Eagles is one of the most iconic bands in American history, known for their unique blend of country and rock music. The band was formed in Los Angeles in 1971 and was composed of some of the most talented musicians in the industry, including Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner. Today, we’ll be taking a closer look at the band’s very first single and lead track, “Take It Easy,” and exploring the story behind its creation.
The Origins of “Take It Easy”
“Take It Easy” was written by Glenn Frey and his neighbor, Jackson Browne, while they were living in an apartment complex in Los Angeles. The two were friends and often collaborated on songwriting, so when Frey was looking for material for the Eagles’ debut album, he turned to Browne.
According to Frey, “Take It Easy” was inspired by his own struggles as a struggling musician in Los Angeles. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is burned out from the fast-paced city life and just wants to take it easy. “I’m running down the road trying to loosen my load, I’ve got seven women on my mind. Four that wanna own me, two that wanna stone me, one says she’s a friend of mine,” the opening line of the song, perfectly captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by the demands of modern life.
Frey and Browne worked on the song together, with Browne contributing the verses and Frey adding the catchy chorus. According to Frey, the song came together very quickly and easily and they knew right away that they had something special.
The Recording of “Take It Easy”
With the song written, Frey and the other members of the Eagles went into the studio to record it for their debut album. The recording process for “Take It Easy” was long and difficult, but the band was determined to make it the best it could be.
The band members themselves played most of the instruments on the track, with Frey handling the guitar and vocals, Henley on drums and backing vocals, Leadon on guitar and banjo, and Meisner on bass. The band was able to capture the signature sound that would become their trademark, with tight harmonies and a mix of country and rock elements.
After the recording was complete, “Take It Easy” was released as the lead single from the Eagles’ debut album in May of 1972. The song quickly became a hit, reaching #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Take It Easy” helped to establish the Eagles as one of the most promising new bands of the 1970s and set the stage for their future success.
The Legacy of “Take It Easy”
“Take It Easy” remains one of the Eagles’ most popular and beloved songs, and its impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, including Travis Tritt, Jackson Browne (who released his own version of the track in 1977), and even the cast of the hit TV show, “Glee.”
The song’s message of taking things slow and enjoying life resonated with audiences in the 1970s and continues to be relevant today. In a world that is becoming increasingly fast-paced and stressful, “Take It Easy” serves as a helpful reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life.
Conclusion
“Take It Easy” may have been the first single released by the Eagles, but it was far from their last hit. The band went on to release multiple platinum albums, sell out arenas around the world, and become one of the most influential bands in music history. However, it all started with this one iconic song and its catchy, uplifting message. So, “Take It Easy” and enjoy the moment!
FAQ
What was the Eagles first number 1 song?
The Eagles are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971. With their unique sound and blending of rock, country, and folk music, they quickly gained popularity and went on to become one of the most successful bands of all time. One of their major accomplishments was achieving their first number one song, “Best of My Love”.
The song was not initially released as a single from their album, “On the Border”, which was released in 1974. However, a program director at WKMI in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jim Higgs, became a fan of the song and started playing it regularly on his station. This sparked the attention of the public as well as other radio stations and led to “Best of My Love” climbing the charts.
“Best of My Love” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1974 and reached the number one spot on March 1, 1975. It held the top spot for a week and was a major breakthrough for the Eagles, as they had previously only had minor hits on the charts. The song’s success helped launch the band’s career and secure their status as one of the top rock bands of the 70s.
The Eagles went on to have numerous other hits throughout their career, including “Hotel California”, “Take it Easy”, and “Desperado”. However, “Best of My Love” will always be remembered as their first number one song and a key milestone in their rise to fame. Even 40 years later, the song is still beloved by fans and continues to receive airplay on radio stations around the world.
What song made the Eagles famous?
The Eagles are known for their catchy tunes and harmonious blend of rock and country music. They have been one of the top-selling bands in American history, with over 150 million records sold worldwide. But what song made the Eagles famous? The answer to that question is “Peaceful Easy Feeling.”
“Peaceful Easy Feeling” was one of the Eagles’ earliest hits. It was released in 1972 as the third single from their debut album, “Eagles.” The song was written by Jack Tempchin, a singer-songwriter from San Diego, California, who was performing at coffee shops in the area at the time. The song became an instant success, reaching number 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The lyrics of “Peaceful Easy Feeling” describe the feeling of contentment and calm that comes from being in a relationship that is fulfilling and loving. The opening line sets the tone for the song: “I like the way your sparkling earrings lay against your skin so brown.” The imagery is intimate and romantic, drawing the listener in and creating a sense of warmth and comfort.
But it’s not just the lyrics that make “Peaceful Easy Feeling” a great song. The melody is simple and straightforward, with a catchy chorus that sticks in your head long after the song is over. The Eagles’ harmonies are also a standout feature of the song. Their voices blend together seamlessly, creating a sound that is both soothing and uplifting.
“Peaceful Easy Feeling” has become a classic rock staple, appearing in countless films and TV shows over the years. Its popularity has endured, and the song continues to be a favorite among Eagles fans and music lovers around the world. While the Eagles have many other great songs, “Peaceful Easy Feeling” will always be remembered as the song that made the Eagles famous and launched them to stardom.
Who sang at Glenn Frey’s funeral?
Following Glenn Frey’s death on January 18, 2016, many of his friends, family, and music colleagues mourned his passing and paid tribute to him in various ways. One of these ways was through his memorial service, which was held on January 26, 2016, at the First Congregational Church in Los Angeles, California.
The service was a private event for family, friends, and close colleagues of the Eagles co-founder and songwriter. Among those who attended the event were former bandmates Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, and Bernie Leadon, as well as Frey’s longtime friend Bob Seger, who sang during the service.
It was reported that Seger and Frey had remained friends after their early days of success and had continued to work together even into the late 1970s. One such collaboration was the Eagles’ 1979 hit song “Heartache Tonight”, which Seger co-wrote with Frey, Don Henley, and J.D. Souther.
During Frey’s memorial service, Seger performed a rendition of “Heartache Tonight” as a tribute to his friend and colleague. He reportedly sang the song acapella, accompanied only by the sounds of his own clapping and the audience’s quiet applause as a respectful tribute to a fallen music icon.
In addition to his performance at Frey’s memorial service, Seger also performed “Heartache Tonight” during the Eagles’ 2016 Kennedy Center Honors tribute. The performance was a moving tribute to Frey, who had passed away just under a year prior, and was a reminder of the widespread influence that he had on the world of music.
How many different singers did the Eagles have?
The Eagles are a legendary American rock band that has produced many memorable hits over the years. One interesting aspect of the Eagles is that they have had a total of seven studio contributors who have served as lead singers and songwriters within the group. This feature of the Eagles is a testament to their excellence and ability to work together as a team.
The seven studio contributors of the Eagles include Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, Don Felder, Bernie Leadon, Timothy B. Schmit, and Randy Meisner. Each of these talented musicians has brought their unique style and voice to the Eagles’ music, helping to create the iconic sound that we know and love today.
Don Henley and Glenn Frey are the two most recognized members of the group and have worked together for over 40 years. They are both lead singers and songwriters and have contributed greatly to the success of the band. Joe Walsh joined the Eagles in 1975 and has added his unique guitar skills and vocals to many of the band’s biggest hits. Don Felder and Bernie Leadon were also guitarists for the Eagles and made significant contributions to the group’s sound.
Timothy B. Schmit and Randy Meisner both played bass guitar and sang backup vocals for the Eagles. However, they each had their moment in the spotlight as lead vocalist on several of the group’s most popular songs. Schmit was a critical addition to the Eagles, bringing his smooth tenor voice and exceptional bass playing skills to the group. Randy Meisner was one of the original members of the Eagles and sang lead on some significant hits.
The Eagles have had a total of seven studio contributors who have served as lead singers and songwriters within the group. Each of these talented musicians has left their unique mark on the band’s music, contributing to its iconic sound. The Eagles continue to be celebrated as one of the greatest American rock bands of all time, and their seven incredible studio contributors are a testament to the group’s exceptional talent, teamwork, and longevity.
