The Eagles, an iconic American rock band, have an extensive catalog featuring nearly 200 songs recorded across seven studio albums. Notably, Bernie Leadon is credited as either the primary writer or co-writer on a mere 11 tracks. However, this figure may not accurately reflect his significant influence and contribution to the band’s sound. During the 1960s and 1970s, Leadon emerged as a prominent figure in the California music scene, inspiring many, including his friends and family back in Florida.

Leadon’s brother, Tom, was part of Tom Petty‘s early band, Mudcrutch. In his memoir, guitarist Mike Campbell recalls conversations between Petty and Leadon about relocating to California, dreaming of making it big, just like Bernie had done. This dream was realized, and we firmly believe that Leadon’s contributions to the Eagles’ music are among the finest in their extensive catalog. Below, we present our ranking of these remarkable songs.

11. "Twenty-One"
From: Desperado (1973)

In 1973’s Desperado, Leadon penned two solo tracks, with “Twenty-One” ranking at the bottom of our list. This song reflects the age of Emmett Dalton, the youngest member of the infamous Doolin-Dalton Gang, the subject of the album’s narrative. Don Henley shared in a Rolling Stone interview that Glenn Frey had introduced the band to a book of outlaw photographs, setting the stage for the album’s theme. While “Twenty-One” fits the album’s concept, it doesn’t stand out as a memorable track within the Eagles’ impressive repertoire.

10. “Earlybird”
From: Eagles (1972)

Yes, the delightful bird sounds featured in “Earlybird” are authentic, albeit sourced from a sound effects library. In a Rolling Stone interview, Henley candidly remarked that he found the inclusion of these chirping sounds somewhat corny, though he acknowledged it was not his composition. The decision to add the bird sounds was made collaboratively by the song’s creator and producer Glynn Johns. Now, decades later, the track retains its charm, regardless of its quirky elements. Leadon co-wrote this playful song with bassist Randy Meisner.

9. “Saturday Night”
From: Desperado (1973)

“Saturday Night,” crafted by Leadon, Henley, Frey, and Meisner, showcases Henley’s beautiful solo vocals and the band’s harmonious blend. While the song exudes charm, it ultimately lacks a strong narrative arc, leaving listeners wanting more. The collective writing effort reflects the band’s collaborative spirit, but this track doesn’t quite capture the listener’s imagination in the same way as some of their more iconic songs.

8. “Hollywood Waltz”
From: One of These Nights (1975)

In 1973, while residing in California, Bernie and his brother Tom were inspired by the blooming acacia trees, prompting Tom to craft a song celebrating the region’s natural beauty. Fast forward two years, and Bernie reached out to Tom while working on the Eagles’ album One of These Nights, expressing his desire to incorporate the old song into the band’s project. Tom recalled in an interview with gainesvillerockhistory.com that he respected the Eagles’ songwriting talent and didn’t seek to hear the final version. The song evolved into a reflection of life in Los Angeles, capturing the essence of the album’s thematic direction.

7. “Journey of the Sorcerer”
From: One of These Nights (1975)

Described by Rolling Stone as “bluegrass psychedelia,” “Journey of the Sorcerer” stands out as a six-minute instrumental piece. This track later gained fame as the theme for the beloved BBC sci-fi series The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Leadon is credited as the sole writer of this captivating piece, drawing inspiration from his Huber VRB-75 banjo, showcasing his unique musical style.

6. “I Wish You Peace”
From: One of These Nights (1975)

A poignant love story unfolded between Leadon and Patti Davis, the daughter of former President Ronald Reagan. The couple co-wrote “I Wish You Peace” for the 1975 album One of These Nights, despite some resistance from the rest of the band regarding its inclusion. At that time, Davis was grappling with her family’s political views, as her father was the Governor of California, and her mother, Nancy Reagan, disapproved of her living situation. While “I Wish You Peace” may come across as sentimental, it carries a depth that reflects the complexities of love and acceptance.

5. “On the Border”
From: On the Border (1974)

The album On the Border, and its title track, marked a pivotal moment for the Eagles as they sought to redefine their sound and distance themselves from the prevailing country rock label. The collaborative writing effort involved Henley, Frey, and Leadon, showcasing their growth as artists willing to experiment with new musical styles while retaining their core identity.

4. “Witchy Woman”
From: Eagles (1972)

Leadon’s creative journey with “Witchy Woman” began during his time with the Flying Burrito Brothers. After sharing his ideas with Henley, the song evolved into a haunting melody that captured the essence of mystery. Henley recalled in a 2003 conversation with Cameron Crowe that Leadon introduced a peculiar minor-key riff reminiscent of the dramatic scores found in classic Hollywood films, contributing to the song’s enchanting allure.

3. “Train Leaves Here This Morning”
From: Eagles (1972)

“Train Leaves Here This Morning” is a melancholic country ballad that Leadon brought to the Eagles from his earlier collaboration with Gene Clark during their time in Dillard & Clark. The original version appeared on the 1968 album The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark. The Eagles’ rendition is marked by the exceptional guitar work of Glenn Frey, transforming this heartfelt composition into a signature sound that resonates deeply with listeners.

2. “Bitter Creek”
From: Desperado (1973)

While “Bitter Creek” may possess a reserved quality, its arrangement is incredibly smooth, showcasing the Eagles’ signature harmonies. The song serves as a testament to the band’s exceptional vocal abilities, rivaling those of Crosby, Stills & Nash. The nuanced performance invites listeners into a reflective space, emphasizing the band’s mastery in harmonizing and storytelling.

1. “My Man”
From: On the Border (1974)

In my opinion, “My Man” stands as the pinnacle of Leadon’s contributions to the Eagles, and arguably, one of the finest songs in the band’s illustrious catalog. This heartfelt track serves as a tribute to Leadon’s late friend and bandmate Gram Parsons, who tragically passed away from a drug overdose in 1973. Leadon expressed that the Eagles carried forward the legacy created by Parsons. In an interview with Harvard Magazine in 2023, he articulated how “My Man” encapsulates the joy brought to many lives by Parsons. The poignant lyric, “We who must remain go on laughing just the same,” resonates deeply, reflecting the enduring impact of friendship and music.