Linda Ronstadt, one of the most celebrated voices of the 20th century, has never been one to hold back. At 78, the retired icon—known for her powerhouse vocals and fearless honesty—is opening up about the seven musicians she clashed with the most during her long career. While music fans might assume that all the legends of the classic rock era got along, Ronstadt’s experience paints a different picture.

In candid reflections, she’s named seven artists she “couldn’t stand working with or being around”—whether due to personality conflicts, creative clashes, or outright disrespect. Here’s a look at the names that surprised fans and the stories behind the tension.

Jim Morrison (1943–1971)

The Doors frontman was known for his erratic behavior, and Ronstadt reportedly had no patience for his substance-fueled antics. She called him “brilliant but insufferable,” citing his lack of professionalism and the chaos he brought into the studio and onstage. “He was talented, sure, but a complete mess to be around.”

Don Henley (b. 1947)

Though they shared musical circles in Los Angeles, Don Henley’s arrogance and control issues reportedly rubbed Ronstadt the wrong way. Their personalities clashed, and she often found him “condescending and impossible to collaborate with.”

Glenn Frey (1948–2016)

Another Eagles co-founder, Glenn Frey’s fallout with Ronstadt stemmed from early disagreements during the days when they all performed together in the Southern California music scene. She later described him as “egotistical and dismissive of women musicians.”

Randy Meisner (1946–2023)

Despite hiring him as her bassist before the Eagles formed, Ronstadt and Meisner fell out over creative direction and professionalism. She later said he lacked the discipline required for serious touring, and their working relationship soured quickly.

Neil Young (b. 1945)

While Neil Young and Ronstadt shared mutual respect musically, their political and personal differences caused friction. Ronstadt described him as “brilliant, but unreliable and emotionally distant.” Their failed attempts at collaboration left both parties frustrated.

Frank Zappa (1940–1993)

Ronstadt called Zappa a “musical genius” but had zero tolerance for his abrasive, often controversial style and attitudes. She was especially critical of what she viewed as his disrespect for female artists. “He thought shock value was clever, but I just found it exhausting.”

David Crosby (1941–2023)

David Crosby’s reputation for being outspoken and confrontational wasn’t lost on Ronstadt. Their feud reportedly stemmed from personal disagreements and Crosby’s tendency to speak out publicly in ways she considered “disrespectful.”

Even while reflecting on those she clashed with, Linda Ronstadt’s legacy as a vocal powerhouse and trailblazer remains unshaken. Her career included collaborations with countless other legends, and her honest reflections offer a rare look into the real tensions behind the music.

These revelations remind fans that even among the greatest artists of all time, personality and principles matter just as much as talent.