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Eagles

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

The Eagles are an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1971. Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner first played in the backing band of the singer Linda Ronstadt. During a tour with her, Frey and Henley decided to start a band of their own. David Geffen signed them to his new label Asylum. The debut Eagles was released in 1972, recorded in England with the producer Glyn Johns. He was impressed by their multi-part singing and turned them into a country rock band with high, clear harmonies.

Music and breakthrough

The first single was Take It Easy, which Frey wrote together with his neighbour Jackson Browne. Desperado (1973), On the Border (1974) and One of These Nights (1975) followed. Henley and Frey wrote more and more together and became the leaders of the band. They wanted to move away from country rock and towards harder rock. With the arrival of the guitarists Don Felder and Joe Walsh the band sounded more solid. On Hotel California (1976) it all came together: polished rock with country roots, sharp guitars and lyrics about the dark side of life in California. The title track and New Kid in Town were number 1 hits.

Influence

After The Long Run (1979) the band broke up in 1980, but in 1994 it reformed. The Eagles are one of the best-selling bands in the world. Their mix of rock, country and harmony singing defined the sound of American radio in the 1970s. In 1998 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Take It Easy from 1972. Notice the acoustic guitars, the banjo and above all the high multi-part singing in the chorus, in which you can hear the country in their rock.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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Mentioned in other articles

See also

Categories: ArtistsCountry rock