Introduction:
Everybody knows The Eagles’ timeless 1972 hit, “Take It Easy.” Written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey, it became the band’s debut single and one of the most recognizable songs in rock history. The laid-back anthem, with its smooth harmonies and road-trip vibe, helped launch The Eagles into superstardom and defined an entire generation of American rock music.
But what many people don’t realize is that the song also played a surprising role in one of the most unlikely band reunions in music history — and the man responsible wasn’t a rocker at all, but a ’90s country superstar: Travis Tritt.
In 1993, country music and classic rock collided on *Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles*, a star-studded tribute album featuring some of Nashville’s biggest names covering Eagles classics. Travis Tritt recorded his version of “Take It Easy,” staying true to the spirit of the original while adding his signature Southern swagger. The song became a hit in its own right, but it was the accompanying music video that made history.
At the time, The Eagles had been broken up for over 13 years. Internal feuds, particularly between guitarist Don Felder and Glenn Frey, had torn the band apart. Their breakup followed years of tension during the making of *The Long Run* (1979) and a now-infamous blowup at a benefit concert for Senator Alan Cranston in 1980. According to Frey, the two were so angry that they nearly came to blows right after performing “Best of My Love.” That show would be the last time The Eagles performed together — until Travis Tritt came along.
When Tritt recorded “Take It Easy” for the tribute album, he had a bold idea: to feature The Eagles themselves in his music video. Despite their fractured history, he reached out to them and asked if they’d appear together one more time. To everyone’s surprise — including Tritt’s — they agreed.
The result was a simple, heartwarming video showing Tritt and The Eagles hanging out, shooting pool, laughing, and jamming like old friends. But beneath the easygoing scenes was something far more powerful — it marked the first time The Eagles had been in the same room together in over a decade.
In the *History of the Eagles* documentary, Glenn Frey later reflected on how that day changed everything:
“After years passed, you remember that you were friends first. You have a lot of shared history and good memories. I just remembered how much fun we’d had.”
That moment of reconnection sparked a true reunion. The following year, The Eagles officially re-formed and released *Hell Freezes Over* — a live album and tour that reignited their legendary career and introduced their music to a new generation. Today, with Vince Gill and Deacon Frey carrying the torch, The Eagles continue to perform around the world.
It’s hard to believe that a long-haired country boy from Georgia played such a pivotal role in rock history. But thanks to Travis Tritt and his love for “Take It Easy,” The Eagles found their way back to each other — and to the fans who never stopped singing along.