Which girl group released the 1963 single “Heat Wave,” later covered by Linda Ronstadt?

Martha and the Vandellas released the 1963 single “Heat Wave,” later covered by Linda Ronstadt.

The song was written by the Motown songwriting team Holland–Dozier–Holland and became one of Martha Reeves and the Vandellas’ signature recordings. Its full original title was “(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave,” although it is commonly shortened to “Heat Wave.”

Motown issued the song on its Gordy label. The recording’s energetic rhythm and prominent tambourine helped define the Detroit label’s early-1960s sound. It became a major pop and R&B success and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rhythm and Blues Recording.

Linda Ronstadt recorded a country-rock version in 1975, introducing the composition to another large audience. The title is sometimes confused with “Heatwave,” a separate song title used by other performers.