Reflections on 'Desperado': Don Henley's Journey with the Eagles
Don Henley and Glenn Frey, the songwriting duo behind the Eagles, were known for their pursuit of perfection in the studio. Henley reflects on a particular song, "Desperado," which holds a special place in his heart despite his reservations about it.
"Desperado" was the first official collaboration between Henley and Frey. The song was inspired by the work of Stephen Foster, a renowned American songwriter. Henley played Frey the fragments of the song he had been working on since the late 1960s, and Frey seamlessly contributed to its development.
The partnership between Henley and Frey flourished, leading to the creation of numerous hits that became iconic in the Eagles' repertoire. Producer Glyn Johns played a significant role in the band's early studio years, but their collaboration ended during the making of "On the Border."
During the recording of "Desperado," Henley felt the pressure of a fast-paced recording process favored by Johns and the record label. The presence of the London Symphony Orchestra added to the intensity of the sessions, making Henley self-conscious during his vocal recordings.
Despite the orchestral arrangements by Jim Ed Norman and the humor in the recording sessions, Henley wishes he had more time to refine "Desperado." He recalls only doing a few vocal takes and still hears pitch issues in the final recording, which is why he avoids listening to the song now.
Henley admits that he rarely listens to his own music anymore, preferring classical recordings, audiobooks, or the radio. When he does revisit his old recordings, he is reminded of the imperfections and moments he wishes he could change. The memories of the recording process and the flaws in the music remain vivid for Henley.
In conclusion, "Desperado" holds a special place in Don Henley's heart as a song that marked the beginning of a successful songwriting partnership with Glenn Frey. Despite his reservations about the recording process and the final product, the song remains a timeless classic in the Eagles' catalog.