Which founding Eagles guitarist co-wrote "Witchy Woman"?

Bernie Leadon co-wrote “Witchy Woman,” the Eagles song that helped establish the band in 1972.

Leadon began writing the song while he was still associated with the Flying Burrito Brothers. After joining the Eagles, he and Don Henley completed it together. Henley supplied much of the lyric and vocal perspective, while Leadon’s minor-key guitar idea helped give the track its eerie, cinematic character.

The song appeared on the Eagles’ self-titled debut album and was released as the band’s second single on August 1, 1972. It reached No. 9 on the Billboard pop chart. Leadon also played rhythm guitar and contributed backing vocals on the recording.

A common mix-up is crediting Glenn Frey because he was one of the Eagles’ principal songwriters and singers. Joe Walsh and Don Felder joined the band later, so neither was involved in writing this early recording. “Witchy Woman” was the only song on the debut album with a Don Henley writing credit.