Interview: Bernie Leadon - Eagles Co-Founder Talks Country-Rock History, New Album, Flying Burrito Brothers, Dillard & Clark + More

In this episode of the LEGENDS: Podcast by All Day Vinyl, host Scott Dudelson sits down with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer inductee and Eagles co-founder Bernie Leadon for a rare conversation about his experience laying the ground-work for the country rock genre and his first solo album in over 20 years, Too Late to Be Cool, produced by the legendary Glyn Johns. Bernie opens up about how rejoining the Eagles on tour reignited his creativity, the years he spent building his own home studio, and the disciplined songwriting routine that led to this long-awaited record.

In this episode we also go deep into Bernie’s formative years — from San Diego and Gainesville to Los Angeles — with a focus on exploring his time in Hearts and Flowers, Dillard & Clark, and the Flying Burrito Brothers. Along the way, Bernie recalls collaborations with Gene Clark, Chris Hillman, and Gram Parsons that helped lay the foundation for country rock. He also shares the story behind re-using a 45-year-old Henry Diltz photo for the album cover and why working again with Glyn Johns felt like coming full circle.

The episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories: wild nights at the Troubadour, the Dillard & Clark's infamous onstage meltdown, the formation and early days with The Eagles and how Bernie’s own songs ultimately became Eagles classics. He reflects on the meaning behind “Too Many Memories,” the influential people who shaped his path, and why — after decades in music — he has no regrets.

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