How The Eagles Discovered a Hit Song in Their Mailbox

In a 2003 interview, Glenn Frey reminisced about receiving a tape from songwriter Jack Tempchin, containing “Already Gone.” At the time, Frey was living in a house in Coldwater Canyon, which was once owned by the brother of Hollywood actor James Cagney. The house held nostalgic value for Frey, as it had been a gathering spot for musicians and creatives over the years. Frey recalled how Tempchin, a San Diego-based songwriter already known for penning “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” sent the song on tape. Though the delivery was unconventional, it marked the start of a new chapter for the band, as “Already Gone” became one of the first tracks recorded with a new producer in Los Angeles.

“Already Gone” didn’t achieve the same enduring radio fame as hits like “Take It Easy” or “Hotel California,” but it was a defining track for The Eagles. The song appeared on their album *On the Border*, a project that diverged from their softer earlier albums, *Eagles* and *Desperado*. By incorporating hard rock elements, the band began to showcase a bolder sound, hinting at their versatility. This track marked the beginning of The Eagles’ venture into a wider range of genres, which they continued exploring with later hits that blended elements of disco, Mexican music, and garage rock. Their stylistic evolution added a new dimension to their identity and solidified their place in rock history.

The response to *On the Border* took the band by surprise. “Already Gone” itself peaked at No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100, remaining on the chart for an impressive 15 weeks, despite not breaking into the top 20. The album reached No. 17 on the Billboard 200 and stayed on the chart for 87 weeks. It also spawned two additional singles, with “James Dean” peaking at No. 77 and “The Best of My Love” becoming The Eagles’ first No. 1 hit. Remarkably, “The Best of My Love” achieved this milestone as the third single from the album, an uncommon feat in the music industry.

“Already Gone” is remembered not only for its sound but for the unusual way it found its way to the band. This unexpected arrival marked a transformative moment for The Eagles, fueling their creative evolution and leaving a lasting mark on their discography.