Bernie Leadon, the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist best known as a founding member of the Eagles, was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on 19 July 1947 — 79 years ago today. Before helping form one of the best-selling bands in history, he built his reputation through a string of influential country-rock groups, and his bluegrass and country background helped shape the Eagles' early sound. His story matters as a reminder of the deep country-rock roots underpinning one of rock's most commercially successful acts.

Leadon moved to San Diego aged ten and played alongside future Byrds bassist Chris Hillman before joining Hearts and Flowers, Dillard & Clark, and later the Flying Burrito Brothers at Hillman's invitation in 1969. In 1971 he co-founded the Eagles with Glenn Frey, Don Henley and Randy Meisner, and later suggested recruiting Don Felder, before leaving in 1975 after touring One of These Nights, saying bandmates rejected his call for time off rather than any dispute over the group's harder rock direction. He went on to release solo albums, including Too Late to Be Cool in 2025, and worked as a prolific session musician for artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and Kenny Rogers.