Eagles is one of the most iconic rock bands in history, known for blending rock, country, and folk music into a timeless sound that resonates with millions of fans worldwide. While their band dynamics and collective success are celebrated, the individual members of Eagles also made significant contributions to the music industry through their solo careers. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the main members of Eagles and their journeys outside the band, exploring how they built successful solo careers while maintaining their connection to the legendary group.
Don Henley: The Soulful Leader
Don Henley is perhaps the most well-known member of Eagles in terms of his solo success. As the band’s co-founder, lead vocalist, and drummer, Henley was an essential part of Eagles’ signature sound, contributing to hit songs like “Hotel California” and “Desperado.” However, his influence on the music world extends far beyond the band.
Henley’s Solo Career
Don Henley’s solo career took off in the 1980s after Eagles went on a hiatus. His debut album, I Can’t Stand Still (1982), featured the hit single “Dirty Laundry,” which became a top 10 hit in the U.S. Henley’s blend of rock and introspective lyrics struck a chord with listeners, and his reputation as a solo artist began to solidify.
In 1984, Henley released his second album, Building the Perfect Beast. This album included the hit “The Boys of Summer,” which became one of his signature songs. The song’s distinctive sound and reflective lyrics earned Henley widespread acclaim and established him as a strong solo artist in his own right. Building the Perfect Beast also featured another chart-topping hit, “All She Wants to Do Is Dance.”
Henley’s 1989 album, The End of the Innocence, is considered one of his best works. The title track, a poignant commentary on American society, received critical praise, and the album reached multi-platinum status. Henley’s ability to capture the mood of the times with his thoughtful lyrics and catchy melodies cemented his place as one of the most successful solo acts of the 1980s and 1990s.
Glenn Frey: The Charismatic Rocker
Glenn Frey, Eagles’ co-founder, guitarist, and one of the primary songwriters, is another member whose solo career has been incredibly influential. Frey’s distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence were integral to the band’s success, and his contributions as a songwriter were essential to Eagles’ repertoire.
Frey’s Solo Career
After Eagles disbanded in 1980, Glenn Frey pursued a successful solo career that lasted throughout the 1980s and beyond. His debut solo album, No Fun Aloud (1982), included the hit single “The One You Love,” which quickly became a favorite among fans. The album’s soft rock sound, combined with Frey’s signature laid-back style, helped him establish a name for himself outside of Eagles.
Frey’s 1984 album, The Allnighter, produced another hit single, “Smuggler’s Blues,” which topped the charts and became synonymous with Frey’s solo persona. The song, along with the album, further solidified his reputation as a talented solo artist, and Frey’s music began to receive radio airplay alongside Eagles’ tracks.
One of Frey’s most significant solo hits came in 1985, with the release of “You Belong to the City.” Featured on the Miami Vice TV series soundtrack, the song became a major success, further expanding Frey’s solo career beyond rock music and into pop culture. His ability to adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining his own identity made him one of the era’s most versatile artists.
Joe Walsh: The Wild Guitar Virtuoso
Joe Walsh joined Eagles in 1975, bringing his distinctive guitar skills, quirky personality, and rock ‘n’ roll spirit to the band. Walsh had already established a successful career as a member of the James Gang and as a solo artist before joining Eagles, but his time with the band only further elevated his status as one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time.
Walsh’s Solo Career
Walsh’s solo career has been marked by his unique blend of rock, blues, and humorous lyrics. His debut solo album, The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get (1973), included the hit “Rocky Mountain Way,” a song that became a rock anthem and remains one of his most well-known tracks. The song’s iconic guitar riff and laid-back vibe showcased Walsh’s distinctive sound.
In 1976, after joining Eagles, Walsh released his album You Can’t Argue with a Sick Mind, which further cemented his reputation as a talented solo artist. The album featured live performances of songs like “Rocky Mountain Way” and other hits from his earlier solo works. While his solo music leaned more towards a hard rock sound compared to Eagles’ more polished style, Walsh’s creativity and innovation as a guitarist were undeniable.
Walsh’s 1978 album, But Seriously, Folks…, produced the hit single “Life’s Been Good,” which became one of his signature songs. The track, with its catchy melody and autobiographical lyrics, became a staple of his live performances and remains a fan favorite.
Timothy B. Schmit: The Harmonious Bassist
Timothy B. Schmit joined Eagles in 1977, replacing Randy Meisner as the band’s bassist. Schmit’s smooth vocals and ability to harmonize with Don Henley and Glenn Frey quickly made him an essential member of the band, contributing to the group’s signature vocal sound. But like his bandmates, Schmit also had a notable solo career before and after his time with Eagles.
Schmit’s Solo Career
Timothy B. Schmit’s solo career began in the 1970s with the release of his first solo album, Playin’ It Cool (1978), which didn’t achieve commercial success but showcased his talents as a singer-songwriter. His true solo breakthrough came in the 1980s with Timothy B. Schmit (1984) and Tell Me the Truth (1990), which featured his signature smooth voice and laid-back style, reminiscent of the sound he brought to Eagles.
Schmit’s most notable solo success came in 2009 with the release of Expando, which was praised for its rich harmonies, introspective lyrics, and mature sound. Though Schmit has never enjoyed the same level of commercial success as Henley or Frey, his contributions as a solo artist have earned him respect in the music industry, particularly for his ability to craft intimate, heartfelt music.
While Eagles is undoubtedly the band that brought these musicians together, each of the members—Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit—has proven their ability to stand on their own through successful solo careers. Their solo work not only reflects their individual talents and personalities but also enriches the legacy of Eagles by showcasing the versatility and depth of each member. From Henley’s introspective rock anthems to Walsh’s wild guitar riffs, their solo careers add layers to the understanding of their contributions to music. If you are a fans of Eagles Band, you can buy Eagles Band Merch & Gifts at Eagles Band Merch.
