Midnight Flyer by Eagles

Album: On the Border (1974)

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Songfacts®:

By the time they came to record On the Border, the Eagles had been saddled with the tag of "Country Rock," but Don Henley and Glenn Frey wanted the band to move towards more of a hard rock sound. However, they were still happy to record this bluegrassy tune penned by country singer-songwriter Paul Craft who'd also had songs cut by Mark Chesnutt ("Brother Jukebox"), Ray Stevens (It's Me Again, Margaret") and Linda Ronstadt ("Keep Me From Blowing Away"). Henley later explained why in the liner notes for The Very Best Of The Eagles compilation: "I was happy to do something in that vein, because I was a big bluegrass fan. The Dillards, in particular, had an enormous impact on me. Along with Doug Dillard and Herb Pedersen, Bernie Leadon was one of the top banjo players in the country, so I was proud to do a bluegrass tune - thought it lent a certain amount of authenticity and credibility to our band. It showed versatility."
Apart from the aforementioned banjo contribution by Bernie Leadon, the track also features slide guitar by Glenn Frey with Randy Meisner handling the lead vocals.

Comments: 6

Dan from PhiladelphiaGreat underrated song . It’s a crime that Randy Meisner didn’t sing more songs. He was the best voice in the group
Randy.jones from Nash.tnI saw this song in concert in 73. It was awesome live..randy Meisner is a awesome singer..midnite flyer and take it.to limit.mthebest...banjo Bernie was a great player..74 eagles are the best eagles band ever..I saw em..nothing..compares.to meisner and Bernie and glenn..rj
David Harvey from AustraliaRandy Meisner does a very good job singing the lead vocals and playing bass, Bernie Leadon's banjo playing is phenomenal, Glenn Frey's slide guitar solos are out of sight and Don Henley's drumming is solid and reliable. The backing vocals by Bernie, Glenn and Don are also well-performed.

An acoustic guitar is audible on the song, likely played by Glenn Frey on the basic track, and Don Felder didn't play on this. He only played electric guitar on "Already Gone" and slide guitar on "Good Day in Hell" as a session musician near the very end of the sessions and pretty much joined the band the next day, hence his late arrival credit.
Andyinoregon from Troutdale, OregonAlways loved how this song shifts from a gorgeous bluegrass vocal performance to a rock and roll instrumental steel-cage death match, with Glenn Frey's slide guitar chops on full display.
KathyLove anything Randy Meisner sings. Banjo and slide guitar are great in this song.
Jennifur Sun from RamonaStill my fav Eagles tune.

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