In 1977, Linda Ronstadt made a song her producer wanted her to throw away. In 2026, it has been streamed 144,000,000 times

Linda Ronstadt’s 1977 recording of Roy Orbison’s “Blue Bayou” became her biggest single, despite producer Peter Asher doubting it would be a hit. The story illustrates how Ronstadt trusted her instincts as an interpreter, even when those around her were unsure.

Ronstadt recalled that Asher suggested finding “insurance” by shopping around for another song, but she agreed only while remaining confident in “Blue Bayou”. Her version reworked Orbison’s original for a new generation, with her vocals and backing singers giving it a different character. The article’s headline says the track has been streamed 144 million times in 2026.