Take It Easy

Zoo Freaks, get ready to chill with some laid-back vibes as we spin "Take It Easy" by the Eagles from their debut album, Eagles. This iconic track, released in 1972, was the band’s first single and a defining moment in country-rock history. The song was born when Jackson Browne started writing it for his own debut album but hit a creative wall. Living in the same Echo Park apartment building, Glenn Frey overheard Browne working on it and offered to help. Browne had the line about standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, inspired by a real road trip where he broke down in the town. Frey added the now-famous line, “It’s a girl, my lord, in a flatbed Ford, slowin’ down to take a look at me,” sealing the song’s carefree spirit. Browne later said he didn’t even know what a flatbed Ford was, but Frey’s contribution made the song click. The collaboration became a hit, peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Another cool story about "Take It Easy" comes from its impact on Winslow, Arizona. The town embraced the song’s mention, opening the Standin’ on the Corner Park in 1999 with a bronze statue of a man with a guitar and a mural featuring a woman in a flatbed Ford. The park draws thousands of tourists yearly and hosts festivals, but it faced a setback when a 2004 fire damaged the mural. The Eagles stepped up, raffling a signed guitar to fund repairs, showing their love for the town that immortalized their song. In 2016, after Glenn Frey’s passing, Winslow added a statue of Frey leaning against a lamppost, cementing the song’s legacy. The track also played a role in the Eagles’ 1994 reunion. Travis Tritt covered it for a 1993 tribute album, Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles, and insisted the band appear in his music video. The Eagles, who hadn’t performed together in 13 years, had so much fun filming that they decided to reform, kicking off their Hell Freezes Over tour.

The Eagles formed in Los Angeles in 1971, a group of talented musicians who’d already crossed paths in the city’s vibrant music scene. Founding members Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner were all recruited by Linda Ronstadt to back her up, playing on her 1972 self-titled album and touring together. Their chemistry was undeniable, and with encouragement from Ronstadt and manager David Geffen, they signed to Asylum Records as a standalone band. Frey and Henley, the creative core, bonded over their love for songwriting and cars—Frey even had a ’55 Chevy named Gladys they cruised around in. Leadon brought a country edge with his banjo and mandolin skills, while Meisner’s high harmonies added depth. Their debut album, recorded in London with producer Glyn Johns, leaned into their harmony-driven country-rock sound, with "Take It Easy" setting the tone. The Eagles went on to become one of the best-selling bands of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide, six Grammy Awards, and a 1998 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Want to keep up with the Eagles? Check out their official website for tour dates and news, like their 2025 residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and throwback content. Fans can dive deeper at sites like Eagles Online Central, a hub for discographies and rare photos, or join the Eagles Fans Facebook group to connect with fellow Zoo Freaks sharing stories and setlists. So, take it easy, crank up the volume, and let the Eagles’ timeless grooves carry you away!