When people talk about The Eagles, country music often comes up in the conversation. And honestly, it makes sense. If you listen closely to songs like “Desperado” or “Already Gone,” you can hear strong country influences right away. The storytelling, the melodies, and even the guitar work feel deeply connected to American roots music. The band was never very far from country — it was always part of their sound.
A big reason for this was Bernie Leadon, the band’s lead guitarist in the early days. His background in country and bluegrass helped shape the Eagles’ early style. His smooth bends and acoustic textures gave the band a warm, rural feel that stood out from other rock groups of the time. Because of this, many listeners quickly labeled The Eagles as a country band.
However, Don Henley was never completely comfortable with that label. While he respected country music deeply, he didn’t want the band to be boxed into a single genre. The Eagles listened to many different styles — rock, folk, rhythm and blues, and even pop. Albums like One of These Nights and The Long Run showed that the band was willing to explore new sounds and move beyond simple country-rock.
Henley often spoke about how American music as a whole influenced his songwriting. As a kid, seeing The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show opened his eyes to what music could be. But instead of copying British rock, Henley focused on telling stories that reflected American life. His lyrics often explored the beauty and the darker sides of the American Dream — success, loneliness, ambition, and loss. That storytelling approach connects him closely to country music, even when the sound itself leans more toward rock.
Later in his career, Henley openly returned to his roots with his solo album Cass County. The album was inspired by the music he grew up hearing and featured traditional instruments and classic country sounds. It felt personal, reflective, and deeply connected to American history. Rather than chasing trends, Henley chose to honor the music that shaped him.
One of the most meaningful moments on the album came with the song “When I Stop Dreaming.” For this track, Henley invited Dolly Parton to sing with him. Even though Henley himself had become a legend by that point, he spoke about Parton with deep respect. To him, she represented authenticity, tradition, and emotional truth in music.
Henley once described Dolly Parton as a national treasure, praising how her voice carries generations of culture and history. Though small in stature, her voice feels powerful and timeless — like it tells the story of an entire region and its people. That kind of honesty is something Henley always admired and tried to capture in his own songwriting.
While Henley and Parton come from different musical worlds, their paths aren’t that different. Songs like “Desperado” and “Jolene” both tell human stories filled with emotion, struggle, and hope. They may use different sounds, but they come from the same place — the heart of American music.
In the end, whether you’re listening to The Eagles or Dolly Parton, you’re hearing music that reflects real lives, real emotions, and real stories. And that’s what makes it timeless.