10 Pics Remembering The Eagles, The Band That Gave Us Don Henley

How the Eagles learned to soar.

Published 3 months ago in Wow

Much like their storied moniker, the Eagles not only defined '70s rock, but soared into rock stardom, churning out hits like "Hotel California" while helping Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Glenn Frey make their mark in music history.

From their origins with Linda Ronstadt to their current residency in Las Vegas, here are 10 pics remembering the Eagles.

1
Soaring High
Of all the bands that defined American rock throughout the 1970s, the Eagles' signature SoCal sound set them apart from the rest, racking up Grammy Awards, number-one records, and a well-deserved place in music history.

2
Early Days
The Eagles’ origins point back to yet another rock icon — Linda Ronstadt. In the early ‘70s, the lady rocker tapped Glenn Frey and Don Henley to play in her band. After touring with the “You’re No Good” singer, Frey and Henley decided to start their own group, adding in Bernie Leadon at Ronstadt’s suggestion. After throwing Randy Meisner into the mix — and performing with Ronstadt at Disneyland — the quartet was signed to Asylum Records.

3
What’s In A Name?
After solidifying their lineup, the band settled on the name the Eagles after loading up on tequila and peyote and hitting the Mojave desert. While the specific origins of the name are up for debate, JD Souther alleged their moniker came to be after Glenn Frey pointed out a group of eagles soaring in the sky.
4
Finding A Sound
With a name and a solid lineup, the group worked on discovering their musical identity, synthesizing ‘60s rhythm and blues, soul music, and groups like the Byrds to create a new sound, one dubbed “California rock.” They released several records throughout the early ‘70s, finding early success with their fourth studio album, ‘One of These Nights.’

5
Enter Joe Walsh
By the mid-'70s, Leadon had departed from the Eagles, the group hiring Joe Walsh as his replacement. The singer hit the ground running with his new band, releasing one of their most iconic albums, “Hotel California,” in 1976.
6
Breaking Up
Though “Hotel California” — featuring its eponymous single — is among the best-selling albums in music history, racking up several Grammy awards, the band didn’t last much longer. After releasing “The Long Run” in 1979, the group disbanded in 1980.
7
Solo Success
Though they weren’t able to make it work as a group, the Eagles’ members decided to try their luck at respective solo careers. Alongside Walsh, who released "There Goes the Neighborhood" in 1981, Henley famously collaborated with Stevie Nicks, while Frey charted with songs like “The Heat Is On.”

8
Together At Last
After roughly a decade and a half apart, the Eagles reunited in the early ‘90s, with their H— Freezes Over tour, an homage to Henley’s previous statement as to when the group would get back together. “For the record, we never broke up, we just took a 14-year vacation,” Frey said. After charting with songs like "Get Over It" and "Love Will Keep Us Alive,” the group embarked on a tour.
9
Glenn Frey’s Death
Though the band faced several hurdles throughout the early 2000s — including the firing of Don Felder and the lawsuit that followed — the group faced its arguably toughest blow in 2016, when Glenn Frey died at the age of 67, a tragedy that had Henley convinced the group wouldn’t play together again. "I think it was an appropriate farewell,” he said following their tribute to Frey at the 2016 Grammy Awards. “I don't think you'll see us performing again."
10
Playing On
Despite this statement, the Eagles played several times throughout the late 20-teens and early 2020s. With Vince Gill — and on several occasions, Frey’s son, Deacon — the group continues to rock out for audiences of adoring fans, most recently launching a residency at Las Vegas’ Sphere.