More than 50 years ago, the Eagles were brought together by another up-and-coming artist looking for a touring band. In 1971, this artist—notably labeled by Glenn Frey as the band’s “muse”—took the members of the future classic rock band on tour with her, and their mutual appreciation for each other and inspiring work led to the formation of the Eagles when the tour concluded. That muse was none other than Linda Ronstadt.
Speaking to Express UK in 2012, Frey said of Ronstadt, “Linda was our muse and a brave artist who followed her instincts.” She certainly had the right instincts about the members of the Eagles, some of which she saw performing at the Troubadour, and others who were added by her boyfriend, JD Souther.
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However, it was more than her hand in forming the band that led Frey to the title of “muse.” Her sheer talent drew the band to her, especially one album in particular—What’s New from 1983. “This album, the first of three with Nelson Riddle, is my benchmark,” said Frey. He called What’s New “well-written, infectious, beautifully sung.”
[RELATED: Without Linda Ronstadt, This Beloved Classic Rock Band Wouldn’t Exist]
Glenn Frey Heaps Praise on Eagles “Muse” Linda Ronstadt
Frey had more praise for Linda Ronstadt at the time, highlighting the pivotal influence she’s had on his career. “She has always felt a responsibility to educate as well as entertain. She’s always putting in a Chuck Berry song for people that might not have heard of that, or ‘Blue Bayou’ by Roy Orbison,” Frey said.
He added, “I really admire her bravery and credibility,” going on to call her the “first lady of country rock.” Linda Ronstadt has been a household name for many years as the Queen of Rock, and it looks like she’ll stay that way for a long time. Future generations of women in rock and country rock can learn so much from Ronstadt. Not only is she the Eagles’ muse, but she should be considered the muse of an entire genre.
Ronstadt had the “bravery and credibility” to take a chance on Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner as her backing band, which led to one of the most beloved classic rock bands in the world. Following Ronstadt’s 1971 tour, the four Eagles put out their debut album in 1972, and the rest is history.
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