Eagles

The Eagles are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971. The founding members were Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner. They came together after serving as backing musicians for Linda Ronstadt. Their sound is a blend of rock, country rock, soft rock, and folk rock. The Eagles are one of the world's best-selling music artists, with over 200 million records sold worldwide.

Early Success and Signature Sound

The band's self-titled debut album, "Eagles" (1972), produced two top-20 singles, "Take It Easy" and "Witchy Woman". Their 1973 follow-up, "Desperado," further established their country-rock style. With the addition of guitarist Don Felder in 1974, the band's sound shifted towards a more rock-oriented style. The 1975 album "One of These Nights" featured the Grammy-winning "Lyin' Eyes" and the hit "Take It to the Limit".

Hotel California

In 1975, Bernie Leadon was replaced by guitarist Joe Walsh. This lineup change was followed by the release of "Hotel California" in 1976, which became their best-selling studio album. The album won two Grammy Awards for the singles "Hotel California" and "New Kid in Town". It has sold over 26 million copies in the U.S. alone.

Breakup and Reunion

Following the release of "The Long Run" in 1979 and escalating internal tensions, the Eagles disbanded in 1980. The members pursued solo careers for the next 14 years. In 1994, the band reunited for a tour and a live album titled "Hell Freezes Over," which was a massive success. This reunion lineup included Frey, Henley, Walsh, Felder, and Timothy B. Schmit, who had replaced Randy Meisner in 1977.

Later Years and Legacy

The Eagles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. They released a new studio album, "Long Road Out of Eden," in 2007, which debuted at number one on the charts. Following the death of Glenn Frey in 2016, the band continued to tour with Deacon Frey, Glenn's son, and country singer Vince Gill. The band has won six Grammy Awards and five American Music Awards.

Notable Achievements

The Eagles' "Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975)" is the best-selling album in the United States. They have had five number-one singles and six number-one albums. In 2015, the band received the Kennedy Center Honors.