The Eagles are one of the most well-known and respected rock bands in music history. With hits like “Hotel California,” “Desperado,” and “Take It Easy,” the band has cemented its place in the pantheon of great rock acts. Among these classic songs is one that stands out for its soft rock balladry and soulful vocals: “I Can’t Tell You Why.”
The Song’s Background
“I Can’t Tell You Why” was written by three members of the Eagles: Timothy B. Schmit, Glenn Frey, and Don Henley. According to Schmit, the song was inspired by R&B and soul music of the 1960s and 70s, particularly the vocal stylings of artists like Marvin Gaye and Al Green.
The song was recorded in March 1978, during recording sessions for their album “The Long Run.” It was the first song finished for the album, and it was the first Eagles song to feature Schmit on lead vocals. Despite the fact that the band was known for their rock and country-infused sound, they decided to experiment with a softer, more soulful approach on “I Can’t Tell You Why.”
The Recording Process
The band worked with recording engineer Bill Szymczyk to capture the song’s smooth, understated sound. The basic track was recorded with drummer Don Henley on drums, while Schmit played bass and piano, and Frey played guitar. Schmit’s lead vocal was recorded later, and the band added layered harmonies to create a lush, full sound.
One of the standout aspects of the song is the guitar solo, which was played by session musician Steve Lukather. Lukather, who was known for his work with the band Toto, was brought in to add a touch of soulfulness to the song. His solo perfectly complements the song’s smooth, soulful vibe.
The Song’s Reception
“I Can’t Tell You Why” was released as a single in February 1980, and it quickly became one of the Eagles’ biggest hits. The song reached number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the Adult Contemporary chart, cementing its place as a soft rock classic.
Critics were also impressed with the song. Rolling Stone’s Stephen Holden called it “the greatest soul ballad of the year,” while AllMusic’s William Ruhlmann praised its “lush, carefully crafted production and Schmit’s soulful lead vocal.”
The Legacy of “I Can’t Tell You Why”
Over the years, “I Can’t Tell You Why” has become one of the Eagles’ most beloved and frequently covered songs. Its timeless sound and soulful vocals have made it a favorite of wedding bands and easy listening radio stations, while its place in the Eagles’ discography ensures that it will never be forgotten.
The song’s influence can also be felt in the work of contemporary artists. John Mayer has cited the Eagles as one of his biggest influences, and he has covered “I Can’t Tell You Why” in concert. The song’s soulful, understated sound has also been echoed in the work of artists like Hozier and Adele.
Conclusion
“I Can’t Tell You Why” is a testament to the Eagles’ versatility as a band. By incorporating elements of soul and R&B into their sound, they created a classic soft rock ballad that has stood the test of time. With its smooth vocals, lush harmonies, and soulful guitar solo, the song remains a favorite of Eagles fans and music lovers alike.
FAQ
Who sang at Glenn Frey’s funeral?
Glenn Frey, one of the founding members of the Eagles and a legendary musician, passed away on January 18, 2016, at the age of 67. His death was a significant loss to the music industry, and his memorial service was attended by many notable figures, including family members, friends, and fellow musicians.
During the service, one of Frey’s good friends and fellow musician, Bob Seger, sang the Eagles’ 1979 chart-topping hit “Heartache Tonight.” The song was co-written by Frey, Don Henley, J.D. Souther, and Seger himself. Seger’s rendition was said to be a touching tribute to Frey, and it brought tears to the eyes of many mourners.
Seger and Frey were close friends for several years and had a long history of collaboration. In fact, Seger and Frey co-wrote several songs together, including “Fire Lake” and “Till It Shines.” The two musicians had a great deal of mutual respect and admiration for each other’s work, and their friendship was evident in the beautiful performance that Seger gave at Frey’s memorial service.
In addition to Seger’s performance, several other musicians paid tribute to Frey during the service, including Jackson Browne and Don Henley. Frey’s widow, Cindy Millican, also gave a touching eulogy in which she spoke about her husband’s love for music and how he would want his fans to remember him.
Bob Seger sang at Glenn Frey’s funeral and delivered a beautiful tribute to his friend and collaborator. The service was a fitting send-off for a true musical legend, and it was clear that Frey’s contributions to the music industry and his impact on those around him would not be forgotten anytime soon.
Who played the solo on I cant tell you why?
“I Can’t Tell You Why” is a song by the Eagles from their 1979 album titled “The Long Run.” The song was written by bassist Timothy B. Schmit, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey. As the song is known for its mesmerizing guitar solo, fans are curious about who played that solo.
According to the Eagles’ official website, Glenn Frey played the original solo on the record. Frey’s solo is a slow, soulful one that complements the song’s overall feelings of heartbreak and vulnerability.
For live performances of “I Can’t Tell You Why,” the Eagles turned to another talented guitarist: Don Felder. Felder is known for playing other iconic Eagles solos, such as “Hotel California.” However, he did not play the solo on this particular song. The task of playing the “I Can’t Tell You Why” solo live fell to Timothy B. Schmit.
Schmit’s version of the “I Can’t Tell You Why” solo is undoubtedly different from Frey’s original recording, but it still maintains the song’s emotional impact. Schmit’s guitar work has been featured on various Eagles recordings over the years, most notably on the live album and accompanying DVD titled “Hell Freezes Over.”
Glenn Frey played the original solo on the “I Can’t Tell You Why” recorded version, while Timothy B. Schmit played it live for all the shows. Moreover, Schmit’s solo has been featured on the Eagles Live album, and Hell Freezes Over CD and DVD.”
Who did Timothy B Schmit replace in the Eagles?
Timothy B Schmit is a renowned American musician, famous for his work as a bassist, singer, and songwriter. He replaced Randy Meisner as the bassist and vocalist for the Eagles in 1977, after Meisner left the band. This marked the start of his journey with one of the most iconic rock bands of all time.
Randy Meisner co-founded the Eagles in 1971 and played bass and sang vocals for the group. During his time with the Eagles, Meisner played a prominent role in the band’s success, contributing to hit songs like “Take it to the Limit,” “Try and Love Again,” and “Take it Easy.” However, Meisner’s time with the Eagles was marked by personal struggles, including alcoholism and depression, which led to his departure from the band in 1977.
Timothy B Schmit first came into the public eye as a member of the band Poco, where he played bass and sang vocals. He joined the Eagles after Meisner’s departure, bringing his musical talents to the band and contributing to their continued success. Schmit’s first album with the Eagles was “The Long Run,” which included hit songs like “Heartache Tonight” and “I Can’t Tell You Why.” He continued to be a member of the Eagles throughout the band’s later years, contributing to their live and studio work until their disbandment in 2016.
Schmit’s legacy with the Eagles is significant, not just for his contributions as a bassist and vocalist, but also for his role in keeping the band together through various difficulties and changes. His voice can be heard on some of the Eagles’ most famous songs, including “Hotel California,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” and “New Kid in Town.”
Timothy B Schmit replaced Randy Meisner as the bassist and vocalist for the Eagles in 1977. He played a significant role in the band’s continued success, contributing to some of their most famous songs and keeping the group together for many years. Tim Schmit is an iconic figure in rock music, and his work with the Eagles will always be remembered as one of the highlights of his musical career.
Who played Hey Bulldog solo?
Hey Bulldog is a well-known track by The Beatles from their 1969 album, Yellow Submarine. The question of who played the lead guitar solo on Hey Bulldog is a common one among Beatles fans and music enthusiasts. The answer is actually quite interesting, as it is one of the few tracks in which George Harrison plays lead guitar alone.
On Hey Bulldog, John Lennon is responsible for the piano backing, while Paul McCartney plays the bass. George Harrison’s guitar solo, which comes in around the two-minute mark of the song, is one of his most distinctive and memorable performances. Harrison’s solo perfectly complements the song’s energetic and playful vibe, showcasing his unique style and skill on the guitar.
It’s worth noting that Hey Bulldog was recorded during a time when The Beatles were undergoing significant changes in their creative approach. Unlike earlier albums, Yellow Submarine was an album that was primarily intended as a soundtrack to accompany an animated film. Despite this, the band managed to create some standout tracks that were just as memorable as their earlier hits. Hey Bulldog was one of those tracks, featuring an infectious melody, catchy lyrics, and an exciting instrumental breakdown that perfectly captures the band’s energy and creativity.
George Harrison’s solo on Hey Bulldog is a great example of his skill and versatility as a guitarist. The fact that he was able to create such a memorable performance in a collaborative environment with other talented musicians is a testament to his ability to work well with others and bring out the best in his bandmates.