Glen Frey held a deep appreciation for the immense talent he encountered during his musical journey, particularly when working alongside remarkable artists like Linda Ronstadt. It’s no wonder that every member of the Eagles was proud to showcase some of the finest vocal abilities ever seen in California. Being part of a band with someone as gifted as Ronstadt meant Frey had to rise to the occasion and masterfully deliver the perfect vocal nuances for each song he composed. Even though Frey had a successful solo career and collaborated with Ronstadt, he consistently regarded Don Henley as the best singer he ever worked with.
This admiration is justified, as Henley’s exceptional vocal talent played a significant role in the Eagles' success. While Frey initially led the band in its early days, the extensive list of songs he co-wrote with Henley reads like an impressive collection of timeless music. Take, for example, their greatest hits compilation—Frey certainly contributed iconic tracks like 'Lyin’ Eyes' and 'Take It Easy,' and even brought lesser-known gems like 'Already Gone' to mainstream radio.
Randy Meisner also made his mark with the song 'Take It to the Limit,' but when examining the most beloved songs by the Eagles, it becomes clear that Henley dominated this domain. Excluding some of the more obscure hits such as 'New Kid in Town,' classics like 'Desperado,' 'Witchy Woman,' and the legendary 'Hotel California' all showcased Henley’s distinct voice, which often utilized his tenor range despite his natural baritone.
The Eagles naturally varied their vocal arrangements with each album, but Frey openly declared Henley as the standout vocalist among them. In his reflections shared in "Life in the Fast Lane," Frey stated, "Don Henley is the rock, along with being the greatest singer that I’ve ever worked with. Randy is the perfect ribbon on the package." This acknowledgment highlights how rare it is to find a drummer who can seamlessly take on lead vocal duties, yet Henley has excelled in this role, delivering performances that rival traditional frontmen with ease.
Henley’s voice is smooth and rich, akin to pure butter, allowing him to convey both strength and vulnerability with remarkable fluidity. His ability to blend powerful notes with poetic delivery transformed the Eagles from just another band into one of the best-selling musical acts in history—a phenomenon that undoubtedly captivated Frey.
Frey's admiration for Henley’s vocal prowess was so profound that he occasionally contemplated sidelining other band members when crafting songs. For instance, while discussing the possibility of replacing Don Felder’s vocals on 'Victim of Love' with Henley’s, Frey humbly admitted during "History of the Eagles" that his own lead singing had decreased intentionally: "If you look at [that period], I sang less and less. It was intentional. We had Don Henley."
However, it's essential to recognize the contributions of all band members to their harmonies. While it may not be popular to assert that Joe Walsh was the band’s top vocalist, the collective harmonies found in tracks like 'Seven Bridges Road' or 'No More Walks in the Wood' from their final album remained a highlight of their careers right up until Frey’s passing in 2016.
Even after the Eagles disbanded, it was hardly surprising that Henley emerged as the group’s standout solo artist, collaborating with Walsh to create enduring classics like 'The End of the Innocence' and 'The Boys of Summer.' Although Eagles albums typically emphasize their harmonious sound, if one were to analyze the technical skills of each singer, it would be evident that anyone not named Henley would likely find themselves vying for the second place.
