The Co-Writer Behind One Of Rock's Most Iconic Songs Was Born 79 Years Ago Today

Some people stay static, while others soar. The latter can be said about iconic rock band the Eagles, as well as their lead guitarist, Don Felder. One of the main architects of "Hotel California," Felder was born 79 years ago on September 21, 1947. In the 1970s, the Eagles dominated with ease, and Felder's guitar-slinging turned out to be a major part of the group's success. 

Known as "Fingers," his journey to rock 'n' roll legend was built on a foundation of persistence and dedication to his craft. Even before the Eagles took flight, Felder established himself as an in-demand and talented guitar player and teacher in Gainesville, Florida. In fact, he taught Tom Petty, who would go on to write his own story in the almanacs of rock through Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Mudcrutch.

Undoubtedly, Felder's career remains intrinsically linked with the Eagles, and they remain one of the most important rock bands of the 1970s. What Felder and Co. achieved with the irresistible "Hotel California," though, will remain a highlight in music history, because that's a song that transcends time, space, and genre. It's an undisputed classic that's instantly identifiable from its opening chords and immortalized by its solo.

Released in 1977 as a single off the LP of the same name – one of the best rock albums of 1976 –  "Hotel California" is credited to the trio of Don Felder, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey. The track hit the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 19 weeks on the chart, but its influence extends far beyond that period. It's an iconic, timeless number, with Rolling Stone voting it the 49th best song of all time in 2003.

If it weren't for Don Felder, though, this track would have never existed. Speaking to Music Recall Magazine in 2015, he explained how the inspiration for it arrived seemingly out of the blue (and not in a Californian hotel). "At the time when it came to me, I had no idea that it would become a hit," Felder said. "I was just sitting on a couch in this rented beach house with cutoffs and a t-shirt just sitting there playing guitar like I did every day. And out came this little progression. And I played it three or four times and said, 'I have to go record this before I forget it.'"

Fortunately, Felder did so, then shared the tape with his Eagles bandmates. According to Felder, singer Don Henley clicked with the track, and they explored the song further in recording sessions. Decades later, "Hotel California" still stands the test of time as an all-timer and remains among Felder's most cherished work.