On This Day in 1979, the Eagles Scored Their Final No. 1 Hit with a Song Co-Written by Glenn Frey’s Former Roommate and a Classic Rock Legend

The Eagles’ “Heartache Tonight” reached number one on the US Hot 100 on 10 November 1979, becoming the band’s fifth and final chart-topping single. The song’s success marked a major moment in the group’s career, and it later won a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

Glenn Frey and Don Henley co-wrote the track with JD Souther and Bob Seger, both long-time friends of Frey. Souther and Frey developed much of the lyrics while listening to Sam Cooke, but struggled to find a chorus; Seger supplied one after hearing the verses over the phone. The single was certified Platinum by the RIAA.