1971 - Glenn Frey and Don Henley meet as members of Linda Ronstadt's band. A mutual goal - the formation of their own band with rock and country roots - is unexpectedly realized when John Boylan, then Ronstadt's manager, teams them with Randy Meisner and Bernie Leadon as a projected backing band for Linda. Instead, Eagles are formed.
Signed by Asylum records, the four travel to London to record their debut album with Gly Johns (The Who, Rolling Stones) at Olympic Studios. 1972 - The debut album, Eagles is released in June. The first single, "Take It Easy", earns them immediate national recognition, and the group tours the U.S. the remainder of the year.
1973 - In April, Asylum releases Eagles' Desperado. This work marks a trend towards conceptual writing, which is to become a group hallmark. Touring activities continue, and, as part of the musical design of Desperado, an orchestra is added for several major concerts. Winter sessions for the third album begin in London, again with Glyn Johns, but the band develops a tougher, more rock-oriented sound and shifts the project to California, with producer Bill Szymczyk.
1974 - During recording sessions in California, guitarist Don Felder contributes slide guitar to several songs. As On The Border is completed, Felder is added as the fifth member of the Eagles. During the spring, as the album is released, Eagles sign with Irving Azoff's Front Line Management. During the summer and fall the Eagles tour coast to coast. Although two earlier singles from On The Border bolster Eagles' popularity, the third, "Best Of My Love", places them in a cross-over category reaching both country and adult listeners, earning them a gold single record.
1975- "Best Of My Love" earns multiple Grammy nominations, as well as an American Music Award, and in Nashville, a Songwriters award. On The Border passes the million unit mark, equivalent to a platinum record. (The RIAA did not institute platinum awards until 1976.) Eagles and Bill Szymczyk begin recording the fourth album in Miami and Los Angeles. The title track, "One Of These Nights", a rhythm & blues flavored single, is released in advance. The album is certified gold within a week of release and the band embarks on an international tour in support of One Of These Nights. In the fall the "Lyin' Eyes" single is released, and is successful on pop, country and MOR charts. At the year's end Bernie Leadon departs band, prompted by a desire to spend less time on the road. Eagles continue with the gruelling pace, and facing a tour of Australia and the Orient invite old friend Joe Walsh to join them. This leads to a permanent relationship between Eagles and Walsh.
1976 - As "Take It To The Limit", another single from One Of These Nights, climbs the charts, Asylum releases Eagles: Their Greatest Hits 1971 - 1975. It's immediate success affirms the Eagles' preeminence among American bands. Greatest Hits sells over one million units on release, earning the first RIAA platinum award to be given in that category. The record is the third album in the history of the recording industry to certify a million sales on it's release. Coinciding with this honor the group wins it's first Grammy for "Lyin' Eyes'.
In December, with Greatest Hits still maintaining a high position on the charts, Asylum releases Hotel California. The album ships platinum, and is an outstanding commercial and critical success. "New Kid In Town", the first single released from Hotel California, generates an overwhelming response.
1977 - Upon the release of the single, "Hotel California", Eagles tour the eastern U.S. and Canada. In April, Eagles perform to SRO audiences in England, Scotland, Europe, Scandinavia and America. By the years end Hotel California has sold nine million units. Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 surpasses seven million units sold. In August Randy Meisner leaves the band and is replaced by Timothy B. Schmit, former bassist and vocalist for Poco.
1978 - With Eagles records selling at one million per month for 18 months, the band enters the studio with Bill Szymczyk in Miami to record their new LP. In February the group receives two Grammy awards: Best vocal arrangement for "New Kid In Town" and record of the year for Hotel California.
Takind a break from recording sessions, Eagles perform a series of concerts, performing before over a half-million fans and breaking attendance records in virtually every city in which they appear.
In December, the group releases the single "Please Come Home For Christmas" b/w "Funky New Year" as a seasonal offering to their fans. The single became the first Christmas record to break into the top twenty on the national music charts in over twenty years.
1979 - After completing recording sessions for The Long Run , the group fulfills a promise of a long-awaited Japanese tour with one stop in Hawaii. In October, Elektra/Asylum ships The Long Run and the group embarks upon an extensive tour of the U.S.
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