Desperado

The song "Desperado" by the Eagles, from their 1973 album of the same name, is a timeless ballad that almost didn’t reach its iconic status. Written by Glenn Frey and Don Henley, the track was never released as a single, yet it became one of the band’s most beloved songs, thanks in large part to Linda Ronstadt’s cover on her 1973 album Don’t Cry Now. Henley himself noted in a 2016 Rolling Stone interview that the song “didn’t get much attention until Linda Ronstadt recorded it,” crediting her poignant rendition for its rise to fame. Ronstadt’s version, performed live in 1975 at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey, showcased her ability to elevate the song’s emotional depth, making it a staple in both her and the Eagles’ repertoires.

Recording "Desperado" was no small feat for Henley, who admitted to being intimidated during the process. In a 2015 conversation with Billy Joel at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, Henley recalled feeling “terrified” while recording in a cavernous London studio with the London Symphony Orchestra, whose members were “bored sh-tless” and played chess between takes. He later expressed regret over his vocal performance, wishing he could redo it, despite fans and critics lauding it as a defining moment in rock history. Producer Glyn Johns, aiming to enhance the track’s grandeur, brought in Jim Ed Norman to arrange the sweeping string section, adding to the song’s cinematic quality. Henley also shared a humorous anecdote in an interview with Howard Stern, recalling an orchestra member muttering, “I don’t feel like a desperado,” which momentarily shook the band’s confidence.

The song’s origins trace back to Henley’s early songwriting attempts in 1968, inspired by Stephen Foster’s American folk style. Initially about a friend named Leo, with the line “Leo, my God, why don’t you come to your senses,” it evolved into the Western-themed masterpiece after Frey and Henley began collaborating in 1972. Frey, in a 2003 interview with Cameron Crowe for The Very Best Of compilation, explained how the song’s concept was shaped by a coffee-table book about gunfighters, sparking the album’s outlaw theme. Jackson Browne, a close friend, credited the song as the catalyst for the album’s narrative, with Frey drawing parallels between rock-and-roll life and the lawless existence of Wild West outlaws. Despite its lack of chart success, "Desperado" ranked No. 494 on Rolling Stone’s 2004 list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" and has been covered by artists like Johnny Cash, The Carpenters, and Diana Krall.

The Eagles formed in Los Angeles in 1971, a serendipitous collision of talent rooted in the vibrant Southern California music scene. Don Henley, a drummer and vocalist from Texas, had been playing in a band called Shiloh when he met Glenn Frey, a Michigan-born guitarist with a knack for melody, through mutual connections in the Laurel Canyon music community. Frey had been gigging with J.D. Souther and crossed paths with Henley at the Troubadour, a legendary L.A. nightclub. Linda Ronstadt, a pivotal figure in their early career, hired Henley, Frey, guitarist Bernie Leadon, and bassist Randy Meisner as her backing band for a 1971 tour. Impressed by their chemistry, Ronstadt’s manager, John Boylan, encouraged the quartet to form their own group. Signed to Asylum Records by David Geffen, the Eagles recorded their self-titled debut in 1972, blending country, rock, and folk influences into hits like “Take It Easy” and “Witchy Woman.”

The band’s early days were marked by a scrappy, collaborative spirit. Henley and Frey, who became the group’s primary songwriters, honed their craft in a cheap Echo Park apartment alongside Browne and Souther, drawing inspiration from the counterculture and the open-road ethos of the American West. Leadon, a bluegrass virtuoso, and Meisner, with his high harmonies, rounded out the sound that defined their first two albums. Their sophomore effort, Desperado, was a bold step toward establishing their artistic identity, even if it didn’t match the commercial success of their debut. Over the decades, the Eagles evolved, adding members like Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, and became one of the best-selling bands of all time, with their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 album certified 38 million in sales by the RIAA.

Fans can stay connected with the Eagles through their official Facebook page, Instagram account, and X account, where they share tour updates, merchandise, and archival content. The band’s official website offers detailed discographies, tour dates, and exclusive vinyl releases, like the 180-gram Desperado reissue. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Eagles Fan Group on Facebook is a lively hub for sharing memories and rare photos, while Randy Meisner - Hearts on Fire provides a treasure trove of memorabilia, including behind-the-scenes stories from the Desperado photo shoot at Paramount Ranch. Another tribute to the band’s legacy is Desperado USA, a top Eagles tribute band founded by Aaron Broering, which meticulously recreates the Eagles’ live experience.