Don Felder, the guitarist known for his work with the Eagles, often finds himself overshadowed by the band's frontmen, Don Henley and Glenn Frey. While these two were undoubtedly the driving forces behind the band's success, Felder's contributions were crucial to the creation of some of their most iconic tracks. Without his distinctive guitar riffs and creative songwriting, classics like 'One of These Nights,' the impressive solo in 'Already Gone,' and the foundational elements of 'Hotel California' might never have come to fruition. Felder has openly acknowledged that he didn't always write the most innovative music, yet his talent is undeniable.
It’s important to recognize that Felder wasn’t just a random guitarist trying to make a name for himself in the rock world; he was incredibly skilled. Before joining the Eagles, he immersed himself in the intricacies of guitar playing, absorbing influences from every corner of the genre. His experience included giving guitar lessons to legends such as Tom Petty, indicating that he had a wealth of knowledge and technique at his disposal by the time he entered the limelight.
When you listen to Felder playing alongside Joe Walsh, you can hear the chemistry between them. While Walsh often brought a playful energy to their performances, the interplay during songs like 'Hotel California' resembles a friendly competition, with each guitarist striving to outshine the other with their solos. Their exceptional skills are a testament to the rich heritage of American rock and roll that shaped their sound.
Both Felder and Walsh would readily credit Jimi Hendrix as a major influence on their development as musicians. However, an essential piece of musical history often overlooked, especially in discussions about Southern rock, is the profound impact of The Allman Brothers Band. For many musicians raised in the southern United States, The Allman Brothers took Hendrix's groundbreaking guitar work and infused it with a distinct Southern flair.
Despite being labeled as 'Southern Rock,' the music of The Allman Brothers goes beyond this simplistic categorization. Their live album, At Fillmore East, features elements that lean more towards fusion jazz, particularly evident in the complex rhythms and time signatures of tracks like 'Whipping Post.' Duane Allman's guitar playing captivated Felder, who, although he had established his own unique style, admitted that his approach to slide guitar was heavily influenced by Allman. He stated, "I like to say I stole most everything I know about slide guitar from Duane. If you’re going to steal, steal from the best. I was always so impressed with what a great slide player he was. Although if you listen to me playing slide guitar and you listen to Duane, we don’t sound like the same guy."
Realistically, few guitarists could replicate the magic of Duane Allman’s slide work. Even Eric Clapton recognized Allman’s extraordinary talent during their collaboration in Derek and the Dominos. Tragically, Allman's life was cut short due to a motorcycle accident, leaving many to wonder what more he could have contributed to music had he lived longer.
While Felder's slide guitar work doesn't directly emulate Duane's style, it’s clear that he pays homage to the late legend in his own way. Although some may still categorize his music as Southern Rock without understanding its depth, those who delve deeper will find that Duane Allman played a pivotal role in the evolution of rock guitar, standing alongside giants like Eddie Van Halen and Jimi Hendrix.
