9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
The Eagles' ‘One of These Nights' Turns 50
Linda Ronstadt had an ear for talent. Set to tour in 1971, she and her manager recruited guitarist-vocalist Glenn Frey and drummer-vocalist Don Henley for her backup group. On the road, the pair mentioned they wanted to form a band, so Ms. Ronstadt suggested they add guitarist-vocalist Bernie Leadon while her manager recommended bassist Randy Meisner. All four performed behind her at Disneyland in July before leaving to form the Eagles. Don Felder, an edgier rock guitarist and childhood friend of Mr. Leadon, was added in 1974.
'One of These Nights'—the Eagles' fourth studio album, and the last featuring the original four members before Joe Walsh replaced Mr. Leadon—came out 50 years ago this month. The LP was the band's big breakthrough, remaining at No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart for five straight weeks. The record sold a half-million copies within a month of its release, and all three of its singles charted in Billboard's top 5: the title track (No. 1), 'Take It to the Limit' (No. 4) and 'Lyin' Eyes' (No. 2), which also won a Grammy.
