← Takin' A Walk - Music History with Buzz Knight
Takin' A Walk - Music History with Buzz Knight
Bernie Leadon : An Iconic Figure in Music History-From Eagles to "Too Late To Be Cool"
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- [00:01]
Bernie Leadon
Taking a walk. I have had a lot of great friends and people that were benefactors and advocates for me and helpers and mentors, and I'm just really grateful to all of them. You know, nobody progresses without help, really.
- [00:14]
Buzz Knight
What do you get when you mix a banjo, a Stratocaster, and a restless spirit of musical adventure? You get a career that helps set the foundation for one of the biggest bands in rock history and a musical journey that spans four folk clubs, country stages, and the California sound of the seventies. I'm Buzz Knight and on this Takin a Walk episode, I'm joined by guitarist, songwriter and original eagle, Bernie Leddon. Bernie has always been a seeker, never content to stay in one lane, always looking for the crossroads where tradition and innovation meet. From his days shaping bluegrass and country rock with the Flying Burrito Brothers to co founding the Eagles and writing classics that still echo through the airwave, his story is one of quiet but undeniable impact. So join me on this episode through the life and music of a true pioneer, Bernie Letton. Coming up after these words, this is an iHeart podcast. This episode of Taking a Walk is brought to you by Chase Sapphire Reserve. Whether I'm booking my next vacation or going to a concert, Chase Sapphire Reserve is my gateway to to the world's most captivating destinations. When I use my Chase Sapphire Reserve card, I get eight times points on all the purchases I make through Chase Travel and even access to one of a kind experiences like music festivals and sports events. And that's not even mentioning how the card gets me into the Sapphire Lounge by the club at select airports nationwide. No matter where I'm walking, travel is more rewarding. With Chase Sapphire Reserve, I discover more@chase.com Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank NA member FDIC subject to credit approval terms apply.
- [02:11]
Bernie Leadon
Let's start with a quick puzzle. The answer is Ken Jennings appearance on the puzzler with A.J. jacobs. The question is, what is the most entertaining listening experience in podcast land Jeopardy truthers believe in? I guess they would be conspiracy theorists. That's right, they give you the answers and you still blew it. The Puzzler listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [02:42]
Various Podcast Hosts
Hi, I'm Jenica Lopez and in the new season of the Over Comfort podcast, I'm even more honest, more vulnerable, and more real than ever. Am I ready to enter this new part of my life? Like, am I ready to be in a relationship? Am I ready to have kids and to really just devote myself and my Time. Join me for conversations about healing and growth, all from one of my favorite spaces, the kitchen. Listen to the new season of the Overcomer podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Everyone thinks they'd never join a cult, but it happens all the time to people just like you and people just like us. I'm Lola Blanc. And I'm Megan Elizabet. Where the hosts of Trust Me, a podcast about cults, manipulation and the psychology of belief. Each week we talk to fellow survivors, former believers and experts to understand why people get pulled in and how they get out. Trust Me, New episodes every Wednesday on. Exactly right. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Hi, it's Honey German. And I'm back with season two of my podcast, Gracias. Come again. We got you. When it comes to the latest in music and entertainment, with interviews with some of your favorite Latin artists and celebrities, you didn't have to audition.
- [03:55]
Bernie Leadon
No, I didn't audition. I haven't auditioned in, like, over 25 years.
- [03:59]
Various Podcast Hosts
Oh, wow. That's a real G talk right there.
- [04:01]
Bernie Leadon
Oh, yeah.
- [04:03]
Various Podcast Hosts
We'll talk about all that's viral and trending with a little bit of Cheeseman and a whole lot of laughs. And of course, the great Bibras you've come to expect. Listen to the new season of Gracias. Come again on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.
- [04:22]
Bernie Leadon
Taking a Walk.
- [04:23]
Buzz Knight
Well, Bernie, it's an honor having you on the Taking a Walk podcast.
- [04:27]
Bernie Leadon
It's an honor to be here.
- [04:30]
Buzz Knight
So since we call this podcast Taking a Walk, before we get into the brand new Too Late to Be Cool release and everything that's been going on, I'd like to ask this little opening question here. If you could take a walk with someone, living or dead, who would you take a walk with? And where would you take that walk with them?
- [04:51]
Bernie Leadon
Jesus Christ. And wherever it was would be up to him because. And if you wanted to be somewhere else, he'd just take us there. I love that. Wonderful.
- [05:02]
Buzz Knight
Well, Bernie, congratulations on the brand new music. First of all, Too late to be Cool. You must be so excited to get this out to the world.
- [05:14]
Bernie Leadon
Yeah, it's. I. I really am. It's. I. I'm. I'm actually extremely happy with the record. You know, I haven't released anything for, I think somebody said, 23 years or something, but I went out of the road with the Eagles in 2013 through 2015 with the history of the Eagles tour and just got excited about playing and singing every day again. And so when the tour ended, I. I decided to spend more time writing. And so I built up a pile of songs and then of course you want to record them and I, I built a new building for my recording gear. And then my old friend Glenn Johns, who produced the first two and a half Eagles albums, came over from England and we did two batches of recording last year and in early January this year. And so anyway, he's so experienced that we're such good friends, we know each other so well, but he just works so fast and smoothly. He makes decisions on the. On the fly. And we recorded the 2 inch 16 track analog tape, so you have to make decisions, right, because there's no room for 43 guitar parts or 17 vocals or whatever. So we got on with it, the whole thing, you know, took about three weeks, maybe four to mix it and everything. But it just, it sounds fresh to me still. And so I'm just so happy about that, you know.
- [06:38]
Buzz Knight
And you had stayed in contact with Glenn over the years, hadn't you?
- [06:42]
Bernie Leadon
Yeah, he start after I left the Eagles in 75, he began using me on recording sessions in England and also in mostly Los Angeles. A lot of different people. Nancy Griffith, Lander, Ronstadt again, some different bands, John Hyatt. And it's always fun to work with Glen. He's just a dear friend and he's so good at what he does. I've just always trying to understand it better, you know, so it was a lot of fun.
- [07:10]
Buzz Knight
I want to come back to the new music, but I do want to ask you about Nashville, because you're outside of Nashville and the Nashville community is a pretty amazing place to be. How does that community inspire you?
- [07:27]
Bernie Leadon
Well, you know, they. They have a catchphrase that they use around here. It all begins with a song. So that's nice that they give the songwriter kind of prominence in the food chain of making music, you know. And you probably know that in New York back in the 50s and 60s, there was a place called the Brill Building. And it was a building in which all the songwriters and all the publishers pretty much all had offices. So again, it was music. Bro was a little bit like that, where the community was literally bumping into each other on the stairs, in the hallway, and serendipity would put people together and stuff would happen, you know. So Nashville always was like that as a songwriting community. And there's some funny stories about, well, Harlan Howard was. Is this infamous Nashville songwriter who wrote just, I don't know, hundreds of hundreds of hits. But their story was he. He would write, have some fresh songs, and he dropped by somebody's session at 10 in the morning. They had three other songs ready to record on somebody. And they'd say, well, Harland, you got anything today? And he'd play him a song and they'd go, oh, it's me, so we're going to cut that right now. And they'd bump the first song and then they'd ask him, you got anything else? And that you play them some. They bump all three songs from this artist they were recording and record three Harlan Howard songs and usually there'd be a hit. So, I mean, he was so good at it. But it's really a great community and everybody supports each other and everybody cheers for one another, and it's really cool.
- [08:59]
Buzz Knight
So when you look back at your musical journey from the Eagles to the Flying Burrito Brothers and beyond, what moments do you feel like were the biggest crossroad moments?
- [09:12]
Bernie Leadon
Well, I wouldn't actually pick, you know, a musical event. I would actually. I just went out to LA to go to the memorial service of a dear friend that I met in 1963, let's say in San Diego. And he, he was ex Navy diver and they owned a little music store and they had a bluegrass band called the Scottsville Squirrel Barkers. Chris Hillman, later of the Birds, was the mandolin player. But I, I've traced back my career from the Eagles backwards, and it all goes back to this guy, Larry Murray in San Diego, because he invited me later to come out to LA and joined him on a singing group on capitol records in 1977, and he also produced and was responsible for Linda Ronstadt. So he started using me on sessions. But again, it all goes back to this guy, Larry. And every positive connection in my career was you can trace it all the way through it. So I'm really glad to realize that. And I have had a lot of great friends and people that were benefactors and advocates for me and helpers and mentors, and I'm just really grateful to all of them. You know, nobody progresses without help, really.
- [10:34]
Buzz Knight
What was it like being a friend and a collaborator with the great Graham Parsons?
- [10:41]
Bernie Leadon
Graham was a lot of fun. You know, one of the things people don't talk about. So for those that don't know, Graham Parsons was from. He was from Waycross, Georgia. He was from a well to do family. He was a trust fund kid. He went to Harvard for a minute and left. Started a band in the International Submarine Band in Boston Ended up in la. Got in the Byrds later in the Birds career. He left the Birds before the Swoosh Har the Radio album was released. A lot of his vocals were replaced, but he. Then Chris Hillman left the Birds and the two of them formed the Flying Burrito Brothers. I was on the second Burrito album. The first Burrito album is actually brilliant and genius. And one of the things people don't mention about Graham because he's credited with. People call him the father of country rock, and the Eagles emulated that model. But he added R and B influences also to the mix that he called cosmic American music. You know, the Eagles also mixed in R B with country and folk and rock and pop. Graham was just a lot of fun, unfortunately, he was an alcoholic and. And he hung out with. He quit the Burritos and went to live with the Rolling Stones in the south of France when they're like, I'm not sure what album they were making, but he tried to keep up with Keith Richards. And the truth is, nobody has ever kept up with Keith Richards as far as staying up and doing things that perhaps wouldn't be advisable to do for very long. So Keith's still with us. And Graham died at 26 and tragically, but. Brilliant guy.
- [12:30]
Buzz Knight
And it's so important, I think, as generations advance, to keep, you know, folks like Graham's name and his music and his influence alive. Don't you think?
- [12:43]
Bernie Leadon
I do. And. And I have to give credit to Amylou Harris, who pretty much took on that. The mantle of doing that. You know, she's kind of been the curator of Graham's legacy by recording every song pretty much that he wrote that, you know, she liked. And, I mean, she recorded almost all his stuff, and so she's definitely one. And there's. There's a lot of bands that have emulated Graham in some way, but. But Emmy has kept his actual catalog and actual songs alive, you know, And I just saw her the other day at a Linda Ronstadt tribute, and she's still. She's still doing that, God bless her.
- [13:23]
Buzz Knight
Well, you mentioned Linda Ronstadt, so obviously your career and the Eagles were. Were so intertwined with. With Linda. Talk about those moments, which, as I'm asking you the question. I'm such a fan of yours and your music and Linda's music. I have chills asking you the question. What was it like being with Linda and collaborating with her?
- [13:47]
Bernie Leadon
Well, it's. It's been great. So, as I said, I. I joined a group that was already on Capitol records in late 1967, and Linda Ronstadt was signed to the same label, same producer, same A and R guy. And so he's that producer. Started using me on Linda sessions, which was the Stone Ponies, Linda Ronstadt and the Stone Ponies. So I played on Stone Ponies records actually in 1968. And then she started doing well as a solo artist and I was in her touring band and record, continued recording with her, but I was in a touring band. We were actually living in hotels in New York City the summer of 69 when Woodstock was happening, and we're playing clubs in Branch Village and in surrounding areas. And then I left and joined the Fly and Burrito Brothers, and then the other soon to be Eagles, Don Henley and Glenn Frey and I think Randy also were. Were then in Lindispan after me. So some say we all came from Linda's band and we did, but not all at the same time, you know, but we were all in the same musical community in la, which actually was very similar to the Nashville community back then. You know, west la, the Trouble Club, the Ashgrove Club, and all the other clubs around that had been folk clubs. And they became kind of a little bit electrified, but they still were, you know, 200, 250 seat show, showrooms, showcase rooms, little mini theaters that serve drinks, you know, and there was a whole bunch of them. It was just a network of clubs. You could play in the local area of la, which of course is huge, but you could hone your craft and. And some people had a record deal, some people had a publishing deal, and we all just interacted, you know, and that's how the world there was at that time. And Ronstadt was always. Linda was always part of it.
- [15:52]
Buzz Knight
What a, what a gem she is, huh? My God.
- [15:54]
Bernie Leadon
Yeah. Amazing. I mean, actually, when I first started playing with her, doing shows, I was the main harmony singer. And she sings so full voice and loud, like no restraint, that I had to let my voice open up or I would have sounded like a pipsqueak mouse next to her. And so it was really wonderful to sing with her and she was unrestrained with her voice and just such a natural talent. But what a gift to be able to sing with her.
- [16:32]
Buzz Knight
I love it, I love it. I love how everything has come full circle in that Henry Diltz is part of your, your new work here in terms of his, his brilliance. I love Henry. He's been on the podcast a couple of times and he's one of my favorites. Obviously he goes back to some Eagles history There in terms of his work and cover art and everything. Can you take me back to some of that work that he did with the Eagles and what that was like then?
- [17:06]
Bernie Leadon
Okay, so that Henry was not a studio photographer. His whole thing was to go on location, whether that was in L. A, but to go somewhere that there was some background that was interesting and he just, he put the people in front of that. But in the case of the first Eagles album, so I got to tell you, this was the business plan for that photo shoot. Okay, we're going to go to the Troubadour Club and we're going to close it down. We're going to wait till they close at 1:30 in the morning, then we're going to get in our cars and drive 100 plus miles through Palm Springs to the upper desert to Joshua Tree National Monument. But we're not going to go into the front gate. We're going to go in this back way through this neighborhood that goes out in this. That leads to a little mountain about 10 miles in that had an old barber chair sitting on the top of it. Okay, so we get there and then we light a fire. And it's high desert, it's cold, we're at 5,000ft and nobody had winter clothes or anything. So we're just, we're like freezing and they light a fire. And then the art director who was with us, not Henry, but he just, he had brought some peyote buttons, so he just started, started making peyote tea. So we sat up the rest of the night trying to stay warm by the fire, drinking peyote tea. And then the sun started coming up. And you know, in photography there's a golden hour near the sunset time, maybe 10, 15, 20 minutes also in the morning. So we're using the golden hour at first light at 5:30 in the morning, they stand us up in a group huddling together. And we all work like this because we're freezing and you know, like this. And that's the photo of us. That was the, that was the business plan of how to get a great, a great copy. Everything happens for a reason, doesn't it? Yeah, apparently.
- [19:05]
Buzz Knight
So what was it like, had you stayed in touch with Henry over the years?
- [19:09]
Bernie Leadon
Yeah, I talked to him, I don't know, a few years ago. Of course, there's been documentaries, so the art. So the photo, that's the COVID of this album we actually did. It was Henry and the art director, Gary Burton, who did all the Eagles stuff too. So album covers together, Henry, the photographer and Gary, the art director, anyway, he also participated in this and we I had the idea of doing a photo after dark with the city lights of LA down below. But we started out in Malibu and the city lights looked about this big, so we went farther into town. We went on an expedition that night too, to find a spot where city lights were really bright. And we had to go all the way into Hollywood, up one of the canyons, onto a lookout spot and did that. So anyway, but I made that cover for an album that was to come out 45 years ago and it never did. We didn't finish the album. So hey, I paid for it back then, so we're using it. I love that. That's fantastic. We'll be right back with more of the Taking a Walk podcast.
- [20:23]
Buzz Knight
This episode of Taking a Walk is brought to you by Chase Sapphire Reserve. Whether I'm booking my next vacation or going to a concert, Chase Sapphire Reserve is my gateway to the world's most captivating destinations. Travel is one of the most precious things in my life, and the memories of each of the experiences live on forever. Chase Sapphire Reserve allows me to travel with ease with a 300 travel credit and access to a curated collection of hotels through the edit. So no matter where I'm walking, travel is more rewarding with Chase Sapphire Reserve. Discover more with Chase sapphire reserve@chase.com Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank N A Member FDIC subject to credit approval terms apply.
- [21:16]
Bernie Leadon
Imagine that you're on an airplane and all of a sudden you hear this. Attention passengers. The pilot is having an emergency and we need someone, anyone, to land this plane. Think you could do it? It turns out that nearly 50% of men think that they could land the plane with the help of air traffic control. And they're saying like, okay, pull this until this, pull that, turn this. It's just I do my eyes closed. I'm Manny. I'm Noah. This is Devin. And on our new show, no Such.
- [21:45]
Various Podcast Hosts
Thing, we get to the bottom of questions like these.
- [21:49]
Bernie Leadon
Join us as we talk to the.
- [21:50]
Various Podcast Hosts
Leading expert on overconfidence.
- [21:52]
Bernie Leadon
Those who lack expertise lack the expertise. Expertise. They need to recognize that they lack expertise. And then as we try the whole.
- [22:01]
Various Podcast Hosts
Thing out for real.
- [22:03]
Bernie Leadon
Wait, what?
- [22:04]
Various Podcast Hosts
Oh, that's the Runway.
- [22:05]
Bernie Leadon
I'm looking at this thing.
- [22:06]
Various Podcast Hosts
See?
- [22:07]
Bernie Leadon
Listen to no Such thing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [22:14]
Various Podcast Hosts
The Super Secret Bestie Club podcast season.
- [22:16]
Bernie Leadon
Four is here and we're locked in.
- [22:19]
Various Podcast Hosts
That means more Juicy Cheeseme Terrible Love advice, evil spouse to cast on your ex.
- [22:25]
Bernie Leadon
No, no, no. We're not doing that this season.
- [22:27]
Various Podcast Hosts
Oh, well, this season we're leveling up.
- [22:29]
Bernie Leadon
Each episode will feature a special bestie, and you're not going to want to miss it.
- [22:33]
Buzz Knight
Get in here.
- [22:35]
Bernie Leadon
Today we have a very special guest with us. Our new super secret bestie is the diva of the people. The diva of the people. I'm just like Texturex. My theory is that if you need to figure out that the stove is hot, go and touch it. Go and figure it out for yourself. Okay, that's us. What the heck? That's us. My name is Curly. And I'm Maya. In each episode, we'll talk about love, friendship, heartbreaks, men, and of course, our favorite secrets.
- [23:04]
Various Podcast Hosts
Listen to the super secret bestie club as a part of the Microtura Podcast network, available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hi, I'm Jenica Lopez, and in the new season of the Overcomer podcast, I'm taking you on an exciting journey of self reflection. Am I ready to enter this new part of my life? Like, am I ready to be in a relationship? Am I ready to have kids and to really just devote myself and my time? I wanted to be successful on my own, not just because of who my mom is. Like, I felt like I needed to be better or work twice as hard as she did. Join me for conversations about healing and growth. Life is freaking hard, and growth doesn't happen in comfort. It happens in motion, even when you're hurting. All from one of my favorite spaces, the kitchen. Honestly, these are going to come out so freaking amazing. Be a part of my new chapter and listen to the new season of the Overcome for podcast as part of the Michael Tura Podcast Network on the I Heart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hola, it's honey German. And my podcast, Gracias. Come Again is back. This season, we're going even deeper into the world of music and entertainment with raw and honest conversations with some of your favorite Latin artists and celebrities. You didn't have to audition.
- [24:23]
Bernie Leadon
No, I didn't audition. I haven't auditioned in, like, over 25 years.
- [24:27]
Various Podcast Hosts
Oh, wow. That's a real G talk right there.
- [24:29]
Bernie Leadon
Oh, yeah.
- [24:30]
Various Podcast Hosts
We've got some of the biggest actors, musicians, content creators, and culture shifters sharing their real stories of failure and success. You were destined to be a star. We talk all about what's viral and trending with a little bit of cheeseme, a lot of laughs, and those amazing vias you've come to expect. And of course we'll explore deeper topics dealing with identity struggles and all the issues affecting our Latin community. You feel like you get a little whitewashed because you have to do the code switching.
- [25:00]
Buzz Knight
I won't say whitewashed cuz at the end of the day, you know, I'm me.
- [25:03]
Various Podcast Hosts
Yeah.
- [25:04]
Buzz Knight
But the whole pretending and co, you know, takes a toll on you.
- [25:07]
Various Podcast Hosts
Listen to the new Season of Grass has come again as part of Michael Tura Podcast Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcast.
- [25:20]
Bernie Leadon
Welcome back to the Taking a Walk podcast.
- [25:23]
Buzz Knight
So you've always had tremendous musical curiosity and diverse tastes. Is there anything new that you've just discovered that you want to share from this curiosity?
- [25:39]
Bernie Leadon
Well, there's a lot of different styles I think on the record and, and I the only criteria it was I was trying to write good songs, you know, so there's. There are a lot of styles I've played and studied and, and so they seem to come out when they're needed based on, you know, what, what the idea for the song is. And sometimes I start a song with a guitar riff and you know, progression. It's kind of like an instrumental almost with a melody and plug words and other times that you know, I've started with words but I just kind of pull something out of my head that fits with it. There's a lot of different styles. You know, the single this out Now Now Too Late to Be Cool. I mean just a little. It's a rocker, kind of stonesy, but there's a couple ballads, you know, and there's an acoustic jazz song on there called Everyone's Quirky with upright bass on it. And just in there's national steel body guitar, you know, kind of acoustic blues. There's a lot of different feels and flavors and you know, vibes. So that's cool. I love that. You know, it's like the central theme is, you know, it's just, it's me doing it and there are songs I wrote and in one side Lark, you know, that's it. That's the only criteria.
- [26:59]
Buzz Knight
Tell me about the song. Too many memories.
- [27:02]
Bernie Leadon
Well, yeah, people seems have all related it to be mostly about the Eagles and that, that's because that's what they know about my life. But I left the Eagles in 1975 and I, you know, I've had a whole full life doing all kinds of things. You know, I have a 45 year old son, I'm happily married now and And I've. Gosh, I. I've done so much traveling to all the places in America and Canada that are in between, all the big cities that the tourists go to. Because when you get to a certain level of touring, you. You go. It's a big circuit around the country. You play all the arenas and. Same hotel, same airport, same venue backstage, and you go, wow, I've. I've been here, you know, 30 times. And so it was great to get out and go to all the places up in New England and, you know, Montana and up in the Yukon Territory, Alaska. I've traveled a lot and done a lot of different things. And so when it says too many memories, I was just. The second verse says, I've lived many lifetimes in a single go. You know, in a single lifetime, I've lived a lot of different places, done a lot of different things, and worn different hats in a way, you know, and so it's not that there are too many memories, but there's things that. It's probably more that. There's still some things that have. That bothered me or that bothers a person. And, you know, we need to. We need to take care of that and clean it up, you know, and so the song. The conclusion of the song is just, finally, just face all the shadows and let it all go, like, melt like fog on the meadow, you know, just let it go. Just let it dissolve. Focus on today, be happy. Don't forget to smile. You know.
- [28:56]
Buzz Knight
I get a sense of real contentment, though, when I listen to the music from, you know, from you.
- [29:03]
Bernie Leadon
Well, that's. That's good. I think that's good. There's enough people that are full of angst and expressing that, and I don't know that the world needs to be encouraged to have more angst. So, you know, I mean, simple things, like, let's enjoy the day, be present here, get out of the past, get out of the future, and, you know, just live today. And don't forget to smile, because it doesn't cost anything.
- [29:28]
Buzz Knight
You'll be playing at Americana Fest in September, which is an amazing event, I'm told. I've never been to Americana Fest. Is this your first time ever attending Americana Fest and playing?
- [29:42]
Bernie Leadon
Of course, yeah, formally. But as the Americana Music association began, it started small, like most things do. It seems like most styles of music now are called Americana if they don't know what else they call it. Lots of styles that were called something else before. Country, rock or whatever, Folk rock, bluegrass. You know, many things are now just Limped in the Americana umbrella. And that's fun. It's probably good for everybody. Yeah. So the Americana Music Association's been part of it, has grown up in Nashville. And so I've been around it and you know, the people involved with it from the beginning. I've not attended it before formally. Like now you buy a pass for the whole week. Used to just be a night or two, but I'm. I'm really looking forward to is kind of home base now, I guess.
- [30:37]
Buzz Knight
And you'll be taking people through not only the new music, but also through your career, won't you?
- [30:43]
Bernie Leadon
Yes. The show is relatively short. It's like less than an hour. A little less than an hour. But yes, I'm going to play at least three Eagle songs and I'm going to do one that I wrote with my brother Tom Leden. And then we Church, Don Henley and Gwen Fry. They completely re rubbed the lyrics except for their opening line. So it's still. It still starts the same as art my brother and my song did. But it's called Hollywood Waltz. And. And what happened after the Eagles record is Buck Owens recorded it. So it's like, how do you get a cut with Buck Owens? You have the Eagles record it first.
- [31:26]
Buzz Knight
Train leaves here this morning.
- [31:27]
Bernie Leadon
Yes.
- [31:28]
Buzz Knight
Will that be something that will. People will get to hear?
- [31:31]
Bernie Leadon
Yeah, but I've just. I've dropped the key one whole step, two half steps from E to D because it's. It's more comfortable down there. I did. I did it every night in the history of Eagles tour and you know, 10 years ago, but that was in the key of E and I decided D D is more relaxed and so it's in D now. And I got a version of Take It Easy that also is in a key that suits my voice. It's like my take on it. So, yeah, those songs for the moment and then later maybe some stuff from Dillard and Park or Flying Burrito Brothers later when I can do a longer show.
- [32:11]
Buzz Knight
You know, what was it like bringing that song train to the Eagles? Because obviously it had its own life before it was a song from the Eagles and you.
- [32:22]
Bernie Leadon
Right. So I was in this group called Dillard and Clark with Doug Dillard, great banjo player, and Gene Clark, who had been really the main writer in the early Birds. And Gene was a brilliant songwriter. He could. He could do what few people can, which is come to rehearsal one day, hear something that wasn't finished, and come back the next day with a complete song. And he could. Sometimes he'd Come back the next day with a couple songs. So anyway, I'm credited with co writing Train. I think all I did was contribute the chords for the B section or the chorus. So when it came to the early Eagles, actually, we weren't writing that much yet. And so the first album, we were all wanting to contribute something, and Don Henley and I wrote Witchy Woman for that album. But I could. I offered Train Reef show this morning for me to sing, and they went, yeah, it's cool. So that's. That's how it happened. But it's probably my favorite song off of that Dylan and Clark album that we had done earlier.
- [33:26]
Buzz Knight
Oh, it's such a great song. What do you think of this revolution that's going on right now in terms of these young guns of bluegrass that are on the scene? And who are some of your favorites of that group that has kind of emerged and brought bluegrass into the mainstream?
- [33:50]
Bernie Leadon
Well, Chris Stapleton, notably, who. Whose transition right out to become basically a superstar. I mean, and Chris Stapleton is such a great singer, but he was the lead singer of a bluegrass group here called the Steel Drivers in town. Billy Strings is like, I guess, the latest phenomenon, and he's a uniquely gifted guitar player, and he's expanding fast. Remarkably good guitar player. So a lot of respect for those guys. I'm not sure I know the names of all the people who are exploring that, mining that vein right now, but bluegrass is a really good training ground for singers, songwriters, players. Obviously, you have to learn to play your instrument really well. And a lot of people, if they keep progressing with their instrument, they go kind of beyond bluegrass and start blending it with other stuff. Jazz. Marco Connor and fiddle did that. Bela fleck on banjo 30 years ago or more. You know, there's. There's a really. It's a really rich vein of. Of American music to explore, and you can cross pollinate it with whatever you want, you know, so school.
- [35:06]
Buzz Knight
Bernie, I'm so grateful that you took the time to be on Taking a Walk, and I'm so grateful for the music that you continue to give us that makes us feel so special and so great. And it's just amazing and an honor to be with you.
- [35:23]
Bernie Leadon
Those are very kind words, guys. It's been a pleasure to be with you too. Thanks for listening to this episode of the Taking a Walk podcast. Share this and other episodes with your friends and follow us so you never miss an episode. Taking a Walk is available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.
- [35:46]
Buzz Knight
This episode of Taking a Walk is brought to you by Chase Sapphire Reserve. Whether I'm booking my next vacation or going to a concert, Chase Sapphire Reserve is my gateway to the world's most captivating destinations. When I use my Chase Sapphire Reserve card, I get eight times points on all the purchases I make through Chase Travel and even access to one of a kind experiences like music festivals and sports events. And that's not even mentioning how the card gets me into the Sapphire Lounge by the club at select airports nationwide. No matter where I'm walking, travel is more rewarding with Chase Sapphire Reserve. Discover more@chase.com Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank NA member FDIC subject to credit approval terms apply.
- [36:40]
Various Podcast Hosts
Hi, it's Honey German and I'm back with season two of my podcast, Gracias. Come again. We got you. When it comes to the latest in music and entertainment with interviews with some of your favorite Latin artists and celebrities. You didn't have to audition.
- [36:53]
Bernie Leadon
No, I didn't audition. I haven't auditioned like over 25 years.
- [36:57]
Various Podcast Hosts
Oh wow. That's a real G talk right there.
- [36:59]
Bernie Leadon
Oh yeah.
- [37:00]
Various Podcast Hosts
We'll talk about all that's viral and trending with a little bit of Cheeseman and a whole lot of laughs. And of course, the great biblas you've come to expect. Listen to the new season of Gracias. Come Again on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast. The Super Secret Bestie Club podcast. Season four is here and we're locked in. That means more juicy cheesem terrible love advice evil spells to cast on your ex.
- [37:29]
Bernie Leadon
No, we're not doing that this season.
- [37:31]
Various Podcast Hosts
Oh well, this season we're leveling up.
- [37:33]
Bernie Leadon
Each episode will feature a special bestie and you're not going to want to miss it. My name is Curly. And I'm Maya.
- [37:39]
Buzz Knight
Get in here.
- [37:41]
Various Podcast Hosts
Listen to the Super Secret Bestie Club on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Everyone thinks they'd never join a cult, but it happens all the time to people just like you and people just like us. I'm Lola Blanc. And I'm Megan Elizabeth. We're the hosts of Trust Me, a podcast about cults, manipulation and the psychology of belief. Each week we talk to fellow survivors, former believers and experts to understand why people get pulled in and how they get out. Trust me. New episodes every Wednesday on Exactly right. Listen. Wherever you get your podcasts.
- [38:18]
Bernie Leadon
Let'S start with a quick puzzle. The answer is Ken Jennings appearance on the puzzler with A.J. jacobs. The question is, what is the most entertaining listening experience in podcast land? Jeopardy Truthers believe in? I guess they would be conspiracy theorists. That's right. They give you the answers and you still blew it. The Puzzler listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [38:49]
Various Podcast Hosts
This is an iHeart podcast.