How Long

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some righteous vibes as the Zoo Crew spins "How Long" by the Eagles from their 2007 album Long Road Out of Eden. This track, written by J.D. Souther, a longtime collaborator with the band, isn’t a new creation but a gem from the Eagles’ early days. The band performed it live in the early 1970s but never recorded it back then because Souther wanted to keep it for his own debut solo album. Fast forward to 2007, the Eagles finally laid it down in the studio, giving it that classic country-rock sheen with their signature harmonies and crisp guitar work. Don Henley noted in a 2007 CNN interview that the song’s inclusion was a nod to their roots, a way to bridge their past and present. The track became a hit, peaking at number 28 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earning a Grammy for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 2008.

Another cool tidbit comes from the song’s video production, which featured desert scenes that tied into the album’s themes of loss and reflection. According to a Rolling Stone review, the band spent days filming in remote locations to capture the stark, evocative imagery that complements the song’s tale of longing and regret. Fans on Reddit’s EaglesBand community have praised “How Long” for its throwback vibe, with some calling it a standout for its tight harmonies and Joe Walsh’s gritty guitar riffs. One user even shared a story about hearing it live during the Long Road Out of Eden Tour, describing how the crowd erupted when Henley hit the opening line, “Like a bluebird with his heart removed.” It’s a track that resonates with longtime fans and new listeners alike, perfect for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic airwaves.

The Eagles got their start in Los Angeles in 1971, born from the city’s vibrant music scene. Don Henley, from Texas, and Glenn Frey, from Michigan, were gigging musicians who crossed paths while playing in Linda Ronstadt’s backup band. They teamed up with Randy Meisner from Nebraska and Bernie Leadon from San Diego, and with Ronstadt’s blessing, formed the Eagles under the wing of manager David Geffen’s Asylum Records. Their self-titled debut in 1972, featuring hits like “Take It Easy,” blended country, rock, and folk, setting the stage for their rise as one of America’s biggest bands. By 1975, their album One of These Nights solidified their sound, and Hotel California in 1976 became a cultural landmark. Despite breakups, lineup changes—including the addition of Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit—and the loss of Frey in 2016, the Eagles have kept soaring, now with Vince Gill and Deacon Frey sharing vocal duties.

For more on the Eagles, check out their official website for tour dates and news. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Fans can dive deeper at sites like Eagles Online Central or join discussions on the Eagles Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and celebrate the band’s legacy. Keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let “How Long” carry you back to the Eagles’ timeless sound.