.

However, the partnership quickly soured when Zappa dismissed her input, calling her voice “sanitized” and accusing her of turning his complex work into a “radio jingle.”

 

During rehearsal, Zappa abruptly stopped the band mid-song and declared, “This is what happens when you hand real music to a pop singer.”

Linda stormed out and never publicly discussed the incident again.

Privately, she called Zappa “brilliant but brutal,” highlighting the challenging nature of working with such a demanding artist.

 

Sometimes the deepest wounds came from within Linda’s own circle.

David Crosby, once a close friend and collaborator, became nearly impossible to work with due to his drug-fueled paranoia.

During a 1978 recording session, Crosby refused to adjust the vocal key to suit Linda’s range, insisting she adapt instead.

 

Their heated disagreements spilled into the public sphere when Crosby insulted Linda in *Rolling Stone* magazine, calling her career “manufactured.

” In response, Linda severed all ties with Crosby and forbade her band members from even mentioning his name, underscoring the depth of her hurt and disappointment.

 

The late 1970s brought a new wave of musicians, including Elvis Costello, whose sharp wit masked a colder edge.

At a Cleveland festival in 1979, Costello mocked Linda’s performance, calling it “background music for brunch” in front of journalists.

 

Later that night, a confrontation backstage escalated when Costello hurled insults and stormed off.

Linda viewed him as emblematic of a new kind of cruelty in the music scene—clever but cold, and seemingly perfect yet deeply unkind.

 

In 1982, Linda attempted to record a duet with Paul Simon.

What should have been a harmonious collaboration quickly turned tense due to Simon’s perfectionism.

He interrupted rehearsals constantly, offered unsolicited advice, and insisted on changing lyrics without Linda’s consent.

 

Linda felt like a student being scolded by a principal rather than an equal partner.

The track was never completed, and Linda vowed never to work with Simon again.

For her, the experience was not just about music—it was about preserving her dignity and artistic integrity.

Throughout her career, Linda Ronstadt managed to keep her head high amid scandals, betrayals, and power struggles.

She avoided public feuds and refused to air her “dirty laundry,” maintaining a reputation for grace and professionalism.

But behind her silence lay stories of endurance, resistance, and refusal to be shaped or silenced by the male-dominated structures of the music industry.

 

Revealing these stories now is not an act of bitterness but one of clarity and courage.

Linda Ronstadt did not merely survive these challenges—she rose above them, creating a legacy defined by strength, grace, and unwavering integrity.

 

Linda’s revelations provide a rare glimpse into the personal battles behind the scenes of a glittering career.

They remind us that even icons face profound struggles and that maintaining artistic dignity often requires confronting difficult truths.

 

Her story is one of resilience in the face of egos, betrayals, and ideological clashes.

It is a testament to her enduring spirit and the power of standing firm in one’s values.

 

Linda Ronstadt’s candid reflections on the seven musicians she secretly hated reveal the complex realities of the music industry during her era.

From backstage confrontations to ideological battles, from broken collaborations to personal betrayals, these experiences shaped her both as an artist and as a person.

 

Yet, through it all, Linda’s voice remained strong—both literally and figuratively.

Her legacy is not only in the timeless music she created but also in the strength and integrity with which she navigated a challenging industry.

As fans and fellow musicians reflect on her journey, Linda Ronstadt stands as a symbol of resilience, grace, and unapologetic truth.