‘Catch of the Day’ – Eagles – “Hotel California” 40th Anniversary Re-Release [VIDEO]

Today we go outside our normal box for our spotlight feature. While its a song you have heard many times, its a previously unreleased live version that holds a very special place for me personally.

The Eagles were arguably the most popular group of the 70's and early 80's. Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) album is one of just five album in US history to be certified Triple Diamond, for sales of more than 30 million copies in the US and more than 42 million world wide; their Greatest Hits, Vol.2 has sold more than 11 million units in the US, while their legendary 1976 album Hotel California, sold more than 16 million copies.

Formed in 1971 in Los Angeles, when members Glenn Frey, Don Henley and Randy Meisner were hired to be a part of Linda Ronstadt's tour band, The Stone Poneys. But soon into rehearsals for the singers Silk Purse tour,

Henley & Frey decided to form their own band. They informed Ronstadt of their decision, and instead of being upset, she suggested a fourth member for the group, guitarist Bernie Leadon.

They were almost immediately singed by upstart label Asylum records, and after all the legals were worked out, sent to Aspen, Colorado to "become a band". They performed their first show before ever deciding on a band name, appearing in October of 1971 as Teen King and the Emergencies at an Aspen club. According to legend, the name 'the Eagles' came after a "tequila and peyote induced group outing" in the Mojave, though Frey would later deny the legend.

Influenced by acts like Jackson Browne, the Flying Burrito Brothers (of which Leadon was a member) and J.D. Souther, the Eagles invented a new sound in

the early 70's. A Southern Rock meets California surfer vibe emerged than many tried, but few were successful, in emulating. Many argued they were rock, many that they were country. The truth is they both...and they were neither. Simply, they were the Eagles, changing music as we new it.

The remaining group, which now includes tour members Deacon Frey (Glenn's son) and Vince Gill (if any performer was intended to BE an Eagle, it is Gill), is touring once again, after taking time off after the death of Frey. In celebration of the 40th anniversary their legendary Hotel California album, the group has released an archived live performance of the album's title track, recorded at the Los Angeles Forum in June of 1977. This has a special personal meaning to me, as that June '77 concert was my very first concert.

We have that special release in our spotlight today, brought to you by All American Super Car Wash of Lawton. "Hotel California" live, 4oth Anniversary Edition, the Catch of the Day, classic music you have heard, but you don't mind hearing it again.

Text today’s key word to 580 353-1013, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card from All American Super Car Wash of Lawton, presenting the Catch of the Day on Oklahoma’s Best Country KLAW101.

Today’s Key Word: “LIVE”