Biographical profile of classic rock band Eagles
The Eagles were an American rock band that started in Los Angeles in 1971. With five No. 1 singles, six Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards, and six No. 1 albums, the Eagles were one of the most successful musical acts of the 1970s. At the end of the 20th century, two of their albums were among the 20 best-selling albums in the United States . Hotel California is ranked 37th in Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time” and the classic rock band was ranked number 75 on the magazine’s 2004 list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
The Eagles are one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time, having sold more than 150 million records — 100 million in the U.S. alone. “Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975)” was the best-selling album of the 20th century in the U.S. They are the fifth-highest-selling music act and the highest-selling American band in U.S. history.
The Eagles released their self-titled debut album in 1972, which resulted in three top 40 singles: “Take It Easy”, “Witchy Woman”, and “Peaceful Easy Feeling”. They released On the Border in 1974, adding guitarist Don Felder as its fifth member midway through the recording of the album.
Their 1975 album One of These Nights included three top 10 singles: “One of These Nights”, “Lyin’ Eyes”, and “Take It to the Limit”, the first hitting the top of the charts. The Eagles hit theirl peak in late 1976 when they released Hotel California, which would go on to sell more than 32 million copies worldwide. The album yielded two number-one singles, “New Kid in Town” and “Hotel California”.
Original Eagles Members
Glenn Frey – guitar, keyboards, vocals
Don Henley – drums, guitar, vocals
Bernie Leadon – guitar, mandolin, banjo
Randy Meisner – bass
Significant Eagles Facts
- Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 is the biggest selling album of all time
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001
- Released six studio albums, and nine live albums and compilations between 1972 and 2003
- Released 21 singles, all of which made the U.S. singles charts
Early Eagles History
Glen Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner were backup players for Linda Ronstadt in 1971 when they decided to form their own group. Their early sound was a combination of country music and Surf Rock. Their first album, released in 1972, was a million-seller. Guitarist-vocalist Don Felder was added in 1974. Joe Walsh replaced Leadon in 1975, and Timothy B. Schmit replaced Randy Meisner in 1977.
Eagles Then and Now
After recording five more albums, the band broke up in 1980, and band members pursued solo careers with varying degrees of success. The band reunited in 1994 for a tour and live album, and they have toured sporadically since.
Their 2007 release, Long Road Out Of Eden was their first new studio album since 1979.
Essential Eagles CD
Their Greatest Hits 1971 – 1975
In addition to being the biggest selling album of all time this album showcases the diverse musical styles the group employed.
