Who Were the Original Eagles? Tracing the Rise and Ruptures of an Iconic Rock Band
A look at one of the most successful — and combustible — rock bands of all time.
We all know the hits. Hotel California, Take It Easy, Desperado. Songs so ingrained in popular culture, they feel like they’ve always been there. But behind the harmonies and the laid-back California sound lies a very different story — one of ambition, creative control, and friction just beneath the surface.
In recent years, many of us have found ourselves returning to the Eagles. Maybe it’s the timeless songwriting. Maybe it’s the voices — those perfect, layered harmonies that no algorithm could ever quite replicate. Or maybe it’s the story: a band born at the dawn of the Seventies that rose faster and flamed harder than most. Within seven years, they’d gone from backing Linda Ronstadt to creating one of the most iconic albums of all time.
What looked like a peaceful, easy feeling was anything but.
Here, we trace the band’s history — from its original lineup through the golden years, the breakups, reunions, and everything that’s followed. It begins, as these things often do, with four young musicians chasing a sound.
The Eagles Band Members: Then and Now
The Eagles have never been a static group. From their formation in 1971 through breakups, reunions, and reinventions, the lineup has shifted — but the legacy has only grown stronger. Formed after a stint backing Linda Ronstadt, the original Eagles were four seasoned musicians with a shared vision — and no shortage of opinions. The original band members were:
Glenn Frey (b. Nov 6, 1948 – d. Jan 18, 2016) — Vocals, Guitar
Don Henley (b. July 22, 1947) — Vocals, Drums
Bernie Leadon (b. July 19, 1947) — Guitar, Banjo, Vocals
Randy Meisner (b. Mar 8, 1946 – d. July 27, 2023) — Bass, Vocals
Glenn Frey – Vocals, Guitar
A Detroit native with a knack for melody and sharp lyrics, Frey was a driving force behind the band’s sound and style. Before the Eagles, he played with the Mushrooms and briefly lived with J.D. Souther in L.A., soaking in the emerging Laurel Canyon scene.
Don Henley – Vocals, Drums
Born in Gilmer, Texas, Henley brought a deeper, more introspective tone to the group. Previously a member of the band Shiloh, he quickly emerged as the band’s moral compass and later, its de facto leader.
Bernie Leadon – Guitar, Banjo, Vocals
A multi-instrumentalist from Minneapolis, Leadon had a deep country-rock pedigree, having played with the Flying Burrito Brothers. His influence shaped the early Eagles sound — particularly on the first two albums.
Randy Meisner – Bass, Vocals
Originally from Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Meisner had stints with Poco and Rick Nelson’s Stone Canyon Band. His high, haunting vocals gave the band one of its signature moments with “Take It to the Limit.”
Though the band operated democratically at first, it quickly became clear that Henley and Frey were the dominant forces creatively and commercially.
The Classic Era Band Members: From On the Border to The Long Run
As the Eagles’ ambitions grew, so did their sound — and their lineup. The early country-rock roots gave way to something harder, slicker, and more radio-ready. Between 1974 and 1980, they released four studio albums that took them from rising stars to global icons:
After the release of Desperado (1973), founding member Bernie Leadon became increasingly disillusioned with the band’s shift toward rock. He would leave in 1975 — but not before one crucial addition.
Don Felder – Guitar, Vocals (Joined 1974)
A Florida-born session guitarist, Felder was first brought in to add slide guitar on “Good Day in Hell” during the On the Border sessions. His performance impressed the band enough to bring him in full-time. Felder helped usher in a heavier guitar presence and later co-wrote the band’s most iconic track: Hotel California.
As the band embraced a more rock-driven direction, Leadon formally departed — famously pouring a beer over Glenn Frey’s head during a rehearsal. In his place came an established solo artist and a longtime friend of the band.
Joe Walsh – Guitar, Vocals (Joined 1975)
Walsh, previously of the James Gang, brought an irreverent spirit and serious guitar chops. His arrival marked a turning point in the band’s sound, giving Hotel California (1976) its sharp, soaring edge. Tracks like “Life in the Fast Lane” and “Pretty Maids All in a Row” bear his unmistakable fingerprint.
The next to leave was Randy Meisner, worn down by the relentless touring schedule and internal tension — particularly with Frey. His departure came after the Hotel California tour.
Timothy B. Schmit – Bass, Vocals (Joined 1977)
Schmit stepped in — just as he had years earlier to replace Meisner in Poco. His smooth tenor added a fresh layer to the group’s harmonies, and he took lead vocals on The Long Run’s standout track, “I Can’t Tell You Why.”
By the end of the 1970s, the Eagles had reached the peak of their success — The Long Run (1979) went multi-platinum — but behind the scenes, things were falling apart. The band played their final show in Long Beach on July 31, 1980, in what Henley later described as a “four-hour exercise in interpersonal tension.” They disbanded that night.
The Reunion Years & Long Road Back
Despite Don Henley’s claim that the band would reunite “when hell freezes over,” that’s exactly what happened in 1994. Fourteen years after their infamous breakup, the Eagles returned with the Hell Freezes Over tour — a mix of live performances and new studio tracks. It marked the beginning of a second chapter for the band.
The reunion lineup included:
Don Henley – Drums, Vocals
Glenn Frey – Guitar, Vocals
Joe Walsh – Guitar, Vocals
Timothy B. Schmit – Bass, Vocals
Don Felder – Guitar (until his departure in 2001)
The tour was a commercial triumph, leading to continued performances and, eventually, a new studio album. In 2007 — 28 years after The Long Run — the Eagles released Long Road Out of Eden, a sprawling double album that addressed everything from personal loss to American politics.
The Eagles Today (2025)
Following Glenn Frey’s death in 2016, many assumed the Eagles’ story had reached its final chapter. But in 2017, the band announced it would continue — with Frey’s legacy honoured on stage by his own son.
The current lineup:
Don Henley – Drums, Vocals
Joe Walsh – Guitar, Vocals
Timothy B. Schmit – Bass, Vocals
Vince Gill – Vocals, Guitar (Joined 2017)
Deacon Frey – Vocals, Guitar (2017– )
Gill, a Grammy-winning country artist, brought vocal warmth and guitar finesse, while Deacon Frey provided an emotional through-line for fans still mourning his father. Though Deacon stepped away and back, the Eagles have continued to perform — including a headline residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas as part of their Long Goodbye tour.
Who Wrote the Most Songs for the Eagles?
While most members of the Eagles contributed to the songwriting catalogue, two names stand out above all others: Don Henley and Glenn Frey. Together, they co-wrote the majority of the band’s biggest hits and defined the lyrical voice of the group.
Top Eagles Songwriters by Number of Co-Writes:
Don Henley – 46 songs
Glenn Frey – 45 songs
Bernie Leadon – 6 songs
Randy Meisner – 6 songs
Joe Walsh – 5 songs
Don Felder – 4 songs
J.D. Souther – 4 songs (though never a formal member, he was an essential contributor)
Timothy B. Schmit – 3 songs
Who Sang Lead Vocals for the Eagles?
The Eagles weren’t just a band of great players — they were a band of great voices. Unlike many rock groups, lead vocals were shared across members, with each bringing a distinct tone and character to their performances.
Lead Vocals by Band Member:
Don Henley – 24 songs, including Hotel California and Wasted Time
Glenn Frey – 23 songs, including Tequila Sunrise and Lyin’ Eyes
Randy Meisner – 7 songs, including Take It to the Limit
Timothy B. Schmit – 5 songs, including I Can’t Tell You Why
Bernie Leadon – 4 songs, including Bitter Creek
Joe Walsh – 2 songs, including Pretty Maids All in a Row
Don Felder – 1 song: Visions
This rotation of vocal duties helped the Eagles create a broader emotional range — from Frey’s easy charm to Henley’s weightier delivery, with Meisner and Schmit providing soaring, sensitive highs when it mattered most.
From the early country-tinged albums to the radio-dominating juggernaut of Hotel California, their collaborative output shaped the band’s legacy — lyrically and musically.
The Eagles History in Albums
The Eagles’ seven studio albums take you on a journey — from the carefree optimism of Take It Easy, through the layered rock of Hotel California, to the weary finality of The Long Run. This is a band that evolved dramatically with each record, capturing the mood of the moment and the changes within themselves.
Eagles (1972) – The Debut That Started It All
Blending folk, country, and rock, the Eagles’ self-titled debut laid the foundation for their California sound. With crisp production by Glyn Johns and harmonies to spare, it introduced a band still finding its identity — but already writing classics.
Key tracks: Take It Easy, Witchy Woman, Peaceful Easy Feeling
Lineup: Henley, Frey, Leadon, Meisner
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) Cowboys and Concepts
A bold shift into concept-album territory, Desperado told stories of outlaws and anti-heroes, drawing parallels with life in a rock band. Though it lacked a chart hit, its title track became iconic — and helped define the Eagles’ image as musical storytellers.
Key tracks: Desperado, Tequila Sunrise, Doolin Dalton
Lineup: Henley, Frey, Leadon, Meisner
On the Border (1974) – Crossing Into Rock
Seeking a harder edge, the band split with Glyn Johns and brought in producer Bill Szymczyk. Don Felder joined mid-recording, adding bite to their sound. Ironically, it was the ballad Best of My Love that gave them their first No.1.
Key tracks: Already Gone, Best of My Love, James Dean
Lineup: Henley, Frey, Leadon, Meisner, Felder (joins during sessions)
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).
One of these Nights (1975) - The Breakthrough
A polished, darker, and more confident record. With lush production and tighter songwriting, this album turned the Eagles into global superstars. It would also be Bernie Leadon’s last.
Key tracks: One of These Nights, Lyin’ Eyes, Take It to the Limit
Lineup: Henley, Frey, Leadon, Meisner, Felder
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
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.
Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975 (1976) – A Record-Breaking Pause
A label move by David Geffen rather than a band initiative, this compilation became a phenomenon — and the calm before the storm. 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. With over 40 million copies sold, it remains one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Includes: Take It Easy, Desperado, Best of My Love
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) - The Masterpiece
Arguably their defining work. Hotel California captured the disillusionment beneath the L.A. dream with a mix of shimmering ballads and rock bravado. Joe Walsh had joined, bringing grit and swagger. This was the band at its peak — and at its breaking point.
Key tracks: Hotel California, Life in the Fast Lane, New Kid in Town
Lineup: Henley, Frey, Meisner, Felder, Walsh
The Long Run (1979) – A Burnt-Out Farewell
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. Exhausted and fractured, the band limped into their final studio album of the ’70s. The magic still flickered — but so did the tension. Timothy B. Schmit replaced Meisner and added new depth, but the end was near.
Key tracks: The Long Run, I Can’t Tell You Why, Heartache Tonight
Lineup: Henley, Frey, Schmit, Felder, Walsh
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."
Hell Freezes Over (1994) – The Comeback
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. A live album with four new tracks, including Get Over It and Love Will Keep Us Alive. More than a nostalgia act, the band returned with tight harmonies and renewed energy, selling out arenas worldwide.
Highlights: Hotel California (Live), Love Will Keep Us Alive
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.
While their biggest years were behind them, the Eagles were far from finished.
Long Road out of Eden (2007) - One Last Ride
Nearly three decades after The Long Run, the Eagles returned with a double album of new material. Part political, part personal, it showed a more reflective, mature band — still capable of blending harmony with bite.
Key tracks: How Long, Busy Being Fabulous, No More Cloudy Days
Lineup: Henley, Frey, Schmit, Walsh
The Band’s Final Years & Touring Legacy
By the end of the 2000s, the Eagles had wrapped their Long Road Out of Eden tour and gone relatively quiet. But in 2013, they returned to the stage for the History of the Eagles tour, launched alongside their revealing two-part documentary. The film offered a candid look at the band’s rise, fall, and rebirth — complete with archival footage, bruised egos, and a few hard truths. It remains essential viewing for anyone interested in how one of rock’s most successful bands held it all together (and occasionally didn’t).
The passing of Glenn Frey in 2016 marked the end of an era. But rather than call time, the Eagles chose to continue — not as a tribute act, but as a living legacy. Deacon Frey, Glenn’s son, stepped into his father’s place with grace and familiarity, while Vince Gill added his own warmth and vocal finesse. Together, they helped the band honour the past while still playing with heart and credibility.
Remarkably, the Eagles remained one of the world’s highest-grossing live acts well into their sixth decade. In 2021, they ranked seventh globally in concert revenue — just behind the Rolling Stones.
The Sphere Sell Outs
The Eagles’ Long Goodbye tour, announced in 2023, was billed as a farewell — but like most things Eagles-related, it keeps extending. A run of dates at the Las Vegas Sphere has proven to be more than just a send-off — it’s become a late-career triumph.
The visuals alone are worth the ticket, but it’s the music that still resonates. Watching clips of them performing Don Henley’s Boys of Summer inside that immersive 360° space feels like witnessing history — one more time, with feeling. I haven’t made it there yet, but I sincerely hope to.
After all these years, the band that once swore they’d only reunite when hell froze over is still out there — playing, evolving, and reminding us why the Eagles mattered in the first place.
What’s your Eagles era?
Did you discover them with Hotel California, or go back to the country roots of Desperado? Maybe you’ve seen them live — then or now. Drop a comment below and share your favourite lineup, album, or moment from the band’s long, complicated history.