# Eagles > American country rock band **Wikidata**: [Q189635](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q189635) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagles_(band)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eagles ## Summary The Eagles are an American country rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971, recognized as one of the best-selling musical acts in history. Founded by Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner, the band is known for blending rock, country, and folk influences into a distinctive Southern California sound. Their extensive catalog includes iconic hits such as "Hotel California" and "Take It Easy," and their members have received prestigious honors including Kennedy Center Honors and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ## Key Facts - **Type:** American country rock band - **Inception:** 1971 - **Origin:** Los Angeles, California, United States - **Founding Members:** Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner - **Later Members:** Joe Walsh (joined 1975), Timothy B. Schmit, Don Felder - **Record Label:** Asylum Records (founded 1971 by Elliot Roberts and Steve Ross) - **Genres:** Country rock, folk rock, soft rock, pop rock - **Notable Songs:** "Hotel California," "Take It Easy," "Desperado," "Witchy Woman," "Lyin' Eyes," "Life in the Fast Lane" - **Awards:** Kennedy Center Honors (Glenn Frey in 2015, Joe Walsh in 2023, Don Henley), Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction - **Website:** https://eagles.com ## FAQs **Who founded the Eagles?** The Eagles were founded in 1971 by Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner in Los Angeles, California. **What record label released the Eagles' music?** The band was associated with Asylum Records, an American label founded in 1971 by Elliot Roberts and Steve Ross that also represented artists like Joni Mitchell and Tom Waits. **When did Joe Walsh join the band?** Joe Walsh joined the Eagles in 1975, replacing founding member Bernie Leadon and contributing to a harder rock sound on albums like *Hotel California*. **What are the Eagles' most famous songs?** The band is best known for hits such as "Hotel California," "Take It Easy," "Desperado," "Witchy Woman," "Lyin' Eyes," and "Life in the Fast Lane." **Has the band received any major awards?** Yes, the Eagles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and members Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Joe Walsh have received Kennedy Center Honors. ## Why It Matters The Eagles are a defining force in American music, credited with popularizing the country rock genre during the 1970s. Their ability to fuse rock, country, and folk elements created a commercially successful and culturally significant "Southern California sound" that influenced generations of musicians. With a catalog that includes some of the best-selling albums and singles in history, such as *Hotel California*, the band's work has achieved enduring global recognition. Their association with Asylum Records placed them at the forefront of a label that shaped the era's musical landscape. Furthermore, the individual achievements of the band members—including prestigious awards like the Kennedy Center Honors and the National Humanities Medal—underscore their profound impact on American culture and the arts. ## Notable For - Being one of the best-selling bands in history, with over 200 million records sold globally - Defining the country rock genre and the Southern California sound of the 1970s - The release of the iconic album *Hotel California* (1976) and its title track - Founding members Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner establishing the group in 1971 - Joe Walsh joining the band in 1975, bringing a harder rock edge to their music - Receiving the Kennedy Center Honors (Glenn Frey in 2015, Joe Walsh in 2023, Don Henley) - Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Don Henley receiving the MusiCares Person of the Year award and the National Humanities Medal - A long career spanning from 1971 to the present day, including reunions and continued touring ## Body ### Formation and Early History The Eagles were formed in 1971 in Los Angeles, California, by four founding members: Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner. The band emerged during a transformative period in the American music industry, blending the emerging sounds of country rock and folk rock. Los Angeles, the largest city in California and a major hub for the film and music industries, provided the backdrop for the group's inception. The band signed with Asylum Records shortly after forming. Asylum Records, founded in 1971 by Elliot Roberts and Steve Ross, became the band's label and was home to other influential artists of the time, including Joni Mitchell and Tom Waits. ### Musical Style and Genre The Eagles are primarily classified as an American country rock band, but their musical style encompasses a fusion of genres including folk rock, soft rock, and pop rock. The genre of country rock, which began in the mid-1960s, served as the foundation for the band's signature sound. This style blended the lyrical themes and instrumentation of country music with the energy and amplification of rock music. The band's early work was characterized by this fusion, while the addition of Joe Walsh in 1975 introduced harder rock elements to their repertoire. ### Key Members and Personnel The band's lineup evolved over the years, but several members became central to its identity and success. * **Glenn Frey:** A founding member who served as a vocalist, guitarist, pianist, and songwriter. Frey co-wrote many of the band's biggest hits, including "Take It Easy," "Witchy Woman," "Lyin' Eyes," and "Hotel California." He remained with the band until his death in 2016 and received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2015. * **Don Henley:** A founding member who served as the drummer, vocalist, and primary songwriter. Henley co-wrote "Hotel California," "Take It Easy," and "Desperado." He also pursued a successful solo career, releasing hits like "The Boys of Summer," and received the MusiCares Person of the Year award, the National Humanities Medal, and Kennedy Center Honors. * **Joe Walsh:** An American rock musician who joined the Eagles in 1975, replacing Bernie Leadon. Walsh was known for his guitar work and songwriting, contributing to albums like *Hotel California* and *The Long Run*. He brought a harder rock sound to the band and was honored with a Kennedy Center Honor in 2023. * **Randy Meisner:** A founding member and musician who was part of the band's early formation. He passed away in 2023. * **Bernie Leadon:** A founding member and musician who was part of the band until 1975. * **Timothy B. Schmit:** An American musician who joined the band as a member. * **Don Felder:** An American rock musician who served as a member of the band. ### Discography and Notable Works The Eagles' discography includes some of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed albums in rock history. Their 1976 album *Hotel California* is widely regarded as a masterpiece, featuring the title track which became one of the best-selling singles in music history. Other notable songs include "Take It Easy," "Desperado," "Witchy Woman," "Lyin' Eyes," "One of These Nights," and "Life in the Fast Lane." The band's work is characterized by its high production values and intricate vocal harmonies. ### Awards and Recognition The Eagles and their individual members have received extensive recognition for their contributions to music. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a milestone noted in the biography of Joe Walsh. Glenn Frey was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors in 2015, recognizing his lifetime contributions to American culture. Joe Walsh received the same honor in 2023. Don Henley has been recognized with the MusiCares Person of the Year award, the National Humanities Medal, and the Kennedy Center Honors. These accolades highlight the band's significant cultural and artistic impact. ### Legacy and Cultural Impact The Eagles are recognized as one of the best-selling bands in history, with record sales exceeding 200 million copies worldwide. Their music has become embedded in American cultural consciousness, defining the sound of the 1970s for many listeners. The band's success helped establish the commercial viability of country rock, paving the way for future artists to blend genres. Their connection to Asylum Records links them to a broader movement of singer-songwriters and rock artists who shaped the era. The Eagles' continued touring and the enduring popularity of their songs like "Hotel California" demonstrate their lasting relevance in the music industry. ### Industry Connections The Eagles' influence extends to their relationships with other major figures in the music industry. They are listed as industry connections for artists like Billy Ray Cyrus, reflecting their standing within the country and rock music communities. Their association with major record labels like Asylum Records, and later connections to the broader infrastructure of the music business, underscores their role as a major commercial and artistic force. ### Geographic Origins The band originated in the United States, specifically in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles is a major global metropolis and a primary hub for the entertainment industry. The city's status as a "megacity" and its diverse cultural environment provided a fertile ground for the band's development. The Eagles' music is often associated with the imagery and lifestyle of Southern California, further cementing the link between the band and their geographic origins. ## References 1. BnF authorities 2. MusicBrainz 3. Virtual International Authority File 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. Czech National Authority Database 6. [Source](http://www.rockonthenet.com/grammy/newartist.htm) 7. BBC Things 8. Discogs 9. [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC49r4GNHHpc-eQ9hmD2Rg6A) 10. Google Knowledge Graph 11. [Best Eagles Posts - Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/t/eagles/)