Last night, the music world witnessed a moment destined to become legend. Under the soft shimmer of stage lights, five of the most celebrated women in music—Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow, and Carrie Underwood—joined forces to honor the incomparable Linda Ronstadt with a performance of her soul-stirring ballad, “Long, Long Time.” The atmosphere was electric, the air thick with anticipation, and when the first notes rang out, it was clear that something truly magical was unfolding.

“Long, Long Time,” originally released in 1970 on Ronstadt’s debut solo album Silk Purse, is not just a song—it’s an emotional journey. Written by Gary White, the ballad is a masterclass in vulnerability, its slow tempo and sorrowful strings setting the stage for a haunting tale of unrequited love and aching loneliness. The acoustic guitar, played last night by none other than Waddy Wachtel—who has long been a linchpin in Ronstadt’s musical circle—added a layer of authenticity and nostalgia that resonated deeply with the audience.

Linda Ronstadt’s rendition of “Long, Long Time” has always been revered among true music aficionados. While it never topped the charts, the song has become a touchstone for those who recognize the power of raw, unfiltered emotion in music. Ronstadt’s voice on the original track is nothing short of extraordinary: her gentle vibrato, her operatic range, and her uncanny ability to communicate heartbreak with every note made the song unforgettable. It’s the kind of performance that lingers in your memory, the kind that can move a listener to tears decades after its release.

Last night’s tribute brought that same emotional intensity to the stage. Emmylou Harris, with her ethereal harmonies, and Bonnie Raitt, with her bluesy warmth, set the tone. Stevie Nicks lent her signature mystical edge, while Sheryl Crow’s earthy vocals grounded the performance. Carrie Underwood, representing a new generation of powerhouse vocalists, brought a soaring clarity that paid homage to Ronstadt’s operatic prowess. Together, they wove their voices into a tapestry of sound that was both reverent and revelatory.

The arrangement stayed true to the spirit of the original while allowing each artist to shine. The sorrowful strings swelled and receded, echoing the ebb and flow of heartache described in the lyrics. The acoustic guitar, handled with masterful delicacy by Wachtel, provided the backbone, its plaintive notes underscoring the song’s sense of longing. As the women sang, their voices sometimes blending in aching harmony, sometimes standing alone in raw vulnerability, it was clear they were not just performing—they were feeling every word.

The audience responded in kind. There were gasps, there were tears, and when the final note faded into silence, there was a moment of stunned quiet before the eruption of applause. It was a standing ovation not just for the performers on stage, but for Linda Ronstadt herself—a recognition of her enduring influence and the indelible mark she has left on American music.

What made the tribute so powerful was not just the caliber of talent assembled, but the sense of community and continuity it represented. Each of these women has, in her own way, been shaped by Ronstadt’s legacy. Their coming together was a testament to the doors Ronstadt opened, the boundaries she broke, and the hearts she touched. It was a reminder that truly great music transcends time, genre, and even the barriers of personal experience.

In a world often obsessed with fleeting trends and instant gratification, “Long, Long Time” endures because it is, at its core, beautifully human. It speaks to anyone who has ever loved and lost, who has ever felt the ache of longing or the bittersweet pang of memory. Last night’s performance was a celebration of that universality—a moment when five voices became one, and a song from 1970 felt as immediate and relevant as ever.

As the lights dimmed and the crowd filed out, there was a sense that everyone had shared in something special. In honoring Linda Ronstadt, these extraordinary women reminded us all of music’s unique ability to heal, connect, and inspire. And for a long, long time, those memories will linger.