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When most fans think of the Eagles, they immediately think of the voices behind some of the biggest songs in rock history. But before the band became one of the defining acts of the 1970s, another musician helped shape the sound that would make them famous.
Bernie Leadon, a founding member of the Eagles, turns 79 today, and his influence remains an important part of the band's early history.
A multi-instrumentalist known for his work on guitar, banjo, mandolin and dobro, Leadon brought a strong country and bluegrass influence to the Eagles during their formative years. His background helped the group develop the country-rock blend that separated them from many of their rock contemporaries.
Before joining the Eagles, Leadon had already built an impressive musical résumé. He was a member of influential country-rock groups, including the Flying Burrito Brothers and Dillard & Clark, two acts that helped pave the way for the genre's rise in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
He also became connected with Linda Ronstadt, performing as part of her backing band before eventually joining forces with Glenn Frey, Don Henley and Randy Meisner to form the Eagles in 1971.
Leadon's musical fingerprints can be heard throughout the band's earliest work. He contributed to the Eagles' self-titled debut album, which included hits like "Take It Easy" and "Witchy Woman," and played a major role on follow-up albums including Desperado, On the Border and One of These Nights.
One of his most recognizable contributions came on "Take It Easy," where his country-inspired playing helped establish the relaxed, California country-rock sound that became a signature of the Eagles' early years.
Although Leadon left the band in 1975 after four albums, his impact on the Eagles' foundation remained clear. He was replaced by guitarist Joe Walsh, helping usher in a harder-edged sound as the group moved toward the massive success of albums like Hotel California.
Looking back, Leadon's time with the Eagles represented a crucial chapter in the band's evolution. While later eras of the group produced some of their biggest commercial achievements, the musical identity they built in the beginning was shaped in large part by Leadon's unique blend of rock, country and bluegrass influences.
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