The 5 Best Eagles Songs, According to Vince Gill

March 2, 2025 7:35 am

Getting his start with the soft rock band Pure Prairie League, Vince Gill crossed over into country music in the ’80s. This year, he celebrates 50 years of touring. While finding plenty of solo success, Gill is also part of The Eagles. The “One More Last Chance” singer began touring with the classic rock legends in 2017 following the death of founding guitarist Glenn Frey. Here are longtime fan Vince Gill’s top 5 Eagles songs, as told to Rolling Stone.

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1. “Desperado,” 1973

One of the Eagles’ most recognized songs despite never being released as a single, Vince Gill counts “Desperado” among his favorites. “It’s the first song that Glenn and Don [Henley] wrote together, which is pretty astounding,” Gill said. “Don’s voice is so distinctive; it’s not unlike hearing Ray Charles.”

2. “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” 1972

It’s no wonder country sensation Vince Gill considers “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” off the band’s 1972 self-titled debut, one of the Eagles’ best. “This is so country,” the 22-time GRAMMY Award winner said. “You could hear a guitar solo like that on a Merle Haggard record or an Emmylou Harris record.

3. “I Can’t Tell You Why,” 1980

Former bassist Timothy B. Schmit provided lead vocals on this single from 1979’s The Long Run. And frankly, Vince Gill wishes the Eagles would have showcased Schmit’s vocals more often. “It escapes me why Timothy B. Schmit never sang more,” he said.

Gill also praised Fey’s guitar solo, calling it “one of the most musical expressions I’ve ever heard.”

4. “Rocky Mountain Way,” 1973

Vince Gill knows this one is technically not an Eagles song, but that didn’t stop him from including it. Guitarist Joe Walsh wrote and originally performed “Rocky Mountain Way” in 1973 with his band Barnstorm. Still, the Eagles perform it every night, so it counts.

“In all my years in music, I’ve never seen someone more adored by the crowd than Joe Walsh,” Gill said.

5. “Ol ’55,” 1974

This Tom Waits cover is “a sentimental favorite” for Eagles superfan-turned-member Vince Gill. “It feels like the breezy life in California,” said the “When I Call Your Name” crooner.

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