After almost thirty years, my favorite band of all time, The Eagles, have recorded a new album entitled Long Road out of Eden, which features the single “How Long.” The song is climbing the Billboard country chart and currently resides at No. 26. The new single was originally written and recorded by J.D. Souther in 1972 on his self-titled album, Long Road is scheduled for release on October 30, 2007, exclusively through Wal-Mart and online at musictoday.com. To quote another seventies powerhouse band, Led Zepplin, it’s been a long time, been a long time. . . .
In connection with the success of the band’s single on country music radio, The Eagles are slated to perform during the 41st Annual Country Music Association Awards airing Wednesday, November 7 on ABC at 7 p.m. CST. The awards show, back in Nashville after a controversial hiatus in New York. The band is also premiering at the new Nokia Theater L.A. Live with the Dixie Chicks on October 18 and 20.
The Eagles’ country-flavored rock style has always appealed to country audiences, as witnessed by the fact that one of their notable hits, “Lyin’ Eyes” reached No. 8 on the country charts in 1975. Don Henley has recorded in Nashville, and was nominated for a CMA award in 1992 for his duet with Trisha Yearwood on the song “Walkaway Joe.” In addition, a 1994 tribute album, “Common Thread: The Songs of The E
agles,” won CMA album of the year.
The Eagles in their various configurations have sold more than 120 million albums worldwide, earning five No. 1 U.S. singles and four Grammy Awards. Their “Greatest Hits 1971-1975” is the best-selling album of all time, exceeding sales of 29 million units. In 1999, RIAA honored the album as the The Best Selling Album of the Century. Their album, Hotel California, has sold over 16 million units since its release in 1976.
The Eagles currently consists of Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey and Timothy B. Schmit, who replaced Randy Meisner after the blockbuster Hotel California album. Other past members of the band include Bernie Leadon, one of the original members from 1971–1975, and Don Felder, from 1974–1980.
