The Eagles are one of the most iconic rock bands in history, known for their impressive catalog of hits including “Hotel California” and “Take it Easy.” One of their most beloved and recognizable songs is “Desperado.” But did The Eagles actually cover “Desperado”?
The truth is, “Desperado” was written by Glenn Frey and Don Henley for their second album, “Desperado,” which was released in 1973. The song was an instant classic and quickly became a fan favorite.
However, before The Eagles had a chance to release their own version of the song, it was recorded by Linda Ronstadt for her 1973 album “Don’t Cry Now.” Ronstadt’s cover became a hit, peaking at number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Ronstadt was a longtime friend of The Eagles and had even toured with them as their opening act. In fact, it was Frey and Henley who had suggested that Ronstadt record “Desperado” in the first place. The Eagles even provided backing vocals on Ronstadt’s version of the song.
Despite Ronstadt’s success with the song, The Eagles eventually released their own version of “Desperado” on their 1976 album “Greatest Hits.” The track quickly became a fan favorite and remains one of their most popular songs to this day.
While many people associate “Desperado” with The Eagles, it’s important to remember that the song was originally written and intended for their own album. However, Linda Ronstadt’s cover helped to introduce the song to a wider audience and became a classic in its own right.
The Significance of “Desperado”
The lyrics of “Desperado” paint a vivid picture of a lone cowboy who is haunted by his past and his own sense of guilt. The song is a powerful commentary on the complexities of human nature and the struggles that we all face in life.
Many fans consider “Desperado” to be one of The Eagles’ greatest achievements. The song showcases the band’s ability to craft deeply emotional lyrics and meld them with a powerful musical hook.
In fact, “Desperado” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt, and Diana Krall. Each version brings a unique perspective to the song and speaks to its universal appeal.
At the heart of “Desperado” is a message of hope and redemption. The song reminds us that no matter how far we may have fallen, we always have the power to pick ourselves up and start anew.
Whether you prefer The Eagles’ original version or Linda Ronstadt’s haunting cover, there’s no denying the impact that “Desperado” has had on music and popular culture. With its timeless message and unforgettable melody, the song will continue to inspire and resonate with listeners for generations to come.
Conclusion
While Linda Ronstadt may have been the first artist to record “Desperado,” The Eagles’ own version of the song helped to solidify its status as a classic. The track stands as a testament to the band’s ability to craft powerful and emotionally resonant music, and continues to inspire fans around the world to this day.
FAQ
Did Linda Ronstadt sing Desperado with the Eagles?
The question of whether Linda Ronstadt sang “Desperado” with the Eagles is one that has intrigued fans of both artists for decades. To answer the question, it’s important to first understand the history of the song itself.
“Desperado” was first released by the Eagles in 1973 as the title track on their second album. Although it was not a hit at the time, it has since become one of the band’s most beloved and iconic songs. The track was written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, and is known for its haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics.
Although the Eagles themselves recorded “Desperado,” it was actually Linda Ronstadt who first made the song famous. In the mid-1970s, Ronstadt was one of the most popular and successful female singers in the world, and she was a close friend and frequent collaborator with the members of the Eagles. In 1973, Ronstadt invited the band to be her backing musicians on a tour promoting her album “Don’t Cry Now.”
During the tour, Ronstadt began performing “Desperado” as part of her set, and it quickly became one of the highlights of her shows. Eventually, she decided to record the song herself for her album “Heart Like a Wheel,” which was released in 1974. The album was a huge success, and “Desperado” became one of its most popular tracks.
Although Linda Ronstadt’s version of “Desperado” was different from the Eagles’ original recording, it helped to solidify the song’s place in music history. Today, it is still one of the most beloved and iconic songs of the 1970s, and it has been covered by countless artists in the years since its release.
While Linda Ronstadt did not sing “Desperado” with the Eagles in the sense of a duet or live performance, she did record the song herself and played a vital role in making it the classic it is today.
What Eagles album is Desperado on?
Desperado is the title track of the album of the same name, which is the second studio album released by the American band the Eagles. The album was released on April 17, 1973, by Asylum Records. The Eagles, formed in Los Angeles in 1971, had a unique sound that blended country, rock, and folk music that quickly attracted a fan base. The band, comprising Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner, were already gaining a tremendous following after their debut album Eagles in 1972.
Desperado, a country rock ballad, quickly became a fan favorite and one of the Eagles’ most iconic songs. The song has a slow, melancholic sound with powerful lyrics that tell a story of a lone cowboy who is always moving on and always alone. The song’s arrangement features a beautiful blend of acoustic and electric guitars, piano, harmonica, and drums, creating a layered sound that is both haunting and captivating.
The Desperado album, produced by Glyn Johns, featured 11 tracks, with each song showcasing the Eagles’ exceptional songwriting skills and musicianship. In addition to Desperado, the album also included hits such as Tequila Sunrise, Doolin-Dalton, and Outlaw Man. The album received critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching #41 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
Desperado is the title track of the Eagles’ second studio album of the same name, released in 1973. The album’s 11 tracks showcase the band’s unique blend of country, rock, and folk music, and its commercial and critical success solidified the Eagles’ status as one of the most significant rock bands of the 1970s. Desperado remains one of the most iconic and beloved songs by the Eagles and continues to captivate listeners of all generations.
Who did most of the singing in the Eagles?
The Eagles were one of the most successful and iconic rock bands to emerge in the 1970s. The band, which saw numerous lineup changes, featured a number of talented vocalists over the years. However, the two most prominent singers in the Eagles were arguably Don Henley and Glenn Frey.
Glenn Frey was a founding member of the Eagles and played a crucial role in the band’s success. In addition to playing guitar and keyboards, Frey was the co-lead singer and frontman for the group. He and Don Henley shared vocal duties, but Frey was responsible for singing lead on some of the Eagles’ biggest hits.
Frey’s vocal style was smooth and soulful, and he had a knack for writing catchy choruses and hooks. He was the primary songwriter for many of the Eagles’ most memorable songs, including “Take it Easy,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” and “Tequila Sunrise.”
Frey’s voice was a perfect complement to Henley’s, which was more powerful and emotive. Henley’s vocals were particularly effective on the band’s slower ballads, such as “Desperado” and “Best of My Love.”
Despite their different singing styles, Frey and Henley had a strong musical chemistry that helped drive the Eagles’ success. Their partnership produced some of the most enduring songs of the 1970s, and their influence on rock music continues to be felt today.
What songs did the Eagles sing backup for Linda Ronstadt?
The Eagles and Linda Ronstadt had a close personal and musical relationship in the 1970s. The Eagles were Ronstadt’s backing band for part of her 1971 tour, and she returned the favor by recording many of their songs. The Eagles sang backup on many of Ronstadt’s biggest hits, including “Blue Bayou,” “You’re No Good,” and “When Will I Be Loved?”
The collaboration between the Eagles and Ronstadt began in the late 1960s, when the group was playing gigs in the Los Angeles area. Ronstadt, who was just starting her career, hired the Eagles as her backing band for a few gigs, and the two groups hit it off. They bonded over their shared love of country rock, and the Eagles began playing on Ronstadt’s albums.
One of the most notable songs that the Eagles sang backup on for Ronstadt was “Blue Bayou,” a cover of a Roy Orbison song. The song was a huge hit in 1977, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Glenn Frey and Don Henley both sang backing vocals on the song, and Henley also played drums.
The Eagles also sang backup on several of Ronstadt’s other big hits, including “You’re No Good,” a cover of a song by Clint Ballard Jr., which reached No. 1 in 1975, and “When Will I Be Loved?” a cover of a song by the Everly Brothers, which reached No. 2 in 1975.
Ronstadt and the Eagles continued to collaborate over the years, with members of both groups appearing on each other’s albums. In addition to playing on Ronstadt’s albums, the Eagles also played on albums by other artists, including Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, and Warren Zevon. The collaboration between the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt helped to popularize the country rock sound and paved the way for future bands in the genre.
Who sang lead vocals on the Eagles Lyin eyes?
“Lyin’ Eyes” is a classic hit song by the American rock band Eagles, which was written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, released in 1975. The lead vocals were performed by Glenn Frey.
The song describes a woman who is stuck in a loveless marriage and seeks excitement and love outside of it. The lyrics tell a story, with each verse revealing more about the woman’s situation and the emotions that she is experiencing.
Glenn Frey’s performance on “Lyin’ Eyes” is not only vocally impressive but also very emotional, conveying the sadness and despair of the woman in the story. He sings his parts with a soft, gentle tone at the beginning, only to build up to a powerful, emotional climax towards the end of the song.
“Lyin’ Eyes” was one of Eagles’ most successful songs, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1976.
“Lyin’ Eyes” is an iconic example of classic rock music at its best, with Glenn Frey’s standout performance on the lead vocals playing a critical role in making it a hit song and leaving an indelible mark in the annals of rock music history.
