Eagles
were among the most successful American bands for almost a decade. They rose from obscurity to become the leading band of country-rock (a synthesis of pop/rock and country music, initially aimed at a return to bluegrass) and of "California rock of the 70s" (Rolling Stone). For Musik Express, the band became "synonymous with America." They polished the Western image, writing songs about tequila, outlaws, and James Dean. Behind this project were musicians who skillfully handled elements such as melancholy, dream worlds, and a pioneering spirit.

Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner first played together in 1971 in the backing band of the well-known singer Linda Ronstadt. The four experienced professional musicians decided to stay together, and the Eagles were born. Glenn Frey had played with Ry Cooder and J.D. Souther, who later wrote several songs with the Eagles. Don Henley debuted in 1970 with the Texas group Shiloh, Bernie Leadon had already played with Doug Dillard and Gene Clark and had been a member of the Flying Burrito Brothers. Randy Meisner had briefly been with Poco and then with Ricky Nelson's band.

In 1971, the band recorded their self-titled debut album in England under the direction of Glyn Johns. It featured the summer hit "Take It Easy" (US #12). The singles "Witchy Woman" (US #9) and "Peaceful Easy Feeling" (US #22) were also successful: The relaxed country/West Coast sound, with its distinctive guitar riffs, catchy rhythms, and clear vocals, resonated with audiences.

The Eagles embarked on their first US tour and, after its completion in 1973, dedicated themselves to the concept album Desperado. This album drew romantic parallels between the Doolin-Dalton Gang, a criminal organization that wreaked havoc in the Kansas area around 1890, and the outlaw existence of a rock rebel. The Eagles depicted the rise, euphoria, hubris, and fall of a superstar in Western mythology, seemingly capturing the American spirit perfectly. Commercially, however, the album wasn't yet a major breakthrough; the singles "Desperado," "Tequila Sunrise," and "Outlaw Man" received little attention.



For the recording of their third album, On the Border, the Eagles added Don Felder, who had previously played with Flow. Bill Szymczyk replaced Glyn Johns as the new producer. These two changes inspired the Eagles to achieve a "fuller, less rough sound and an exciting freshness in the guitar solos" (Melody Maker). "Soft guitar tones and beautiful vocal passages" (Sounds magazine) resulted in the not-so-successful singles "Already Gone" (US charts #32) and "James Dean" (#77), two down-to-earth rock songs. The band supported their record sales with constant touring commitments, so that On the Border eventually surpassed the million-seller mark. The third single from this album brought the Eagles their breakthrough: "The Best of My Love" reached number one on the US charts and was nominated for a Grammy Award.