The Eagles And The Hour-Long Vocal Warmup They Made Mandatory In ‘79

April 3, 2025

In the fall of 1979, the Eagles were at the pinnacle of their success. With hit songs like “Hotel California” and “Take It Easy,” they were not just a band; they were a musical phenomenon. But behind the glimmering lights and roaring crowds, the members of the Eagles faced a significant challenge that would change their approach to music forever. They realized that delivering their best performances didn’t just rely on the melodies and lyrics; it required the strength of their voices. That’s when they decided to make an hour-long vocal warmup mandatory before every concert.

At first, the band members were skeptical. An hour of vocal exercises felt like an eternity when they could be jamming or fine-tuning their setlist. Don Henley, the passionate drummer and lead vocalist, voiced his concerns. “We’re a rock band, not a choir!” he would often joke, but deep down, he knew they needed to push themselves further to maintain their soaring sound. But as the first weeks progressed, they began to appreciate the importance of the warmup. They could hear the difference; their harmonies were sharper, the high notes effortless, and their voices as powerful as ever.

As the band moved through those warmups, they found a deeper connection not just with their music, but with each other. The exercises were often filled with laughter, and they shared anecdotes about their early days struggling to make it big. They would joke about how they used to argue over whose turn it was to sing a solo or who had the best riffs. That hour became a time of camaraderie and renewed purpose. It wasn’t just about the warmups; it was about the bonds they forged and the commitment they had to their craft.

One night in 1980, after several months of dedication to this routine, the Eagles performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. As they stepped onto the stage, the energy was palpable. The audience was buzzing with excitement. They played their hearts out, and for the first time, each member felt invincible. The hour of vocal warmups had transformed not just their voices but their entire presence on stage. The crowd erupted in cheers, and at that moment, they realized that the hard work had paid off in more ways than they could have imagined.

Looking back on that pivotal decision, the Eagles recognized that embracing the hour-long warmup had made them not only better musicians but also stronger as individuals. They learned that resilience comes from dedication, and true passion requires effort. This newfound appreciation for their craft carried into their music, which resonated with fans around the world. The Eagles went on to create timeless albums that would inspire generations to come.

In the years that followed, the Eagles would often reminisce about that time. The hour-long vocal warmup became a symbol of their journey, a reminder that success is not just about talent, but about hard work, teamwork, and the willingness to grow. Every time they took the stage, they carried with them the lessons learned during those early morning practices. With every note sung and every chord struck, their passion for music shone through, inspiring all who heard them to chase their dreams with the same fervor.