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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.
In short
- “Heartache Tonight” was the Eagles’ fifth and final US number one.
- Bob Seger contributed the song’s chorus.
- The track earned a Grammy and Platinum certification.
Explained simply
The Eagles were an American rock band whose most successful period came in the 1970s. Glenn Frey and Don Henley were central members and frequent songwriting partners, while JD Souther, a friend and former roommate of Frey, also co-wrote songs with the band.
Bob Seger was an established rock singer and songwriter, and a long-time friend of Frey. The song brought these musicians’ work together and became the Eagles’ fifth US number one single; it also won a Grammy and was certified Platinum, reflecting its commercial reach.