Success in music doesn’t mean the journey stops. Even legends like Linda Ronstadt and Stevie Nicks had moments of doubt when faced with fresh talent. No matter how established an artist is, there’s always someone new pushing boundaries and redefining the sound of an era.
In 1980, both Ronstadt and Nicks experienced this firsthand. They weren’t just watching another rising star—they were witnessing someone who could rival their own vocal prowess. It was a moment that left them in awe but also questioning their place in the industry.
That night, one woman took the stage and changed everything. Her voice, her presence, and her sheer talent made two of rock’s biggest icons feel something they hadn’t felt in years—uncertainty.
The Artist’s Drive for Inspiration
Great artists understand that the bar is always moving forward—and that’s a good thing. No one is immune to improving their craft. If a younger, better artist comes along, they see it as a chance to grow. Linda Ronstadt had this mindset, sharing with Playboy in 1980, “There will be some female to come along who will blow me out of the water, and when she does, I’m going to watch her real close, find out where all her hot licks are, and steal them.”
Ronstadt was always open to being inspired by the next generation. Rather than feeling threatened, she embraced it. When she was in need of fresh ideas or a spark, she’d watch the shows of rising stars to see what they were bringing to the stage.
This is exactly how Ronstadt found herself watching Louise Goffin, Carole King’s daughter, perform live with Stevie Nicks by her side. Ronstadt recalled, “We were all holding our breath,” unsure of what to make of Goffin’s powerful talent. They knew she had potential, but they weren’t certain how they felt about her just yet.
A Moment of Doubt and Inspiration
Ronstadt reflected on what she hoped to see when Louise Goffin stepped on stage. Goffin, the daughter of Carole King and Gerry Goffin, had already made a name for herself, opening for Jackson Browne at 17 and releasing her debut album by 19. By the time she performed for Ronstadt and Stevie Nicks at 20, Goffin was stepping onto the same stage where these icons had once blazed a trail. Ronstadt wondered if she should brace for competition or embrace the possibility of being inspired.
In the end, Ronstadt and Nicks chose to embrace it. “I decided I wanted her to be great,” Ronstadt admitted. And she was. Goffin’s performance was full of energy and confidence—something Ronstadt and Nicks couldn’t help but admire.
Ronstadt reflected on the difference in their experiences. The female singers of the ‘70s, she explained, were independent trailblazers who were finding their way through the industry. “But we didn’t know how to arm ourselves,” Ronstadt confessed. Their defenses, she admitted, were often awkward and clumsy in comparison to Goffin’s sharp self-assurance.
The Quintessential ‘80s Woman
Ronstadt described Louise Goffin as the “quintessential ‘80s woman.” She noted how Goffin wore her defenses like “enameled veneer,” a polished, beautiful layer that shielded her. Goffin knew exactly who she was and how to protect herself, something that stood out to Ronstadt.
Stevie Nicks noticed this as well. During the performance, she leaned over to Ronstadt and joked, “Gee, do you think we still can get a job singing backup for Joe Cocker?” It was a playful moment, but it also highlighted how Goffin’s confidence had left an impression on them.
Although Goffin never reached the same global fame as her mother, Nicks, or Ronstadt, the way she inspired these icons speaks volumes. It’s a touching reminder of how music can connect generations, with younger artists sparking something in their predecessors.