In 1971, JD Souther rejected the Eagles. 10 years later, they sold 50,000,000 records, and he was proved right

JD Souther turned down a chance to join the Eagles as they were forming, believing the band already had enough singers and acoustic guitarists and that he would not add much. His choice reflected a preference for writing songs on his own terms, rather than pursuing a career as a band member.

Souther had co-written songs with Glenn Frey before Frey and Don Henley began building the Eagles around musicians they had met through Linda Ronstadt. The article says the group went on to sell 50 million records in the decade after Souther declined; he later pursued solo work and continued collaborating with Frey.