Glenn Frey on the Unsung Country Rock Pioneers He Wanted to Model the Eagles After and the Classic Hit They Helped Inspire

Glenn Frey said Poco were the country-rock band he most admired and the group he initially wanted the Eagles to model themselves on. He aimed for the Eagles to build on Poco’s example while avoiding what he saw as the loss of momentum experienced by Poco and the Flying Burrito Brothers.

Frey said the Eagles’ 1972 hit “Peaceful Easy Feeling” most reflected Poco’s influence, though years of live performances changed the song. He praised its cheerful country-rock sound and bittersweet edge. Songwriter Jack Tempchin said he had not intended it as a love song, describing its outlook as accepting loss and being open to what comes next.