Which Eagles member was previously in the band The James Gang?

Joe Walsh was the Eagles member who had previously been in the James Gang. He joined the James Gang in 1968, replacing guitarist Glenn Schwartz, and remained with the Ohio power trio until 1972.

Walsh became the James Gang's best-known guitarist during its classic period. The group released albums including 'Yer' Album,' 'James Gang Rides Again,' and 'Thirds,' and scored enduring rock favorites such as 'Funk 49' and 'Walk Away.' His aggressive guitar style and songwriting helped make the band an important early album-rock act.

After leaving the James Gang, Walsh formed Barnstorm and also built a successful solo career. His work on albums such as 'The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get' and 'So What' established him as a major rock musician before he joined the Eagles in 1975.

Walsh replaced founding Eagles member Bernie Leadon. His first Eagles studio album was 'Hotel California,' released in 1976, where his guitar partnership with Don Felder became central to the title track's famous instrumental ending. The James Gang connection therefore predates Walsh's best-known Eagles work by several years.