Don Felder, the renowned musician and former Eagles member, reflects on his early influences and the pivotal moments that shaped his musical journey. In this insightful interview, Felder delves into his encounters with iconic figures like Duane Allman, Stephen Stills, and Bernie Leadon, each of whom left an indelible mark on his career and artistic expression. From the raw, melodic slide guitar techniques of Duane Allman to the charismatic stage presence of Stephen Stills, Felder's musical evolution was profoundly shaped by these collaborations and friendships.
One of the most memorable moments in Felder's early career was his interaction with Duane Allman. He recalls, "Duane picked up a slide; he was sitting on the floor playing slide with this Coricidin bottle. I said, 'How do you do that?'" This encounter not only introduced Felder to a new technique but also inspired him to explore the raw and expressive nature of slide guitar, which he describes as "a lot nastier than fretted guitar." Felder's admiration for Allman's mastery of the instrument is evident, as he notes, "He took it to a whole other level of it being melodic, where you could copy or repeat parts — it wasn't just somebody playing a million notes." This interaction underscores the transformative power of mentorship and the importance of learning from those who are light years ahead of you.
Felder's friendship with Bernie Leadon also played a crucial role in his musical development. He shares, "Bernie had a beautiful Martin guitar and he had his banjo back there, too. So he comes into my house and my bedroom and sits down and just plays all this amazing flatpicking stuff." Leadon's influence extended beyond the studio, as he encouraged Felder to "move to California," where the music business was more vibrant. Felder's decision to follow Leadon's advice marked a turning point in his career, leading him to explore new musical horizons and collaborate with diverse artists.
The interview also touches on Felder's collaborations with Stephen Stills, which inspired him to pursue music as a full-time career. He recalls, "Stephen was never a shredder, but he had great charisma, and his voice was great." Stills' influence on Felder was profound, as he recalls, "Hell, if he can do it, I can do it." This sentiment reflects the power of role models and the importance of believing in one's own abilities.
In conclusion, Felder's reflections on his early influences offer a window into the transformative power of mentorship and the importance of learning from those who are light years ahead of you. His collaborations with Duane Allman, Stephen Stills, and Bernie Leadon not only shaped his musical style but also inspired him to explore new artistic horizons. Felder's journey is a testament to the enduring impact of early influences and the power of mentorship in shaping one's career and artistic expression.
