Eagles

Basic Information

Band Members

Classic Lineup

• Glenn Frey (1971–1980, 1994–2016; died 2016) – Vocals, guitar, keyboards
• Don Henley (1971–1980, 1994–present) – Vocals, drums, percussion
• Bernie Leadon (1971–1975) – Guitar, vocals, banjo, mandolin
• Randy Meisner (1971–1977) – Bass, vocals

Later Members

• Don Felder (1974–1980, 1994–2001) – Guitar, vocals
• Joe Walsh (1975–1980, 1994–present) – Guitar, vocals, keyboards
• Timothy B. Schmit (1977–1980, 1994–present) – Bass, vocals

Current Touring Members

• Deacon Frey (son of Glenn, 2017–present) – Guitar, vocals
• Vince Gill (2017–present) – Guitar, vocals

Commercial Success

Album Sales

• Greatest Hits (1971–1975) – Best-selling album of the 20th century in the US (38× platinum, 38 million+ copies)
• Hotel California – 26× platinum (26+ million US copies)
• Total US album sales: 150+ million
• Worldwide sales: 200+ million

Chart Achievements

• 5 #1 singles on Billboard Hot 100
• 6 #1 albums on Billboard 200
• 5 American Music Awards
• 6 Grammy Awards

Hotel California (1976)

Their masterpiece and one of rock’s greatest albums: - Released December 8, 1976 - First album with Joe Walsh - Last with Randy Meisner - “Hotel California” – Title track, one of rock’s most analyzed songs - “New Kid in Town” – #1 single - “Life in the Fast Lane” – Rock radio staple

The album spent 8 non-consecutive weeks at #1 and has sold over 32 million copies worldwide.

Discography

Studio Albums

1. Eagles (1972) – “Take It Easy,” “Witchy Woman,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling”
2. Desperado (1973) – Concept album about Wild West outlaws
3. On the Border (1974) – “Already Gone,” “Best of My Love”
4. One of These Nights (1975) – “One of These Nights,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Take It to the Limit”
5. Hotel California (1976) – Peak artistic achievement
6. The Long Run (1979) – “Heartache Tonight,” “The Long Run”
7. Long Road Out of Eden (2007) – First studio album in 28 years

Compilation Albums

• Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) – Best-selling album in US history
• The Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 (1982)
• The Very Best of the Eagles (2003)

Major Singles

• “Take It Easy” (1972) – Written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey
• “Witchy Woman” (1972)
• “Peaceful Easy Feeling” (1972)
• “Already Gone” (1974)
• “Best of My Love” (1974) – First #1
• “One of These Nights” (1975) – #1
• “Lyin’ Eyes” (1975)
• “Take It to the Limit” (1975)
• “New Kid in Town” (1976) – #1
• “Hotel California” (1977)
• “Life in the Fast Lane” (1977)
• “Heartache Tonight” (1979) – #1
• “The Long Run” (1979)
• “I Can’t Tell You Why” (1980)

Breakup and Reunion

Breakup (1980)

The band broke up after the contentious recording of The Long Run and subsequent tour. Glenn Frey and Don Henley both launched successful solo careers.

Reunion (1994)

The Eagles reunited for the “Hell Freezes Over” tour and MTV special (named after Henley’s previous statement that the band would reunite “when hell freezes over”).

Glenn Frey’s Death (2016)

Glenn Frey died on January 18, 2016, from complications of rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia while recovering from intestinal surgery.

Current Status

The band continues to tour with Glenn Frey’s son Deacon and country star Vince Gill filling his role.

Songwriting

Primary Songwriters

• Glenn Frey and Don Henley wrote most of the band’s hits, often collaborating
• Don Felder composed music for “Hotel California” with lyrics by Frey and Henley
• Joe Walsh contributed songs including “Life in the Fast Lane”
• J.D. Souther co-wrote several hits including “Best of My Love” and “Heartache Tonight”

Awards and Honors

• 6 Grammy Awards including Record of the Year (“Hotel California”)
• 5 American Music Awards
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Inducted 1998
• Vocal Group Hall of Fame: Inducted 2001
• Kennedy Center Honors: 2016 (tribute to surviving members)

Legacy

The Eagles defined the California rock sound of the 1970s, blending rock, country, and folk into polished, radio-friendly hits. Their harmonies, guitar work, and songwriting set the standard for the genre. “Hotel California” remains one of the most recognizable and analyzed songs in rock history, with its iconic guitar solo duel between Joe Walsh and Don Felder.

Their Greatest Hits compilation’s status as the best-selling album in US history speaks to the enduring appeal of their music across generations.