Eagles: influences, peers and legacy

Every connection with its receipt

The Eagles were assembled in 1971 out of Linda Ronstadt's backing band, fusing Byrds/Burritos country rock with Laurel Canyon songcraft and, by 1976, hard-rock gloss and California noir. This mix traces the bluegrass and Gram Parsons lineage behind them, the Troubadour scene that produced them, and the country-pop empire they left behind.

The Kynda mix for Eagles

• Key Influence · Sweetheart of the Rodeo by The Byrds (1968). The template for everything the Eagles did: Gram Parsons steering a Los Angeles rock band into Nashville sessions, pedal steel under electric twelve-string harmony. Bernie Leadon came up through that same Southern California country-rock circuit, and the Eagles' vocal blend and Nashville-meets-Sunset-Strip instrumentation descend directly from this record's collision of hippie rock credibility with honky-tonk repertoire.
• Influencia Obscura · The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark by Dillard & Clark (1968). Bernie Leadon played guitar and banjo in Doug Dillard and Gene Clark's short-lived country-rock outfit and co-wrote with Clark here, years before the Eagles. The album's banjo-driven, bluegrass-literate approach to original songwriting is the hidden technical source for Eagles tracks like 'Journey of the Sorcerer' and the acoustic textures that anchor the first two albums.
• Local Roots · Heart Like a Wheel by Linda Ronstadt (1974). The Eagles came together in 1971 as Ronstadt's touring band, assembled around her by manager John Boylan, and Frey and Henley played on her self-titled album before splitting off. Ronstadt remained the hub of the Troubadour circle, recording songs by J.D. Souther and others in the Eagles' orbit; Henley sang backing vocals on her mid-seventies records.
• Beyond the Medium · The White Album by Joan Didion (1979). Didion's essays on late-sixties Los Angeles — the dread under the sunshine, the sense of a dream curdling — articulate in prose exactly what 'Hotel California' does in five and a half minutes. The album's imagery of luxury as trap belongs to the same reckoning with California myth that Didion was conducting from the same city in the same decade.
• Peer · Rumours by Fleetwood Mac (1977). The other great Los Angeles harmony machine of the late seventies, recording in the same studios and competing for the same chart positions — Hotel California and Rumours traded places at number one through 1977. Both bands turned internal wreckage into immaculately produced pop, and both defined what a mid-seventies American rock album was supposed to sound like.
• From the Canon · Hotel California by Eagles (1976). The pivot record: Bernie Leadon gone, Joe Walsh in, country-rock traded for twin-guitar hard rock and a sustained argument about American excess. 'The Last Resort' is Henley's most explicit statement of the band's theme — westward expansion as serial despoilment — and the title track's dual guitar coda became the most recognizable instrumental passage in seventies American rock.
• Key Collaborator · Who's Next by The Who (1971). Glyn Johns produced the Eagles' debut and Desperado, recording the band live in the studio at Olympic in London and insisting on the acoustic, harmony-forward approach that made 'Take It Easy' and 'Peaceful Easy Feeling' hits. His work with the Who shows the same priority: capture a band performing in a room. Frey's push for a harder sound ended the partnership.
• Legacy · No Fences by Garth Brooks (1990). Brooks has repeatedly named the Eagles as a formative influence and built nineties stadium country on their blueprint: rock dynamics, clean production and story songs delivered to arenas. He contributed to the 1993 Eagles tribute album Common Thread, whose proceeds and publicity helped prompt the band's reunion — country music paying back the band that taught it how to sell rock records.

What influenced Eagles

• Buffalo Springfield. The article names Buffalo Springfield as an influence on the Eagles. (also via Buffalo Springfield Again) “Influenced by 1960s rhythm and blues , soul , bluegrass , and rock bands such as the Byrds and Buffalo Springfield , [ 118 ] the Eagles' overall sound has been described as "California rock".” (Wikipedia)
• The Byrds. The article names the Byrds as an influence on the Eagles. (also via Sweetheart of the Rodeo) “Influenced by 1960s rhythm and blues , soul , bluegrass , and rock bands such as the Byrds and Buffalo Springfield , [ 118 ] the Eagles' overall sound has been described as "California rock".” (Wikipedia)
• Of Horses, Kids and Forgotten Women by Hearts and Flowers (1968). Of Horses, Kids and Forgotten Women (Hearts and Flowers) — ghost for Eagles “== External links == Bernie Leadon Online Bernie Leadon at AllMusic Bernie Leadon discography at Discogs The Complete Hearts and Flowers Liner Notes The Scottsville Squirrel Barkers Rock of Ages' Bernie Leadon Interview Archived Septembe…” (en.wikipedia.org)
• The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark by Dillard & Clark (1968). The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark (Dillard & Clark) — ghost for Eagles “In 1968, the group recorded The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark, featuring Leadon's backing vocals and multi-instrumental work.” (en.wikipedia.org)
• Sweetheart of the Rodeo by The Byrds (1968). Sweetheart of the Rodeo (The Byrds) — titan for Eagles “== Musical style == Influenced by 1960s rhythm and blues, soul, bluegrass, and rock bands such as the Byrds and Buffalo Springfield, the Eagles' overall sound has been described as "California rock".” (en.wikipedia.org)
• Buffalo Springfield Again by Buffalo Springfield (1967). Buffalo Springfield Again (Buffalo Springfield) — titan for Eagles “== Musical style == Influenced by 1960s rhythm and blues, soul, bluegrass, and rock bands such as the Byrds and Buffalo Springfield, the Eagles' overall sound has been described as "California rock".” (en.wikipedia.org)
• The Gilded Palace of Sin by The Flying Burrito Brothers (1969). The Gilded Palace of Sin (The Flying Burrito Brothers) — titan for Eagles “Randy Meisner, who had been working with Ricky Nelson's backing band, the Stone Canyon Band, and Bernie Leadon, a veteran of the Flying Burrito Brothers, also later joined Ronstadt's group of performers for her summer tour promoting the …” (en.wikipedia.org)
• The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler (1953). The Long Goodbye (Raymond Chandler) — culture for Eagles (openlibrary.org)
• Chinatown by Roman Polanski (1974). Chinatown (Roman Polanski) — culture for Eagles (themoviedb.org)
• The White Album by Joan Didion (1979). The White Album (Joan Didion) — culture for Eagles (openlibrary.org)

Peers and kindred spirits

• Linda Ronstadt (1946). Future Eagles members backed and toured with Ronstadt. (also via Desperado, Heart Like a Wheel) “Another backing band included Don Henley , Glenn Frey , Bernie Leadon , and Randy Meisner , who went on to form the Eagles . They toured with her for a short period in 1971” (Wikipedia)
• JD Souther. Souther co-wrote several Eagles songs. (also via You're Only Lonely, How Long) “Souther had previously worked with the Eagles, co-writing some of their biggest hits, including "Best of My Love", "Victim of Love", "Heartache Tonight", and "New Kid in Town".” (Wikipedia)
• Vince Gill. Gill joined the re-formed Eagles as a lead vocalist. (also via I Can't Tell You Why) “Following Frey's death in January 2016, the Eagles re-formed in 2017, with Glenn's son, Deacon Frey, and country singer Vince Gill sharing lead vocals for Frey's songs.” (Wikipedia)
• Completely Well by B.B. King (1969). Completely Well (B.B. King) — collaborator for Eagles “He produced his follow-up studio album Completely Well, which featured "The Thrill Is Gone", the biggest hit of King's career and his signature song.” (en.wikipedia.org)
• Who's Next by The Who (1971). Who's Next (The Who) — collaborator for Eagles “He was involved in making some of the most influential albums of the rock era such as Beggars Banquet and Let It Bleed by the Rolling Stones, Who's Next by the Who, and Led Zeppelin's debut album.” (en.wikipedia.org)
• Dakota Johnson. Desperado (Robert Rodriguez) — geography for Dakota Johnson (via Desperado) “He took roles in franchises playing El Mariachi in Desperado (1995) and Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003), Zorro in The Mask of Zorro (1998) and The Legend of Zorro (2005), the patriarch in the Spy Kids series (2001–2003) and voiced Puss…” (en.wikipedia.org)
• Randy Newman. Eagles members performed on Newman's album Little Criminals. “In 1977, the group, minus Don Felder, performed instrumental work and backing vocals for Randy Newman 's album Little Criminals , including " Short People "” (Wikipedia)
• Bernie Leadon. Leadon is identified as a founding member of the Eagles. “Founding members Glenn Frey (guitar, vocals), Don Henley (drums, vocals), Bernie Leadon (guitar, vocals), and Randy Meisner (bass guitar, vocals)” (Wikipedia)
• Seven Bridges Road by Steve Young. The Eagles performed and released Steve Young's song “Seven Bridges Road”. “A single released from the album – " Seven Bridges Road " – had been a live concert staple for the band. It was written by Steve Young in an arrangement created by Iain Matthews for his Valley Hi album in 1973.” (Wikipedia)
• Pickin' Up the Pieces by Poco (1969). Pickin' Up the Pieces (Poco) — geography for Eagles “The band replaced Meisner with the same musician who had succeeded him in Poco, Timothy B.” (en.wikipedia.org)
• Ol' '55 by Tom Waits. The Eagles recorded a cover of Tom Waits's “Ol' '55”. “The album included a cover version of the Tom Waits song " Ol' '55 " and the single " James Dean ", which reached number 77 on the charts.” (Wikipedia)
• Randy Meisner. Meisner is identified as a founding member of the Eagles. “Founding members Glenn Frey (guitar, vocals), Don Henley (drums, vocals), Bernie Leadon (guitar, vocals), and Randy Meisner (bass guitar, vocals)” (Wikipedia)
• Part of the Plan by Dan Fogelberg. The Eagles covered Fogelberg's “Part of the Plan”. “The first and only studio recording by the band without Glenn Frey to date was released in autumn 2017, a cover of Dan Fogelberg 's "Part of the Plan" for the album A Tribute to Dan Fogelberg .” (Wikipedia)
• Glenn Frey. Frey is identified as a founding member of the Eagles. “Founding members Glenn Frey (guitar, vocals), Don Henley (drums, vocals), Bernie Leadon (guitar, vocals), and Randy Meisner (bass guitar, vocals)” (Wikipedia)
• Yes. The Eagles supported Yes on tour. “The group were one of the support acts for Yes on their Close to the Edge Tour .” (Wikipedia)
• Glyn Johns. Johns produced the Eagles' debut album. “The group's self-titled debut album was recorded in England in February 1972 with producer Glyn Johns .” (Wikipedia)
• Heart Like a Wheel by Linda Ronstadt (1974). Heart Like a Wheel (Linda Ronstadt) — geography for Eagles “Founding members Glenn Frey (guitar, vocals), Don Henley (drums, vocals), Bernie Leadon (guitar, vocals), and Randy Meisner (bass guitar, vocals) had all been recruited by Linda Ronstadt as band members, some touring with her, and all pl…” (en.wikipedia.org)
• Bob Seger. Seger co-wrote “Heartache Tonight” and performed it with the Eagles. “At the Classic West concert, the band was joined by Bob Seger who sang " Heartache Tonight ", which he co-wrote.” (Wikipedia)
• Deacon Frey. Deacon Frey joined the re-formed Eagles as a lead vocalist. “Following Frey's death in January 2016, the Eagles re-formed in 2017, with Glenn's son, Deacon Frey, and country singer Vince Gill sharing lead vocals for Frey's songs.” (Wikipedia)
• Don Henley. Henley is identified as a founding member of the Eagles. “Founding members Glenn Frey (guitar, vocals), Don Henley (drums, vocals), Bernie Leadon (guitar, vocals), and Randy Meisner (bass guitar, vocals)” (Wikipedia)
• Late for the Sky by Jackson Browne (1974). Late for the Sky (Jackson Browne) — geography for Eagles “The four were signed in September 1971 to Asylum Records, the new label started by David Geffen, who was introduced to Frey by Jackson Browne.” (en.wikipedia.org)
• How Long by JD Souther. The Eagles released a recording of Souther's “How Long”. “On August 20, 2007, " How Long ", written by JD Souther , was released as a single to radio with an accompanying online video at Yahoo! Music .” (Wikipedia)
• Rumours by Fleetwood Mac (1977). Rumours (Fleetwood Mac) — peer for Eagles “Hotel California topped the charts and was nominated for Album of the Year at the 1978 Grammy Awards, but lost to Fleetwood Mac's Rumours.” (en.wikipedia.org)
• Pretzel Logic by Steely Dan (1974). Pretzel Logic (Steely Dan) — peer for Eagles “In July 2023, the Eagles announced Steely Dan would be the special guest of their The Long Farewell tour running from September to November 2023.” (en.wikipedia.org)
• Frank Ocean. Frere-Jones describes Ocean’s adaptation of the Eagles song on nostalgia, ULTRA. (via Hotel California) “It’s not surprising, then, that he covered the Eagles’ “Hotel California” on his first, self-released album, “nostalgia, ULTRA ,” in 2011. He used the track as is, and simply changed the lyrics.” (The New Yorker)
• Travis Tritt. Tritt made a video for his recording of “Take It Easy”. (via Take It Easy) “Travis Tritt insisted on having the Long Run -era Eagles in his video for "Take It Easy" and they agreed.” (Wikipedia)
• Dixie Chicken by Little Feat (1973). Dixie Chicken (Little Feat) — peer for Eagles (musicbrainz.org)
• You're Only Lonely by J.D. Souther (1979). You're Only Lonely (J.D. Souther) — collaborator for Eagles (musicbrainz.org)

Who Eagles influenced

• John Pizzarelli (1960). John's teenage garage band covered the Eagles. “So we played the Allman Brothers. We played some Eric Clapton and mostly Peter Frampton - I liked him - and the Eagles and James Taylor and Jackson Browne and those kind of bands.” (Fresh Air (NPR/WHYY))
• Wide Open Spaces by Dixie Chicks (1998). Wide Open Spaces (Dixie Chicks) — legacy for Eagles “The band spent the summer of 2010 touring North American stadiums with the Dixie Chicks and Keith Urban.” (en.wikipedia.org)
• No Fences by Garth Brooks (1990). No Fences (Garth Brooks) — legacy for Eagles (musicbrainz.org)
• The Foundation by Zac Brown Band (2008). The Foundation (Zac Brown Band) — legacy for Eagles (musicbrainz.org)