50 Facts About Eagles (Band)

Formation and Early Days

The Eagles, an iconic rock band, began their journey in Los Angeles in 1971. Their unique blend of country, rock, and folk set them apart from other bands of the era.

1. The Eagles were formed in Los Angeles in 1971 by Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Randy Meisner, and Bernie Leadon.
2. Glenn Frey hailed from Michigan and was a key songwriter and vocalist.
3. Don Henley, from Texas, served as the primary drummer and vocalist.
4. Bernie Leadon, a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, came from Minnesota.
5. Randy Meisner, the original bassist and vocalist, was from Nebraska.

Influences and Early Success

The Eagles were influenced by various genres, which helped them create their signature sound.

6. The band members were influenced by country, rock, and folk music.
7. In 1971, the Eagles signed with Asylum Records, founded by David Geffen and Elliott Roberts.
8. To help them focus, Geffen provided funding for the band to move to Colorado, where they performed at venues like the Gallery and Tulagi.
9. The Eagles' self-titled debut album was recorded in England in February 1972 with producer Glyn Johns.
10. The album yielded three Top 40 singles: "Take It Easy," "Witchy Woman," and "Peaceful Easy Feeling".

Hit Singles and Albums

The Eagles quickly became known for their hit singles and successful albums.

11. "Take It Easy," written by Glenn Frey and Jackson Browne, reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
12. "Witchy Woman" charted at number 9, while "Peaceful Easy Feeling" reached number 22.
13. Bernie Leadon left the band in 1975 due to creative differences and was replaced by guitarist Joe Walsh.
14. Joe Walsh brought an edgier sound to the Eagles, contributing to their future success.
15. "Hotel California," inspired by a conversation between Glenn Frey and his drug dealer, became one of the band's most iconic songs.

Changes in Lineup

The band's lineup changed over the years, impacting their sound and success.

16. Randy Meisner left the band in 1977 after 11 months of non-stop touring for the album "Hotel California".
17. Don Felder joined the Eagles in 1974 and co-wrote several hit songs, including "Hotel California".
18. The album "One of These Nights" was the Eagles' first number-one album in the US.
19. "Desperado," released in 1973, showcased the band's ability to create complex, country-rock compositions.
20. "On the Border," released in 1974, featured the hit single "Already Gone".

Tours and Live Performances

The Eagles were known for their high-energy live performances and extensive touring history.

21. The "One of These Nights" tour marked a turning point in their career.
22. The album "The Long Run," released in 1979, featured hit singles "Heartache Tonight" and "The Long Run".
23. The Eagles broke up in 1980 due to internal conflicts and creative differences.
24. They reunited in 1994 for the album "Hell Freezes Over," which featured a mix of live and new studio tracks.
25. Glenn Frey passed away on January 18, 2016, due to complications from rheumatoid arthritis and acute ulcerative colitis.

Legacy and Impact

The Eagles' legacy is undeniable, with their music continuing to inspire new generations.

26. The Eagles have sold over 200 million records worldwide.
27. They have won six Grammy Awards and five American Music Awards.
28. The Eagles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
29. They ranked number 75 on Rolling Stone's 2004 list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".
30. The Eagles are often credited with popularizing the country-rock genre.

Harmony and Songwriting

The Eagles' harmonious vocals and songwriting skills were key elements of their success.

31. The band's harmonious vocals set them apart from other rock bands.
32. Their live performances often featured elaborate stage shows and memorable setlists.
33. The Eagles have toured extensively throughout their career, delivering engaging live shows.
34. In 2013, the Eagles released a documentary titled "The History of the Eagles".
35. The album "Long Road Out of Eden," released in 2007, marked a new era for the band.

Awards and Recognition

The Eagles have received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career.

36. "Hell Freezes Over," released in 1994, featured hits like "Get Over It" and "Learn to Be Still".
37. In 1998, the Eagles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
38. Their debut album was ranked number 207 on Rolling Stone's 2020 revision of their 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.
39. The Eagles have produced six number-one albums in the US.
40. They have produced five number-one singles in the US, including "Best of My Love" and "Hotel California".

Influence on Other Artists

The Eagles have influenced numerous other artists and bands.

41. Bands like Fleetwood Mac, The Doobie Brothers, and Lynyrd Skynyrd have cited the Eagles as a major influence.
42. Contemporary artists like Zac Brown Band and Keith Urban have also been influenced by the Eagles.
43. After Glenn Frey's death, the Eagles continued to perform with guest vocalists like Vince Gill and Deacon Frey.
44. Don Felder was fired from the band in 2001 due to creative differences and filed a lawsuit against the remaining members.
45. The Eagles have toured with other notable artists, including Linda Ronstadt and the Doobie Brothers.

Continued Success

The Eagles' music remains timeless, and their influence can be heard in many contemporary rock bands.

46. The Eagles have performed at numerous music festivals, including the California Jam festival in 1974.
47. Glenn Frey and Don Henley were the primary songwriters for the Eagles.
48. Bernie Leadon suggested the name "Eagles" after reading about the Hopi Indian tribe's reverence for the eagle.
49. The Eagles' greatest hits album, "Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)," was the top-selling album of the 20th century.
50. The Eagles were ranked number 37 on Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Artists of All Time".

The Eagles' Timeless Legacy

The Eagles have left an undeniable mark on rock music. Formed in Los Angeles in 1971, their blend of country, rock, and folk created a unique sound that still resonates today. With hits like "Hotel California," "Take It Easy," and "Desperado," they've sold over 200 million records worldwide. Despite lineup changes and a breakup in 1980, the band reunited in 1994, proving their enduring appeal. Glenn Frey's death in 2016 was a significant loss, but the band continues to perform with guest vocalists like Vince Gill and Deacon Frey. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, the Eagles' influence on music is immense. Their harmonious vocals, storytelling lyrics, and high-energy live performances have inspired countless artists. The Eagles' legacy is a testament to their creativity, perseverance, and the timeless power of their music.