On this day in music history: March 1, 1975 - “Best Of My Love” by the Eagles hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 1 week, also topping the Adult Contemporary chart for 1 week on February 1, 1975. Written by Don Henley, Glenn Frey and J.D. Souther, it is the first chart topping single for the rock band from Los Angeles, CA. Following the muted commercial response to their second album “Desperado”, the Eagles begin to move away from their earlier country influenced sound, more towards rock and pop. The initial idea for “Best Of My Love” comes from Glenn Frey while listening to a record by singer and songwriter Fred Neil (“Everybody’s Talkin’”), and working out an alternate guitar tuning shown to him by neighbor and label mate Joni Mitchell. Frey sits down with Don Henley and former Longbranch Pennywhistle band mate and roommate J.D. Souther to hammer out the rest of the song. Working once again with producer Glyn Johns at Olympic Studios in London, the change in musical direction causes tension with Johns who believes that it doesn’t suit them. The band especially leaders Glenn Frey and Don Henley disagree, feeling that Johns is too controlling, and does not give them adequate say during the recording process. Eventually, Glyn Johns quits midway through the sessions after “Love” and “You Never Cry Like A Lover” are completed, and is replaced by Bill Szymczyk, best known for his work with B.B. King, The James Gang and Joe Walsh. Entering the Hot 100 at #83 on November 30, 1974, it climbs to the top of the chart thirteen weeks later. “Best Of My Love” is covered by British musician John Lees and by country singer Tanya Tucker who release their versions before the Eagles releases their version as a single near the end of 1974. The chart topping success of “Best Of My Love” sends “On The Border” into the Top 20 on the Billboard Top 200, and to double Platinum status in the US.











