If you’re a fan of classic rock, then you’ve probably heard the song “Peaceful Easy Feeling” by the Eagles. This beloved song was released in 1972 and has become a staple on classic rock radio. One of the most distinctive aspects of the song is the lead vocals, which are delivered by none other than Glenn Frey. In this blog post, we will explore the intricate harmonies and beautiful lyrics of “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” and dive into the vocal performance that makes it such a classic.
The Eagles: A Brief History
Before we get into the specifics of “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” let’s take a quick look at the history of the Eagles. The band was formed in 1971 by Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner. They quickly gained popularity thanks to their unique blend of rock, country, and folk music, and became one of the most successful bands of the 1970s. The Eagles released numerous classic albums during this time, including “Hotel California,” “Desperado,” and “On the Border.”
“Peaceful Easy Feeling” Lyrics
Now, let’s take a closer look at the lyrics of “Peaceful Easy Feeling.” The song is a classic example of the laid-back, California rock sound that the Eagles were known for. The lyrics describe a feeling of calm and contentment, and the desire to escape from the chaos and stress of everyday life:
“I like the way your sparkling earrings lay
Against your skin so brown
And I want to sleep with you in the desert tonight
With a billion stars all around”
The chorus of the song is equally beautiful, with Frey singing:
“I got a peaceful easy feeling
And I know you won’t let me down
‘Cause I’m already standing on the ground”
The lyrics of “Peaceful Easy Feeling” perfectly capture the carefree spirit of the 1970s, and are a perfect fit for the mellow, easygoing sound of the song.
The Vocal Performance
Of course, one of the highlights of “Peaceful Easy Feeling” is the vocal performance by Glenn Frey. Frey’s voice is perfectly suited to this type of music, with his smooth, easygoing delivery giving the song a feeling of warmth and intimacy. However, what really sets the song apart is the intricate three-part harmony between Frey, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner.
In the first verse of the song, Frey sings the lead vocal while Leadon provides a beautiful harmony:
“I like the way your sparkling earrings lay
Against your skin so brown”
Meisner then joins in for the second verse, adding another layer of harmony to the song:
“I want to sleep with you in the desert tonight
With a billion stars all around”
This three-part harmony is a hallmark of the Eagles’ sound, and it’s on full display in “Peaceful Easy Feeling.” The vocal performance is one of the reasons the song has become such a beloved classic, and it never fails to give listeners a feeling of warmth and comfort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Peaceful Easy Feeling” is one of the Eagles’ most beloved songs, and for good reason. From the beautiful lyrics to the intricate three-part harmony, every aspect of the song is perfectly crafted. However, it’s the lead vocals by Glenn Frey that really set the song apart. His smooth, easygoing delivery perfectly captures the laid-back California rock sound of the 1970s, and his performance on “Peaceful Easy Feeling” is nothing short of masterful. Whenever you need to escape from the stresses of everyday life, just put on this classic song and let the Eagles transport you to a world of calm and contentment.
FAQ
What songs did Glenn Frey sing lead vocals on?
Glenn Frey, who was a founding member of the Eagles, played a significant role in the band as he contributed immensely to the group’s sound with his songwriting and vocal abilities. He not only played guitar and keyboards but also sang lead vocals on many of the band’s hit songs throughout their career.
Some of the Eagles’ most popular songs that feature Frey on lead vocals include “Take It Easy”, which he co-wrote with bandmate Jackson Browne. This classic rock song was released in 1972 and became one of the band’s signature songs. Another one of the band’s hits that Frey sang lead vocals on is “Peaceful Easy Feeling”, which was released on their self-titled debut album in 1972.
Frey was also known for several other hit songs, such as “Tequila Sunrise”, which he co-wrote with Don Henley, and “Already Gone,” which features Frey’s distinctive voice on lead vocals. The Eagles’ album “On the Border” is widely recognized as one of the band’s best, and it includes several tracks that feature Frey on lead vocals, including “James Dean”, “My Man”, “Good Day in Hell”, and “Ol’ ’55”.
One of the Eagles’ most famous songs, “Lyin’ Eyes,” features Frey and his bandmate Don Henley sharing lead vocal duties. The song was a massive hit and peaked at number two on the Hot 100 chart. Another song that features Frey on lead vocals is “New Kid in Town” from their album “Hotel California,” which was released in 1976.
Lastly, “Heartache Tonight” is another hit song that features Frey on lead vocals. This classic rock song, released in 1979, became the Eagles’ final number-one hit before the band broke up in 1980.
Glenn Frey played a significant role in the Eagles’ success, and he sang lead vocals on many of the band’s most popular songs. His unique voice and songwriting abilities left a lasting impact on the band’s sound, ensuring that his music will remain a significant part of rock history for years to come.
Who sang at Glenn Frey’s funeral?
Glenn Frey, a founding member of the Eagles and one of the most successful musicians in rock history, passed away in January 2016. The news of his death came as a shock to his fans and the music community, who had lost a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist. His funeral was held in Los Angeles, and many of his friends and colleagues paid tribute to him, including his former bandmates and some of the most renowned musicians in the industry.
One of the most touching moments of the funeral was when Bob Seger, a longtime friend of Frey’s, sang a song in his honor. Seger had worked with Frey on several occasions throughout his career, and the two had remained close until Frey’s death. Therefore, it was only fitting that Seger would be asked to perform at his friend’s funeral.
Seger chose to sing “Heartache Tonight,” a song that he and Frey had co-written in 1979 with Eagles bandmates Don Henley and J.D. Souther. The song was a huge hit for the band, reaching the top of the charts and cementing their status as one of the most successful acts of all time. Seger’s rendition of the song at the funeral was a heartfelt tribute to his friend’s life and legacy.
Seger’s performance at Frey’s funeral was not the only time he has honored his friend in song. In December 2016, Seger performed “Heartache Tonight” during the Eagles’ Kennedy Center Honors tribute, in which he also paid tribute to the other members of the band. The performance was a poignant reminder of Frey’s contributions to music and his enduring influence on the industry.
Bob Seger’s performance of “Heartache Tonight” at Glenn Frey’s funeral was a touching tribute to an iconic musician who had left an indelible mark on the music world. Seger’s friendship with Frey and their collaborative work on the song made his performance even more special, and it remains one of the most poignant moments of Frey’s memorial service.
What songs did Don Felder sing lead on with the Eagles?
Don Felder was a guitarist, songwriter, and singer who played an important role in the Eagles during his time with the band. He joined the Eagles in 1974 and was responsible for co-writing some of their most iconic songs, including “Hotel California,” “Victim of Love,” and “Those Shoes.” Although he wasn’t the band’s primary vocalist, Felder did sing lead on one song during his time with the Eagles.
On the band’s fourth album, One of These Nights, Felder sang lead vocal on the song “Visions.” The track was a departure from the Eagles’ usual sound, with an introspective and melodic vibe that set it apart from the band’s other material. The song was co-written by Felder and Don Henley, who provided harmonies on the track.
In addition to his vocal contributions, Felder’s guitar work was an essential part of the Eagles’ sound. He was known for his intricate solos and innovative use of effects, which helped define the band’s signature sound. On the title track of One of These Nights, Felder arranged the guitar solo and bass line, which became one of the most memorable moments in the song.
Despite his significant contributions to the band’s success, Felder’s time with the Eagles came to an acrimonious end in 2001. He was fired from the band following a period of tense negotiations over financial and creative differences. Despite the controversy surrounding his departure, Felder’s legacy as a songwriter and musician in the Eagles remains secure. His vocal and guitar contributions helped shape the band’s sound and helped create some of the most iconic rock songs of all time.
Who sang most vocals for the Eagles?
The Eagles are one of the most successful American rock bands of all time. The group formed in Los Angeles in 1971 and saw incredible success throughout the decade. While the band underwent several personnel and sonic shifts over the years, two members remained the guiding forces behind the Eagles’ sound and success: Don Henley and Glenn Frey.
Henley and Frey were both founding members of the Eagles and played key roles in the band’s songwriting and vocal arrangements. Henley was the drummer for the Eagles and also contributed lead and backing vocals on many of the band’s songs. Henley had a distinctive voice that became a trademark of the band’s sound, and his vocals can be heard on some of the Eagles’ most beloved songs, like “Hotel California,” “Desperado,” and “Life in the Fast Lane.”
Frey, meanwhile, played guitar and piano for the Eagles and also contributed lead and backing vocals. Frey’s voice had a different timbre than Henley’s – a bit smoother and more laid-back – but it was equally important to the overall sound of the band. Some of the Eagles’ biggest hits feature Frey on lead vocals, including “Take it Easy,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling.”
Together, Henley and Frey wrote the majority of the Eagles’ songs and sang lead or backing vocals on most of them. Their partnership was a major factor in the success of the band, and their contributions to the Eagles’ sound are impossible to overstate. Although the band went through several lineup changes over the years, Henley and Frey remained the core members until Frey’s death in 2016. Today, the Eagles continue to tour and perform some of the greatest hits in rock history, thanks in large part to the vocal talents of Henley and Frey.
