The Eagles have been a big part of my music listening for the past decade. I’ve always known the hits, but never really dug into the band’s history or the albums. A discussion with my daughter about incredible harmonies lead me back to the Eagles and the dive into their history.
Since then, Hotel California has been one my most played albums topping my year end Spotify charts for at least three years running.
But what warrants this attention (obsession?) Certainly the songs, and those harmonies are a core reason but once you dig into their history you realise just what a movement this band became. From a meeting at the start of the Seventies, to the world conquering Hotel California less than 7 years later, this is a story that needs to be told.It is a story of ambitious young men who were far from that ‘peaceful easy feeling’ sound they portrayed on the records. This vision and friction was just one part of how the band grew so hot, and so fast before it all fell apart.
So here’s my brief history of the Eagles, from 1970 to present.
Quick Facts About the Eagles
The band broke up in 1980 and reunited in 1994 for the Hell Freezes Over tour
The band were formed from a cluster of musicians backing the Linda Ronstadt, and with support from their friend Jackson Browne.
Oldest member (currently active): Joe Walsh (Born November 20, 1947, currently 76 years old)
Youngest member (last active): Deacon Frey (Born 1993, last active in 2022)
Longest-serving member: Don Henley (1971–present, 53 years with the band)
Shortest tenure: Deacon Frey (2017–2022, 5 years)
Key lineup changes:
Joe Walsh replaced Bernie Leadon (1975)
Timothy B. Schmit replaced Randy Meisner (1977)
Vince Gill joined in place of Glenn Frey (2017)
Eagles breakup & reunion:
The band broke up in 1980 and reunited in 1994 for the Hell Freezes Over tour.
Linda was a hugely popular singer stepping out from her band the Stone Poneys to become a solo star. Voted the top female singer of the Seventies and featured on six Rolling Stone covers, a gig with Linda was a potential ticket to the big time.
What became the founding members of the Eagles connected as various musicians came in and out of Rondstadt’s line up. Henley and Frey were the most regular musicians behind Linda, with Leadson and Meseiner sitting in at different times. Only one night on the tour saw all four members play on the same stage.
JD Souther was a close friend of Glenn Frey, and onetime lover and collaborator with Linda. He also shared a house with Jackson Browne, which is how the connection is made.
Jackson Browne was already a published writer, contributing songs to Tom Rush’s classic album The Circle Game. He was also friends with David Geffen who founded Asylum Records.,
What became the Eagles officially signed with Geffen in September 1971 after which they set about finding a band name. ‘the Eagles’ became the consensus after each member approached it from a different angle, for some it sounded like a gang name from West Side Story, for others it was Indian in origin. But one thing was certain, it sounded American and sounded like ‘The Beatles.’
Between September 71 and June 72, the band spent time in Aspen Colorado before heading to Olympic studios in London to recorded their eponymous debut album to positive acclaim. Their subsequent albums showcased a gradual shift to a harder, rockier sound which added to their growing popularity and the bitter personnel changes within the bad.
The Eagles Band Members: Then and Now
The Eagles have had an evolving lineup since their formation in 1971, with founding members, lineup changes, and returning musicians shaping their legacy.
The original Eagles band members were Bernie Leadon, Glenn Fry, Don Henley and Randy Meisner. Whilst it was no one person’s group, Henley & Frey certainly had the strongest opinions.
Here’s a look at how the band has evolved over time.
Original Members (1971)
These were the musicians who formed the Eagles while backing Linda Ronstadt before setting off on their own:
- Glenn Frey (born November 6, 1948 – died January 18, 2016) – Vocals, Guitar
- Don Henley (born July 22, 1947) – Vocals, Drums
- Bernie Leadon (born July 19, 1947) – Guitar, Banjo, Vocals
- Randy Meisner (born March 8, 1946 – died July 27, 2023) – Bass, Vocals
1970s: The Classic Lineup
As the Eagles’ sound shifted toward a rock-oriented style, new members joined:
- Don Felder (born September 21, 1947) – Joined 1974 (Guitar, Vocals)
- Joe Walsh (born November 20, 1947) – Joined 1975 (Guitar, Vocals)
- Timothy B. Schmit (born October 30, 1947) – Joined 1977, replacing Randy Meisner on Bass, Vocals
By 1976, with Hotel California, the Eagles had transformed into one of the biggest bands in the world. However, internal conflicts led to their breakup in 1980.
The Reunions & Later Years
Despite famously saying they’d only reunite “when hell freezes over,” the Eagles reformed in 1994 for the Hell Freezes Over tour. This lineup included:
- Don Henley – Drums, Vocals
- Glenn Frey – Guitar, Vocals
- Joe Walsh – Guitar, Vocals
- Timothy B. Schmit – Bass, Vocals
- Don Felder – Guitar (until he left the band in 2001)
In 2007, the Eagles released Long Road Out of Eden, their first studio album in 28 years.
Current Eagles Lineup (2025)
Following Glenn Frey’s passing in 2016, the Eagles continued touring with new additions:
- Deacon Frey (Glenn Frey’s son) – Vocals, Guitar (2017–2022)
- Vince Gill – Vocals, Guitar (Joined 2017)
- Joe Walsh – Guitar, Vocals
- Don Henley – Drums, Vocals
- Timothy B. Schmit – Bass, Vocals
The Eagles are currently performing on their “Long Goodbye” tour, including historic shows at The Sphere in Las Vegas.
Band Timeline
Don Henley Born in Gilmer, Texas, drummer and singer Henley is the most famous solo artist of the group. Before forming the Eagles, he was part of a country-rock band called Shiloh. After the Eagles, he pursued a successful solo career and released hit albums like “Building the Perfect Beast” and the global smash, “Boys of Summer.”
Glenn Frey Detroit born Frey, was a co-founding member of the Eagles. Before teaming up with Don Henley, Frey played with a band called the Mushrooms. After the Eagles, he had a thriving solo career and released popular songs like “The Heat Is On” from Beverly Hills Cop (and the first 7″ single I will admit to buying!) Frey’s contributions to the band included vocals, guitar, and songwriting.
Bernie Leadon born in Minneapolis guitarist, singer and wrtiter Leadon was one of the original band members. Before the Eagles, Leadon was part of the Flying Burrito Brothers, a pioneering country-rock band formed by Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman. The Flying Burrito Brothers played a pivotal role in shaping the country-rock genre, blending traditional country music with rock elements. His experience with the band contributed to his deep understanding of both genres, which he later brought to the Eagles’ signature sound.
Randy Meisner Another founding member, Randy Meisner was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. he played with Poco and Rick Nelson’s Stone Canyon Band before meeting the others on tour with Ronsdadt.. After his departure from the Eagles in 1977, he released solo albums and contributed to other musicians’ projects. Randy passed away in July 2023.
For such a big personality and part of the Eagles , it is hard to comprehend that Joe Walsh only joined before the Hotel California sessions. Born in Wichita, Kansas, the singer, songwriter and guitarist in had a successful solo career and was a member of the James Gang before signing onto the band. After his first stint with the Eagles, Walsh continued his solo work and released hit albums like “But Seriously, Folks…” with the huge song, “Life’s Been Good to me So Far” He rejoined the Eagles in 1994 and has been a prominent member ever since.
Don Felder joined Walsh in 1974 for the Hotel California sessions. Born in Gainesville, Florid was a noted session guitarist working with the band Flow before signing on. After leaving the Eagles in 2001, he pursued a solo career and released albums like “Airborne.” Felder’s guitar work played a significant role in the evolution of the band’s sound.
The only band member from California, bassist and vocalist Timothy B. Schmit joined the Eagles in 1977, to replace Randy Meisner. Previously, Schmit was a member of Poco (joining after Leadon departed). Poco were one of the pioneers of modern Americana known for its influential contributions to the country-rock genre. Schmidt’s harmonious vocals were a defining feature of the band’s later hits.
Like Jackson Browne, JD Souther was part of the Eagles wider circle, contributing to 4 great songs even though he was never formally an Eagles band member.
Of the seven studio albums released by the Eagles, only Glenn Frey and Don Henley performed on all seven.
Who wrote the most songs for the Eagles?
Glenn Frey and Don Henley wrote the most songs across their studio albums. Most band members contributed at least one song to the group, with many of their hits written in collaboration with each other.
- Don Henley: Co-wrote 46 songs
- Glenn Frey: Co-wrote 45 songs
- Bernie Leadon: Co-wrote 6 songs
- Randy Meisner: Co-wrote 6 songs
- Joe Walsh: Co-wrote 5 songs
- Don Felder: Co-wrote 4 songs
- JD Souther: Co-wrote 4 songs
- Timothy B. Schmit: Co-wrote 3 songs
Who sang lead vocals for the Eagles?
The band were blessed with great musicians and also great singers, with many stepping up to take or share lead vocals.
- Don Henley: Lead vocals on 24 songs including ‘Hotel California‘
- Glenn Frey: Lead vocals on 23 songs including ‘Tequila Sunrise‘
- Randy Meisner: Lead vocals on 7 songs including ‘Take it to the Limit‘
- Timothy B. Schmit: Lead vocals on 5 songs including ‘I can’t tell you why’
- Bernie Leadon: Lead vocals on 4 songs including ‘Bitter Creek’
- Joe Walsh: Lead vocals on 2 songs including ‘Pretty Maids all in a Row‘
- Don Felder: Lead vocals on 1 song – ‘Visions’
The Eagles History in Albums
Listening to the studio albums takes you on a journey through the Eagles history. From the carefree feeling of Take it Easy, to the country twanging of On the Border through to the Rock classic Hotel California, and the burned out final studio album of the Long Run.
- Eagles
- Desperado
- On the Border
- One of these Nights
- Greatest Hits
- Hotel California
- The Long Run
- Hell Freezes Over
- Long Road out of Eden
Eagles (1972) – The Debut That Started It All
- Released: June 1, 1972
- Label: Asylum Records
- Band Members at the Time:
- Don Henley – Drums, Vocals
- Glenn Frey – Guitar, Vocals
- Bernie Leadon – Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Vocals
- Randy Meisner – Bass, Vocals
The Eagles’ debut album was deeply rooted in country rock, blending folk harmonies with laid-back California vibes. Produced by Glyn Johns (who had worked with The Rolling Stones and The Beatles), the album showcased a band that was still finding its identity but already had a signature sound:
- Smooth vocal harmonies
- Bluesy guitar licks
- A mix of folk, country, and rock elements
Recorded at Olympic Studios in London, the album’s crisp production helped define the Eagles’ early style before they later moved toward a harder rock sound.
Key Songs & Success
- “Take It Easy” – The Eagles’ breakout hit, co-written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey. This song became an instant classic, setting the stage for their future success.
- “Witchy Woman” – A haunting, bluesy track driven by Bernie Leadon’s spooky guitar riffs, giving the band a darker edge.
- “Peaceful Easy Feeling” – A mellow, feel-good track that showcased the Eagles’ West Coast, laid-back sound.
The album was a moderate success, peaking at #22 on the Billboard 200. But over time, its big singles became radio staples, ensuring its legacy as a classic.
Desperado (1973)
Their second album was more ambitious, taking on a concept theme of the Old West. The band wanted to be taken more seriously as writers and musicians, moving away from the breezy California rock of their debut. Inspiration for songs like “Doolin Dalton” came from the Doolin-Dalton Gang, better known as the Wild Bunch—outlaws who roamed the frontier in the late 1800s.
The lineup remained unchanged:
- Don Henley – Drums, Vocals
- Glenn Frey – Guitar, Vocals
- Bernie Leadon – Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Vocals
- Randy Meisner – Bass, Vocals
Though the title song “Desperado“ was never released as a single, it became one of their most enduring tracks. Rolling Stone later ranked it as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and in 1975, Linda Ronstadt recorded her own acclaimed cover. The album’s other standout, “Tequila Sunrise,” brought back their signature harmonies but with a more refined sound.
At the time, Desperado was not a huge commercial success and didn’t produce a breakout hit. However, its influence on Americana and country rock has only grown over time, with artists across multiple genres covering its songs. The outlaw imagery, storytelling lyrics, and folk-meets-rock sound positioned the Eagles as more than just a West Coast rock band—they were defining a timeless American aesthetic.
The album cover was also another concept with the band, with friends Jackson Browne and JD Souther dressed as Wild West outlaws. The cover photography was shot by the legendary Henry Diltz. On release it was somewhat of a flop, despite the critical success, and remains their least commercially successful album. The classic Tequila Sunrise failed to chart in the top 50 on it’s release!
Seeking a harder rock sound for their third album, the band turned to Bill Szymczyk as they moved away from two albums with Glyn Johns. An old friend of Bernie Leadon, Don Felder was invited to play guitar on the track “Good day in Hell.” The band were so impressed with his guitar style (his nickname was ‘fingers’) that he was invited to become a full member the following day. Now the Eagles were five strong.
On the Border (1974)
The Eagles’ third album, On the Border, marked a significant shift in their sound as they moved away from country-rock toward a more electric, radio-friendly rock style. This transition was fueled by tensions within the band—Glenn Frey and Don Henley wanted to push toward a harder sound, while Bernie Leadon remained attached to their country roots.
The album was recorded in two legendary studios:
- Olympic Studios, London – A location known for its history with The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin, connecting On the Border to London’s rich rock history.
- The Record Plant, Los Angeles – One of the most iconic LA recording studios, later used for major rock albums.
During the recording sessions, the Eagles parted ways with producer Glyn Johns—known for his crisp, folk-influenced production—bringing in Bill Szymczyk, who helped them develop a harder, more contemporary rock sound. The addition of Don Felder—who played on “Good Day in Hell”—further pushed them toward a grittier guitar-driven approach.
At the time of On the Border, the lineup was:
- Don Henley – Drums, Vocals
- Glenn Frey – Guitar, Vocals
- Bernie Leadon – Guitar, Banjo, Vocals
- Randy Meisner – Bass, Vocals
- Don Felder (Joined during recording) – Guitar (appears on “Good Day in Hell”)
Despite their rock ambitions, it was actually the ballad “Best of My Love” that became their first #1 hit, launching the band to commercial superstardom. The album itself went 2× Platinum in the US (2 million copies sold).
Key tracks included:
- “Already Gone” – A rock anthem that set the tone for their harder-edged future sound.
- “James Dean” – A song left over from the Desperado sessions, co-written with Jackson Browne and JD Souther, celebrating 1950s youth rebellion.
- “Best of My Love” – The band’s first #1 hit, a song that, ironically, didn’t match their new rock direction but solidified them as mainstream superstars.
While On the Border was a commercial success, it wasn’t universally praised. Some critics saw it as a band caught between two styles—trying to border country and rock but not fully committing to either. My full album review, “Bordering on the Terrible”, dives into the album a little deeper.
One of these Nights (1975)
It was their fourth album, One of These Nights, that transformed the Eagles into global superstars. Released on June 10, 1975, this was the album that delivered some of their greatest hits, which would only fuel their superstardom further. With Don Henley and Glenn Frey taking control of the songwriting, the band’s sound evolved into something darker, sleeker, and more polished, blending elements of rock, R&B, and soul.
At the time, the lineup remained unchanged:
- Don Henley – Drums, Vocals
- Glenn Frey – Guitar, Vocals
- Bernie Leadon – Guitar, Banjo, Vocals
- Randy Meisner – Bass, Vocals
- Don Felder – Guitar, Vocals
The album was a major commercial breakthrough, delivering three massive singles:
- “One of These Nights” – The band’s second #1 hit, a moody, groove-heavy song that perfectly captured their shift toward a more sophisticated rock sound.
- “Lyin’ Eyes” – A Grammy-winning country-influenced track that almost topped the charts.
- “Take It to the Limit” – Featuring Randy Meisner’s soaring vocals, the song became one of their biggest anthems.
One of the most unexpected moments on the album was “Journey of the Sorcerer,” an instrumental piece by Bernie Leadon that seemed out of place among the album’s lush harmonies and tight songwriting. However, it later gained cult fame when it was used as the theme song for the BBC radio adaptation of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Despite the album’s enormous success, tensions within the band were growing. Bernie Leadon left the Eagles in December 1975, disillusioned by his lack of creative input and the band’s shift away from his preferred country sound toward mainstream rock.
Needing a replacement, the band turned to wild guitarist Joe Walsh, who was already a high-profile musician. With a new guitarist and a world tour ahead, the Eagles were on the verge of their career-defining moment – Hotel California.
the Eagles Greatest Hits (1976)
With the Eagles’ rise to global superstardom, Asylum Records’ David Geffen saw an opportunity. In a piece of genius inspiration, he released Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975), a compilation that collected all of the singles and some of the best album tracks from the band’s first four records.
Despite the album’s runaway success, not all band members were pleased. Don Felder later revealed that the band hadn’t been consulted, and Don Henley disliked hearing album tracks like “Desperado” out of context. But personal reservations didn’t stop it from becoming a record-breaking release—it entered the charts at #4, reached #1 the following week, and stayed at the top for five weeks.
To date, Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) has sold almost 41 million copies, making it the second best-selling album of all time—only Michael Jackson’s Thriller has sold more.
Beyond its commercial success, the album also bought the Eagles valuable time. With a hit compilation keeping their name on the charts, they had the space to craft their follow-up album—a record that would cement their legacy forever…
Hotel California (1976)
For many, Hotel California is simply one of the greatest albums of all time. Released in December 1976, just five years after the group’s formation, this album encapsulated the highs and lows of success, both in its lyrics and behind the scenes. The band had evolved from their laid-back California rock origins into something darker, more sophisticated, and more introspective.
The title track, one of the most analysed songs in rock history, became the defining anthem of the Eagles’ career. In the 2013 documentary History of the Eagles, Don Henley described it as a journey from innocence to experience—a theme later explored by U2.
But Hotel California was more than just its title track. The album delivered huge commercial success, becoming a juggernaut in the rock world. To date, it remains the third biggest-selling album of all time, surpassing Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours (released just two months later in February 1977).
Joe Walsh’s Arrival & The Eagles’ Harder Edge
The addition of Joe Walsh to the lineup had a profound impact on the band’s sound. Replacing Bernie Leadon, who had been deeply rooted in country music, Walsh brought a rawer, harder rock style, injecting the band with an edgier, more aggressive guitar presence.
This shift is heard most clearly on:
- “Life in the Fast Lane” – A Walsh-driven track, built around his signature riff-heavy guitar style, capturing the excess and burnout of the late ’70s.
- “Victim of Love” – Featuring one of the band’s heaviest guitar tones, with Walsh and Felder playing blistering solos.
This rockier approach would come to define the band’s late-’70s output, setting them apart from their earlier sound.
Behind the scenes, however, tensions were boiling over. The success of Hotel California came at a cost—exhausting tours, clashing egos, and growing frustrations between band members.
- Don Felder and Glenn Frey had increasing conflicts, particularly over musical direction and control.
- Joe Walsh’s wild persona—while bringing fresh energy—also introduced new tensions, as his lifestyle didn’t always match the band’s disciplined approach.
- Randy Meisner was struggling, both creatively and personally, leading to his departure after the tour.
The pressures of fame and success were starting to unravel the band, and by the time they moved on to their next album, The Long Run (1979), the fractures were becoming impossible to ignore.
The Long Run (1979)
How do you top one of the greatest and biggest albums of all time? That was the challenge facing the Eagles as they prepared what would become their final studio album of the 1970s.
Entitled The Long Run, this 1979 album found the band physically, emotionally, spiritually, and creatively exhausted after the gruelling Hotel California tour. The pressure to match or surpass their previous success weighed heavily on the band, leading to infighting, lineup changes, and delays.
The first major change was Randy Meisner’s departure, following tensions within the band. He was replaced by Timothy B. Schmit, who had also taken over his spot in Poco years earlier. Schmit not only stepped into the bassist role but also co-wrote and sang on one of the album’s last singles, the smooth and melancholic “I Can’t Tell You Why.”
For me, The Long Run feels like a band that has run out of steam. There are still moments of brilliance, but overall, it feels as if they knew their best days were behind them.
- “Heartache Tonight” – A #1 hit, co-written with Bob Seger, carrying a bluesier edge than their past singles.
- “The Long Run” – A soulful, groove-driven title track that showed the band experimenting with a slower, R&B-influenced sound.
- “I Can’t Tell You Why” – Featuring Schmit’s smooth vocals, this became one of the Eagles’ most enduring ballads.
But the real emotional weight of the album comes in its closing track, “The Sad Café”, which, to me, feels like the end of an era. Don Henley’s lyrics reflect on dreams, disillusionment, and the fading idealism of the ’70s, referencing The Troubadour, the legendary Los Angeles club where the band’s story first began:
“Oh, it seemed like a holy place, protected by amazing grace
And we would sing right out loud, the things we could not say
We thought we could change this world with words like love and freedom
We were part of the lonely crowd inside the Sad Café.”
By 1980, the cracks had become unfixable. The band split, and when Don Henley was asked if the Eagles would ever play together again, he famously responded:
“When hell freezes over.”
—
Following the breakup, the band members went their own ways, with Don Henley and Glenn Frey achieving the greatest solo success.
But in 1993, something unexpected happened. The country tribute album ‘Common Threads: The Songs of the Eagles’ featured modern artists covering their classics, rekindling interest in the band’s music. Henley, Frey, Felder, and Walsh reunited to film a video for the tribute album’s lead single. The session went so well that they started talking about doing more.
Soon, the unthinkable happened—the Eagles would reunite. And fittingly, their comeback album would be called:
Hell Freezes Over (1994)
Hell finally froze over in 1994. After years of insisting they would never reunite, the Eagles came back with a world tour and an accompanying album, aptly named Hell Freezes Over.
The tour took them around the world for two years, reintroducing the band to both longtime fans and a new generation. The live album featured updated versions of their classics alongside a few new studio tracks, including “Get Over It” and “Love Will Keep Us Alive.” The band may not have been as unified as they once were, but their harmonies and musicianship were still undeniable.
In 1998, the Eagles were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying their place as one of the most influential bands of all time. The moment was historic—every past and present member took the stage together, a rare and fleeting reunion of the classic and later-era lineups.
By 2001, tensions within the band resurfaced, leading to Don Felder being fired. His departure resulted in lawsuits and counter-suits, dragging on for several years. Despite the legal battles, the Eagles continued, and in 2003, they released The Very Best of the Eagles, a new compilation that introduced their music to a younger audience. The album was another massive success, selling over 3 million copies.
While their biggest years were behind them, the Eagles were far from finished.
Long Road out of Eden (2007)
After nearly three decades, the Eagles finally returned with a new studio album. Long Road Out of Eden, their first full-length release since 1979, was initially released online only, marking a significant shift in how major bands were distributing music. Despite the industry changes, the album was a huge success, selling over 7 million copies and earning the band two Grammy Awards.
It also turned out to be the final studio album from the Eagles. Though it wasn’t as culturally dominant as their classic records, Long Road Out of Eden still delivered moments of brilliance, including the hit singles:
- “How Long” – A return to their country-rock roots, echoing their early sound.
- “Busy Being Fabulous” – A smooth, radio-friendly track that fit well with their later years.
- “No More Cloudy Days” – A personal favorite, capturing the band’s signature melodic harmonies.
The Band’s Final Years & Touring Legacy
As the first decade of the new millennium ended, the Eagles wrapped up their Long Road tour and went quiet—until 2013, when they embarked on another major tour supporting their documentary, History of the Eagles. The film offered a deep dive into the band’s story, covering both their rise and their legendary conflicts, making it a must-watch for fans.
The passing of Glenn Frey in 2016 marked the end of an era, but it did not stop the Eagles from continuing. In his absence, Deacon Frey (Glenn’s son) and Vince Gill stepped in to help keep the music alive. By 2021, the Eagles were still one of the highest-grossing live acts, ranking #7 worldwide, just behind the Rolling Stones.
The Sphere Sell Outs
The band’s Long Goodbye, announced in October 2023 keeps stretching into next year with more dates at the Las Vegas Sphere. I really hope I can get to see them! This video of them playing Don Henley’s boys of summer just looks incredible, and I am sure even better if you are there!
I heartily recommend watching the History of the Eagles Parts 1 & II. Such a wild story!
Are you an Eagles fan? Have you seen them at the Sphere? Let me know in the comments!
