Who plays the banjo on the Eagles’ 1972 song ‘Take It Easy’?
Bernie Leadon played the banjo on the Eagles’ 1972 single ‘Take It Easy’, adding a subtle bluegrass flourish beneath the acoustic guitar and lead parts. The detail matters because the part helped give the band’s debut single a distinctive sound as it introduced their blend of country folk and soft rock.
The song began with Jackson Browne, who had written its opening lines, and Glenn Frey helped complete and arrange it. At producer Glyn Johns’ suggestion, Leadon added the banjo overdubs, despite the band initially thinking the idea was unusual. ‘Take It Easy’ reached number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
In short
- Bernie Leadon played the banjo on ‘Take It Easy’.
- Producer Glyn Johns suggested adding the banjo part.
- The 1972 single peaked at number 12 in the US.
Explained simply
The Eagles were an American band formed in Los Angeles in 1971, known for combining country influences with rock and folk. Their first single, “Take It Easy”, appeared in 1972 and helped introduce that sound to listeners.
Jackson Browne began writing the song, and Eagles member Glenn Frey helped finish and arrange it. Bernie Leadon, another founding member, played banjo on the recording; producer Glyn Johns suggested adding the part. The song reached number 12 on the US singles chart.