The Eagles will perform during this fall’s Country Music Association Awards for the first time, a nod to the success of their new single, “How Long,” on country radio. The song is from the group’s first new studio album in 28 years, “Long Road out of Eden,” which will be released next month. The single is No. 26 and rising on the Billboard country chart.
“From the early ’70s this group has defined country rock, and more than three decades later they are still creating music that resonates with our audience,” said CMA chief operating officer Tammy Genovese.
The 41st annual awards show airs Nov. 7 from Nashville on ABC. Other artists scheduled to perform include George Strait, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn, Keith Urban, Martina McBride and Carrie Underwood.
The Eagles share a long kinship with the country music industry.
Their 1975 hit “Lyin’ Eyes” reached No. 8 on the country charts, and singer Don Henley was nominated for a CMA award in 1992 for his duet with Trisha Yearwood, “Walkaway Joe.” The 1994 tribute album, “Common Thread: The Songs of The Eagles,” won CMA album of the year.
The Eagles’ new single, which was originally written and recorded by J.D. Souther in the early ’70s, fits nicely alongside their country-flavored hits like “Take It Easy” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling.”
The 20-track album “Long Road Out of Eden” will be released exclusively through Wal-Mart stores on Oct. 30.
The Eagles – Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit – have sold more than 120 million albums worldwide, earning five No. 1 U.S. singles and four Grammy Awards. Their “Greatest Hits 1971-1975” is the best-selling album of all time, exceeding sales of 29 million units.
