Bernie Leadon Article Index for
Bernie
Website Links For
Bernie
 

Information About

Bernie Leadon




Leadon cut his teeth with various Southern California Bluegrass and Country Rock groups in the 1960s , such as The Scottsville Squirrel Barkers (with future Byrd Chris Hillman ), Hearts & Flowers, Dillard & Clark, and The Flying Burrito Brothers in the 1960s , featuring his work on Banjo and Mandolin , as well as Guitar .

Introduced, and attracted, to the songwriting, singing and instrumental skills of Glenn Frey , Don Henley and Randy Meisner while all were members of a backing band in the employ of Linda Ronstadt , the quartet tendered their resignation ''en masse'' and formed their own group, dubbing themselves " The Eagles " as a nod to seminal Folk Rockers The Byrds in 1971 . Leadon used his boyhood choir training to arrange intricate Harmony vocals on the Eagles' first few albums, and displayed his considerable multi-instrumental skills to great effect. He also wrote or co-wrote several songs, including the band's second hit, "Witchy Woman."

After indulging in the rock-star life for a few years, and while caught up in a relationship with then- Governor Ronald Reagan 's daughter Patti Davis , Leadon left the band amid much acrimony in 1975 , reportedly announcing his resignation by pouring a Beer over Frey's head.

Since that time Leadon has played with numerous other Country and Bluegrass artists, including a stint with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band . Leadon is also known as a Surfing enthusiast.

EXTERNAL LINKS