The Eagles — One of These Nights

The Eagles are one the most successful rock bands ever. Two of their albums, Eagles: Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 and Hotel California, rank among the top-selling albums ever, according sto the certifications of the Record Industry Association of America. Their initial sound was country rock, and eventually changed into classic rock. They continue to appeal to multiple generations of music fans who continue to buy their records.

The band formed in Los Angeles and consisted of Randy Meisner from Nebraska, singer and bassist and a founding member of Poco; Bernie Leadon, born in Minnesota, singer/guitarist and a member of the Flying Burrito Brothers; Don Henley, singer/drummer was born in Texas; and Glenn Frey, from Michigan. Frey backed up Bob Seger before moving to L.A. All were born between 1946 and 1948. The Eagles’ guitar leads are held in high esteem among their peers in the industry - a standard to achieve.

All four appeared on the 1972 Linda Ronstadt album, Linda Ronstadt. In 1971, all four signed with manager David Geffen, and took the name, the Eagles. In1972 they recorded their first album in England. The album was released in June, and reached the Top 20. It had two Top Ten hits, «Take It Easy» and «Witchy Woman», and one Top 20 hit, «Peaceful Easy Feeling.»

Their second LP was recorded in 1973 and entitled, Desperado. The Top 40 single «Tequila Sunrise» appeared on this album.

Bill Szymczyk, who was Joe Walsh’s producer and who was currently opening for the band during their 1974 tour, produced their next album. Szymczyk provided the harder edge the band desired. The result was On the Border, released in March, 1974. «Already Gone» and «The Best of My Love» were top 20 singles from this album. «The Best of My Love» hit number one on the easy listening charts, and widely expanded their audience.

The Eagles’ fourth album, One of These Nights, was a smash hit. It was released in June, 1975 and hit number one in July. «Lyin’ Eyes» and «Take It to the Limit» were on this record. «Lyin’ Eyes» won the 1975 Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus. «One of These Nights guitar lead is one of the most well-know guitar solos in the classic rock repertoire. Also, Joe Walsh replaced Bernie Leadon. (Seems to me, The Eagles guitar solos were in good hands with Joe in the band.)

The group then released the Eagles: Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975, in February 1976. This was the first album certified platinum for sales of one million copies. It became a phenomenal success, eventually selling above 25,000,000 copies and challenging Michael Jackson’s Thriller for the best-selling album of all time in the U.S.

Hotel California was released in December 1976. It went platinum in one week, hit number one in January 1977, and eventually sold over 10,000,000 copies. The singles «New Kid in Town» and «Hotel California» hit number one, and «Life in the Fast Lane» made the Top 20. «Hotel California» won the 1977 Grammy for Record of the Year. The Eagles guitar tabs for «Hotel California» and «Life in the Fast Lane» can provide a well-spring of inspiration for guitarists.

The Long Run was released in September 1979 and was another platinum seller. «Heartache Tonight», «I Can’t Tell You Why» and «The Long Run» became Top Ten hits.

The Eagles’ breakup was officially announced in May 1982. In 1994, the Eagles reunited for an MTV concert special and then launched a tour that ended up running through August 1996.