“Desperado” is one of the most popular songs by the Eagles, an American rock band. The ballad was written by Glenn Frey and Don Henley and first appeared on the group’s second album, “Desperado,” which came out in 1973. The album was less successful than the Eagles’ subsequent records, but “Desperado” became an enduring classic. It has been covered by many artists over the years, including Linda Ronstadt. But did she sing it before the Eagles?
The Short Answer Is Yes
According to a 2002 interview with Don Henley, Linda Ronstadt recorded “Desperado” before the Eagles did. Henley said that he and Glenn Frey wrote the song at a time when they were trying to find their sound and establish their identity as a band. They performed it live but never recorded it themselves until Ronstadt heard it and wanted to cover it.
The story goes that Henley and Frey played “Desperado” for Ronstadt during a road trip. She loved it and wanted to record it for her own album, “Don’t Cry Now,” which came out in 1973. Ronstadt’s version features her trademark vocals and a stripped-down arrangement that highlights the song’s emotional depth. It wasn’t a hit, but it helped establish “Desperado” as a classic.
Why Didn’t the Eagles Record It First?
There are a few reasons why the Eagles didn’t record “Desperado” first. First of all, the song didn’t quite fit the sound and style of their debut album, which was more of a rock and country hybrid. “Desperado” was a ballad with a more traditional pop structure. It didn’t have a chorus or a hook like their other songs.
Secondly, the Eagles were still trying to establish their identity as a band and figure out what kind of music they wanted to make. “Desperado” was a departure from their earlier material and might not have been well-received by their fans or their record label. By letting Ronstadt record it first, the Eagles were able to test the waters and see how the song would be received by the public.
The Eagles’ Version
After Linda Ronstadt recorded “Desperado,” the Eagles started performing it live and eventually recorded a version for their second album of the same name. The Eagles’ version features a fuller, more orchestrated arrangement with harmonies and a piano introduction. It’s a more polished and refined version of the song but still retains the emotional impact of the original.
One interesting fact about the Eagles’ version of “Desperado” is that it was actually a re-recording of an earlier version that appeared on a demo tape that the band shopped around to record labels. The demo version is more raw and stripped-down, similar to Linda Ronstadt’s version. But the Eagles decided to re-record it with a more polished sound for the album.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Linda Ronstadt did sing “Desperado” before the Eagles, and her version helped establish the song as a classic. Don Henley and Glenn Frey wrote the song while they were still trying to figure out their sound and identity as a band, and the ballad’s more traditional pop structure didn’t quite fit with their earlier material. By letting Ronstadt record it first, they were able to test the waters and see how the song would be received by the public. The Eagles eventually recorded their own version of “Desperado,” which became even more popular than Ronstadt’s. But both versions are beloved by fans and have helped make “Desperado” a timeless classic.
FAQ
Who came first Linda Ronstadt or the Eagles?
The question of who came first between Linda Ronstadt and the Eagles is an interesting one that requires a bit of historical context. Linda Ronstadt is a renowned American singer who was born in 1946, while the Eagles were a rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971. However, the story of the Eagles’ formation is intertwined with Linda Ronstadt.
Before the Eagles came to be, Glenn Frey and Don Henley knew each other from various gigs around Los Angeles. However, they were both struggling to establish their music careers. In 1971, Linda Ronstadt was looking for a backing band to accompany her on tour and record her third studio album, “Linda Ronstadt’s Silk Purse.” Glenn Frey and Don Henley both got the gig and joined Linda Ronstadt’s band.
It was during this time that Frey and Henley formed a close bond and began writing music together. They wrote the song “Desperado” while touring with Ronstadt, and it would later become the title track of the Eagles’ second album. The two would continue collaborating and writing music throughout their time with Ronstadt.
In late 1971, Frey and Henley decided to form their own band, and they recruited Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner to join them. The Eagles were officially born, and they released their first album in 1972.
So, to answer the question of who came first between Linda Ronstadt and the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt had already established herself as a successful musician by the time the Eagles were formed. However, the Eagles’ formation was influenced by their time spent as members of Linda Ronstadt’s band. Without that experience, it’s possible that the Eagles may not have come to be.
What year did the Eagles first play?
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team that plays in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the league’s National Football Conference (NFC) East division. The team was founded in 1933 when a syndicate headed by Bert Bell and Lud Wray purchased the former Frankford Yellowjackets franchise for a mere $2,500.
The team’s original name was the Philadelphia Eagles, and their first season playing in the NFL was in 1933. The team’s colors at the time were Kelly green and silver, which they retained until 1995 when they switched to midnight green and an accent of silver.
The Eagles’ first coach was Burt Bell, who would later go on to become the NFL commissioner. In the team’s first season, they finished with a record of 3-5-1, which saw them finish third in their division. Despite this somewhat lackluster start, the Eagles soon established themselves as a competent football franchise, and they began to attract a loyal following in Philadelphia.
Over the years, the Eagles have had their share of ups and downs. The team went through a period of relative success in the 1940s and 1950s, winning three NFL championships in 1948, 1949, and 1960. However, the team also went through some lean years in the 1960s and 1970s, failing to make the playoffs for over a decade.
Despite this prolonged downturn, the Eagles remained a beloved fixture in Philadelphia, and their fanbase remained loyal. In recent years, the team has enjoyed more consistent success, making the playoffs in five consecutive seasons from 2016 to 2020 and winning their first Super Bowl championship in 2018.
The Eagles first played in 1933 after a syndicate headed by Bert Bell and Lud Wray purchased the former Frankford Yellowjackets franchise for $2,500. The team started off with a 3-5-1 record in their inaugural season but soon established themselves as a competitive franchise in the NFL. Over the years, the Eagles have had periods of success and struggle but have remained a beloved institution in Philadelphia with a loyal fanbase.