Outlaw Man

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Outlaw Man" by the Eagles from their iconic 1973 album Desperado, and Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this track’s rich backstory. Unlike most Eagles songs, "Outlaw Man" was written by David Blue, a Greenwich Village folk veteran signed to Asylum Records, the Eagles’ label. Blue’s version appeared on his 1973 album Nice Baby and the Angel, but the Eagles, led by Glenn Frey’s vocals, gave it a country-rock edge that fit their Western outlaw theme. Guitarist Bernie Leadon recalled in an Uncut interview that Blue was a frequent presence at Asylum’s offices, and Frey likely discovered the song there. Released as the second single from Desperado in August 1973, it peaked at No. 59 on the Billboard Hot 100, a modest hit but a key piece of the album’s narrative. The song’s lyrics, like “In one hand I’ve a Bible, in the other I’ve got a gun,” capture the duality of the outlaw life, resonating with the album’s concept of rock stars as modern-day gunslingers.

The Desperado album itself was a bold move for the Eagles, inspired by a book about the Dalton Gang, a 19th-century outlaw crew, passed around by Glenn Frey, Jackson Browne, and J.D. Souther in their Echo Park apartment. Frey envisioned the album as a song cycle about anti-heroes, drawing parallels between outlaws and the rock-and-roll lifestyle. In a 1973 interview, Frey said, “It has its moments where it definitely draws some parallels between rock-and-roll and being an outlaw. Outside the laws of normality.” Producer Glyn Johns noted in Uncut that the album’s story worked if you followed the concept, but the songs, including "Outlaw Man," stood strong on their own. Posts on X from fans like @ThatEricAlper highlight the album’s unique place in the Eagles’ catalog, noting it’s the only one where the band members appear on the cover, dressed as outlaws.

The Eagles formed in Los Angeles in 1971, born from the vibrant Southern California music scene. Glenn Frey and Don Henley met as part of Linda Ronstadt’s backing band, alongside Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner. After touring with Ronstadt, the four decided to strike out on their own, blending country, rock, and folk into a sound that defined the era. Frey, a Detroit native with a knack for melody, and Henley, a Texas drummer with a literary streak, became the band’s creative core. Leadon, a seasoned player from the Flying Burrito Brothers, and Meisner, a former Poco bassist, brought technical finesse. Their self-titled debut in 1972, with hits like “Take It Easy,” put them on the map, but Desperado cemented their artistic ambition. The band’s collaborative spirit, rooted in the 1960s folk revival, shone through, with help from peers like Browne and Souther.

Today, the Eagles remain active, with a legacy that spans decades. Their official website, eagles.com, offers tour dates, merchandise, and news. Fans can connect on social media via their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates and tributes to their history. For deeper dives, fan communities thrive online. The Eagles Fan Group on Facebook is a hub for Zoo Freaks and others to discuss favorite tracks like "Outlaw Man." Another fan site, Eagles Online Central, archives lyrics, discographies, and rare photos, keeping the outlaw spirit alive for new generations.