Bernard Leadon (born July 19, 1947, in Minneapolis,
MinnesotaMinnesota is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States. The twelfth largest state by area in the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.2 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the...
) is an
AmericanThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
musicianA musician is a person who performs or writes music. Musicians can be classified by their roles in creating or performing music:* An instrumentalist plays a musical instrument.* A singer uses his or her voice as an instrument....
and
songwriterA songwriter is someone who writes the lyrics, as well as the musical composition or melody to songs. One who writes only lyrics is a lyricist, while one who writes only music is a composer.-History and background of songwriters:...
, best known as a founding member of the
AmericanThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
rockRock music is a genre of popular music that entered the mainstream in the 1960s. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, rhythm and blues, country music and also drew on folk music, jazz and classical music....
band
EaglesEagles is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California during the early 1970s. The group chose the name Eagles as a nod to The Byrds...
. He has also played in other bands, including the Flying Burrito Brothers and
Dillard & ClarkDillard & Clark was a country rock duo which featured folk rock legend Gene Clark and Bluegrass banjo virtuoso Doug Dillard, plus fellow musicians Bernie Leadon, Chris Hillman, Sneaky Pete Kleinow, Byron Berline, and Michael Clarke. The group was formed in 1968, shortly after Clark departed The...
. He is a multi-instrumentalist (guitar, banjo, mandolin, steel guitar, dobro) coming from a bluegrass background. He introduced elements of this music to a mainstream audience during his tenure with the Eagles.
Bernard Leadon (born July 19, 1947, in Minneapolis,
MinnesotaMinnesota is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States. The twelfth largest state by area in the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.2 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the...
) is an
AmericanThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
musicianA musician is a person who performs or writes music. Musicians can be classified by their roles in creating or performing music:* An instrumentalist plays a musical instrument.* A singer uses his or her voice as an instrument....
and
songwriterA songwriter is someone who writes the lyrics, as well as the musical composition or melody to songs. One who writes only lyrics is a lyricist, while one who writes only music is a composer.-History and background of songwriters:...
, best known as a founding member of the
AmericanThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
rockRock music is a genre of popular music that entered the mainstream in the 1960s. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, rhythm and blues, country music and also drew on folk music, jazz and classical music....
band
EaglesEagles is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California during the early 1970s. The group chose the name Eagles as a nod to The Byrds...
. He has also played in other bands, including the Flying Burrito Brothers and
Dillard & ClarkDillard & Clark was a country rock duo which featured folk rock legend Gene Clark and Bluegrass banjo virtuoso Doug Dillard, plus fellow musicians Bernie Leadon, Chris Hillman, Sneaky Pete Kleinow, Byron Berline, and Michael Clarke. The group was formed in 1968, shortly after Clark departed The...
. He is a multi-instrumentalist (guitar, banjo, mandolin, steel guitar, dobro) coming from a bluegrass background. He introduced elements of this music to a mainstream audience during his tenure with the Eagles. His music career since leaving the Eagles has been decidedly low-key, resulting in merely two solo albums with a gap of twenty-seven years in between. Leadon is, however, a noted session musician who has appeared as a guest on many other artists' records.
Early career
Leadon's family was constantly on the move in his early life, and he found himself, still in high school, in San Diego, California. His interest in the banjo and in folk music gravitated him to a place called the Blue Guitar, run by folk and bluegrass music enthusiasts Larry Murray and Ed Douglas. This interest would land him a spot in the proprietors' band, "The Scottsville Squrriel Barkers", when their banjo player, Kenny Wertz, joined the Air Force. The Barkers were a breeding ground for future California country rock talent as its members included Murray, who founded Hearts and Flowers (another group Leadon would join), a shy, 18-year-old mandolin player by the name of Chris Hillman, (Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers (with Leadon), Desert Rose Band, and others) with whom Leadon would strike a life-long friendship, and Leadon. In the mid 1960s Leadon attended Gainesville High School in Gainesville, Florida. One of his classmates at Gainesville High was
Don FelderDonald William Felder is an American rock musician who was a member of the Eagles from 1974 until 2001.-Early life and influences:...
, who would years later be his bandmate in the
EaglesEagles is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California during the early 1970s. The group chose the name Eagles as a nod to The Byrds...
. Felder was a member of a band called the Continentals with
Stephen StillsStephen Arthur Stills is an American guitarist and singer/songwriter best known for his work with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills & Nash . He has performed on a professional level in several other bands as well as maintaining a solo career at the same time...
of Crosby, Stills & Nash fame. Leadon ended up replacing Stills and joining Felder in the band, which was renamed the Maundy Quintet. An interesting note: in the 1966 Gainesville High School Yearbook the Maundy Quintet is pictured next to another Gainesville band destined for fame -
Tom PettyThomas Earl "Tom" Petty is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is the frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and was a founding member of the late 1980s supergroup Traveling Wilburys and Mudcrutch. He has also performed under the pseudonyms of Charlie T...
and his early band the Epics, a band Bernie Leadon's brother, Tom Leadon, was in. Leadon played with various Southern California
bluegrassBluegrass music is a form of American roots music, and is a sub-genre of country music. It has roots in Irish, West African, Scottish, Welsh and English traditional music. Bluegrass was inspired by the music of immigrants from the United Kingdom and Ireland , and African-Americans, particularly...
and
country rockCountry-rock is a musical genre formed from the fusion of rock with country music, with its country origins being initially referenced to the rockabilly music of the 1950s....
groups in the 1960s, such as The Scottsville Squirrel Barkers (with future Byrd
Chris HillmanChristopher Hillman was one of the original members of The Byrds in 1965 with Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, David Crosby, and Michael Clarke....
), Hearts & Flowers,
The Flying Burrito BrothersThe Flying Burrito Brothers was an early country rock band, best known for its influential debut album, 1969's The Gilded Palace of Sin. Although the group is most often mentioned in connection with country rock legends Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman, the group underwent many personnel...
, and
Dillard & ClarkDillard & Clark was a country rock duo which featured folk rock legend Gene Clark and Bluegrass banjo virtuoso Doug Dillard, plus fellow musicians Bernie Leadon, Chris Hillman, Sneaky Pete Kleinow, Byron Berline, and Michael Clarke. The group was formed in 1968, shortly after Clark departed The...
featuring his work on
dobroDobro is a trade name now owned by Gibson Guitar Corporation and used for a particular design of resonator guitar.The name has a long and involved history, interwoven with that of the resonator guitar...
,
banjoThe banjo is a stringed instrument developed by enslaved Africans in the United States, adapted from several African instruments.The name banjo is commonly thought to be derived from the Kimbundu term mbanza...
and
mandolinA mandolin is a musical instrument in the lute family . It is descended from the mandore, a soprano member of the lute family...
, as well as
guitarThe guitar is a musical instrument with ancient roots that adapts readily to a wide variety of musical styles. It typically has six strings, but four-, seven-, eight-, ten-, eleven-, twelve-, thirteen- and eighteen-string guitars also exist. The size and shape of the neck and the base of the guitar...
. He honed his songwriting skills in
The Flying Burrito BrothersThe Flying Burrito Brothers was an early country rock band, best known for its influential debut album, 1969's The Gilded Palace of Sin. Although the group is most often mentioned in connection with country rock legends Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman, the group underwent many personnel...
and the short-lived
Dillard & ClarkDillard & Clark was a country rock duo which featured folk rock legend Gene Clark and Bluegrass banjo virtuoso Doug Dillard, plus fellow musicians Bernie Leadon, Chris Hillman, Sneaky Pete Kleinow, Byron Berline, and Michael Clarke. The group was formed in 1968, shortly after Clark departed The...
, writing "God's Own Singer" (used as
Gram ParsonsGram Parsons was an American singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist. Parsons was a member of the International Submarine Band, The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers...
' epithaph on his gravemarker) in the Burritos and co-writing the now classic "Train Leaves Here This Morning" with
Gene ClarkGene Clark, born Harold Eugene Clark was an American singer-songwriter, and one of the founding members of the folk-rock group The Byrds....
. He re-recorded the latter, somewhat of a signature song, on the debut album of the Eagles.
Tenure with the Eagles
Leadon used his boyhood choir training to arrange intricate
harmonyIn music, harmony is the use of simultaneous pitches, or chords. The study of harmony involves chords and their construction and chord progressions and the principles of connection that govern them. Harmony is often said to refer to the "vertical" aspect of music, as distinguished from melodic...
vocals on the Eagles' first few albums . He also wrote or co-wrote several songs, including the band's second hit, "
Witchy Woman"Witchy Woman" is a song written by Don Henley and Bernie Leadon, and recorded by the American rock band Eagles. Released as the second single from the band's debut album Eagles, it reached #9 on the Billboard Pop singles chart and is the only single from the album to feature Henley on lead...
". Leadon left the Eagles in December of 1975, and was replaced by
Joe WalshJoseph Fidler "Joe" Walsh is an American guitarist, songwriter, and rock musician. He has been a member of three successful bands, the James Gang, Barnstorm, and Eagles...
. According to a 2008 interview with Don Felder, Leadon had left in order to spend more time devoted to exercising and taking care of his health. He had also expressed a desire for the band to take some time off, and when Henley and Frey opted to continue the heavy touring schedule, Leadon bowed out.
Life after the Eagles
Since then, Leadon has played with numerous other
countryCountry music is a blend of popular musical forms originally found in the Southern United States and the Appalachian Mountains...
and
bluegrassBluegrass music is a form of American roots music, and is a sub-genre of country music. It has roots in Irish, West African, Scottish, Welsh and English traditional music. Bluegrass was inspired by the music of immigrants from the United Kingdom and Ireland , and African-Americans, particularly...
artists, including a stint with the
Nitty Gritty Dirt BandThe Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is an American country-folk-rock band that has existed in various forms since its founding in Long Beach, California in 1966. The group's membership has had at least a dozen changes over the years, including a period from 1976 to 1981 when the band performed and recorded...
. He was a member of
Run C&WRun C&W was an American country music group composed of lead vocalist Russell Smith, formerly of the Amazing Rhythm Aces; banjoist Bernie Leadon, formerly of the Eagles and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band; along with Nashville songwriters Jim Photoglo and Vince Melamed, both of whom played various...
, a novelty group singing Motown hits "bluegrass style." Leadon released his second solo effort in 27 years, 2004's
Mirror. Leadon is also known as a
surfingSurfing is most commonly known, the term is used for a surface water sport in which the person surfing moves along the face of a breaking ocean wave . However, surfing is not restricted to saltwater, but can sometimes take place on rivers, using a standing wave...
enthusiast.
He also co-founded the now defunct Pioneer Music Group in Japan which released an album from former
Atlantic RecordsAtlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm & blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
recording artist
Judson SpenceJudson Spence is an American pop music singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist based in Nashville, Tennessee. He originally gained fame when he released his eponymously titled debut solo effort on Atlantic Records in 1988...
; an effort Leadon also produced. It is not known who will portray Leadon in the planned Eagles biopic.
Leadon reunited with the Eagles (with all current and former Eagles members) in 1998 in
New York CityNew York is the most populous city in the United States, and the center of the New York metropolitan area, which is among the most populous urban areas in the world. A leading global city, New York exerts a powerful influence over worldwide commerce, finance, culture, fashion and entertainment...
for the band's induction into the
Rock and Roll Hall of FameThe Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a museum located on the shores of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, United States, dedicated to recording the history of some of the best-known and most influential artists, producers, and other people who have in some major way influenced the music...
. The seven musicians performed together on "
Take It Easy"Take It Easy" is a song written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey, and recorded by the Eagles . It was the band's first single, released on May 1, 1972. It also was the opening track on the band's debut album Eagles and it has become one of their signature songs, included on all of their live and...
," and "
Hotel CaliforniaHotel California is an album released by the American rock band the Eagles in late 1976. It is the first Eagles album without founding member Bernie Leadon and the first album with Joe Walsh...
".
Eagles songs written or co-written by Bernie Leadon
- "Train Leaves Here This Morning" from Eagles
Eagles is the debut album by the rock band of the same name, released in 1972. In 2003, the album was ranked number 374 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time...
(co-written with Gene ClarkGene Clark, born Harold Eugene Clark was an American singer-songwriter, and one of the founding members of the folk-rock group The Byrds....
)
- "Earlybird" from Eagles
Eagles is the debut album by the rock band of the same name, released in 1972. In 2003, the album was ranked number 374 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time...
(co-written with Randy MeisnerRandy Herman Meisner is an American musician and songwriter, best known as a founding member of the Eagles and Poco.-Early years:...
)
- "Witchy Woman" from Eagles
Eagles is the debut album by the rock band of the same name, released in 1972. In 2003, the album was ranked number 374 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time...
(co-written with Don HenleyDonald Hugh "Don" Henley is an American rock singer, songwriter and drummer, best known as a founding member of the Eagles before launching a successful seven time Grammy Award-winning solo career. His solo hits include "The Boys of Summer", "Dirty Laundry" and "The End of the Innocence"...
)
- "Twenty-One" from Desperado
Desperado is the second album by the American rock band Eagles. It was recorded at Island Studios in London, United Kingdom and released in 1973. It's a concept album, based on the Dalton gang and the Old West....
- "Bitter Creek" from Desperado
Desperado is the second album by the American rock band Eagles. It was recorded at Island Studios in London, United Kingdom and released in 1973. It's a concept album, based on the Dalton gang and the Old West....
- "Saturday Night" from Desperado
Desperado is the second album by the American rock band Eagles. It was recorded at Island Studios in London, United Kingdom and released in 1973. It's a concept album, based on the Dalton gang and the Old West....
(co-written with Meisner, Henley, and Glenn FreyGlenn Lewis Frey is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as one of the founding members of the rock band Eagles.-Early life:...
)
- "My Man" from On the Border
On the Border is the third studio album by the American rock band Eagles, released in 1974 . Don Felder joined the band during the recording of this album, performing on only two songs: "Already Gone" and "Good Day in Hell"....
- "On The Border" from On the Border
On the Border is the third studio album by the American rock band Eagles, released in 1974 . Don Felder joined the band during the recording of this album, performing on only two songs: "Already Gone" and "Good Day in Hell"....
(co-written with Henley/Frey)
- "Hollywood Waltz" from One of These Nights
One of These Nights is the fourth studio album by the American band Eagles, released in 1975 . The record's title song became the group's second #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, in July of that year. One of These Nights is the last Eagles album to feature Bernie Leadon...
(co-written with brother Tom LeadonTom Leadon is an American musician. He was an original member of Tom Petty's former band, Mudcrutch. He is the brother of Bernie Leadon of The Eagles....
and Henley/Frey)
- "Journey Of The Sorcerer" from One of These Nights
One of These Nights is the fourth studio album by the American band Eagles, released in 1975 . The record's title song became the group's second #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, in July of that year. One of These Nights is the last Eagles album to feature Bernie Leadon...
. This piece was used as the theme music for the radio, television and film versions of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the GalaxyThe Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a science fiction comedy series created by Douglas Adams. Originally a radio comedy broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1978, it was later adapted to other formats, and over several years it gradually became an international multi-media phenomenon...
- "I Wish You Peace" from One of These Nights
One of These Nights is the fourth studio album by the American band Eagles, released in 1975 . The record's title song became the group's second #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, in July of that year. One of These Nights is the last Eagles album to feature Bernie Leadon...
(co-written with Patti DavisPatti Davis is the daughter of former President of the United States Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan, who were married seven and a half months earlier, on March 4, 1952. She is the older sister of Ron Reagan, the half-sister of Maureen Reagan, and has an adopted half-brother Michael...
)
Eagles songs with Bernie Leadon on lead vocals
- "Train Leaves Here This Morning" from Eagles
Eagles is the debut album by the rock band of the same name, released in 1972. In 2003, the album was ranked number 374 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time...
- "Earlybird" from Eagles
Eagles is the debut album by the rock band of the same name, released in 1972. In 2003, the album was ranked number 374 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time...
- "Twenty-One" from Desperado
Desperado is the second album by the American rock band Eagles. It was recorded at Island Studios in London, United Kingdom and released in 1973. It's a concept album, based on the Dalton gang and the Old West....
- "Bitter Creek" from Desperado
Desperado is the second album by the American rock band Eagles. It was recorded at Island Studios in London, United Kingdom and released in 1973. It's a concept album, based on the Dalton gang and the Old West....
- "My Man" from On the Border
On the Border is the third studio album by the American rock band Eagles, released in 1974 . Don Felder joined the band during the recording of this album, performing on only two songs: "Already Gone" and "Good Day in Hell"....
- "On the Border" - co-lead vocal in the bridge ["Never mind your face, just show us your card"]- from On the Border
On the Border is the third studio album by the American rock band Eagles, released in 1974 . Don Felder joined the band during the recording of this album, performing on only two songs: "Already Gone" and "Good Day in Hell"....
- "I Wish You Peace" from One of These Nights
One of These Nights is the fourth studio album by the American band Eagles, released in 1975 . The record's title song became the group's second #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, in July of that year. One of These Nights is the last Eagles album to feature Bernie Leadon...
External links