Bernie Leadon

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Bernie Leadon (born July 19, 1947 in Minneapolis, Minnesota) is an American musician, best known as a founding member of the country rock band the Eagles.

Leadon cut his teeth with various Southern California bluegrass and country rock groups in the 1960s, such as The Scottsville Squirrel Barkers (with future Byrd Chris Hillman), Hearts & Flowers, Dillard & Clark, and The Flying Burrito Brothers in the 1960s, featuring his work on dobro, banjo and mandolin, as well as guitar.

Introduced, and attracted, to the songwriting, singing and instrumental skills of Glenn Frey, Don Henley and Randy Meisner while all were members of a backing band in the employ of Linda Ronstadt, the quartet tendered their resignation en masse and formed their own group, dubbing themselves "the Eagles" as a nod to seminal folk rockers the Byrds in 1971. Leadon used his boyhood choir training to arrange intricate harmony vocals on the Eagles' first few albums, and displayed his considerable multi-instrumental skills to great effect. He also wrote or co-wrote several songs, including the band's second hit, "Witchy Woman."

After indulging in the rock-star life for a few years, and while caught up in a relationship with then-Governor Ronald Reagan's daughter Patti Davis, Leadon left the band amid much acrimony in 1975, reportedly announcing his resignation by pouring a beer over Frey's head.

Since that time Leadon has played with numerous other country and bluegrass artists, including a stint with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Leadon has currently released his second solo effort in 27 years, the 2004's "Mirror". Leadon is also known as a surfing enthusiast.

He also co-founded the now defunct Pioneer Music Group in Japan which released an album from former Atlantic Records recording artist Judson Spence; an effort Leadon also produced.

Eagles' songs written or co-written by Bernie Leadon

Train Leaves Here This Morning (co-written with Gene Clark)
Earlybird (co-written with Randy Meisner)
Witchy Woman (co-written with Don Henley)
Twenty-One
Bitter Creek
Saturday Night (co-written with Randy Meisner, Glenn Frey, and Don Henley)
My Man
On The Border (co-written with Don Henley and Glenn Frey)
Hollywood Waltz (co-written with Don Henley, Glenn Frey and brother Tom Leadon)
Journey Of The Sorcerer. This piece was used as the theme music for the television series and the film versions of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
I Wish You Peace (co-written with Patti Davis)

Eagles' songs with Bernie Leadon on Lead Vocals

Train Leaves Here This Morning-from Eagles,
Earlybird-from Eagles,
Twenty-One-from Desperado,
Bitter Creek-from Desperado,
My Man-from On the Border,
On the Border-co-lead vocal in the bridge-from On the Border,
I Wish You Peace-from One of These Nights

External links

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