Rock Me on the Water: 1974—The Year Los Angeles Transformed Movies, Music, Television and Politics

by Ronald Brownstein

But compared to Browne, who felt little but gratitude, the Eagles were much more ambivalent and divided about Geffen. Frey was probably closer to Browne in his overall attitude toward him, but Henley was deeply suspicious of Geffen’s dual role as manager (even if he had retreated behind the scenes) and record label owner. The difference reflected the contrasting way Frey and Henley approached the world. Browne was one of many friends who likened them to Oscar and Felix on television’s The Odd Couple.69 Frey was messy; Henley, neat. Frey was gregarious, Henley most comfortable alone. Their personalities matched their voices. Frey’s was smooth, seductive, enveloping; Henley’s was more abrasive, rough-edged, skeptical. “Glenn was much more happy-go-lucky, and Don is focused,” remembered John Boylan.70 And yet, like many great songwriting teams, the two balanced each other. Frey, at that point, was the unquestioned leader of the band, but as songwriters, he and Henley functioned as a genuine partnership. “They were a great team, in a weird way,” said Ronstadt. “Don is kind of a fussbudget, and Glenn was a street fighter. And the dynamic was pretty good there for creativity for a long time. They had their ups and downs, but there was a lot of respect.”