Steely Dan Producer Discusses Firing Don Henley As “Peg” Background Vocalist

STEREOGUM ^ | JANUARY 13, 2022 | RACHEL BRODSKY

[Allegra]

The closest thing I’ve found to that sound is the original America album, often referred to as the Indians album because of the Indians on the cover. They were both released about the same time. I’m assuming you’ve heard that, but if not, you should check it out.

Oh, that was also in my collection. Great music, as were a lot of their follow-on “H” titled albums.

I saw the early Eagles and America in concert when I was a teenager (not at the same time.) I even had a little crush on Gerry Beckley back then. :)

[skeeter]

If told I could only take five albums to exile with me for the rest of my life on St Helena Aja would be one I’d grab.

[discostu]

You really only missed out on the 90s tours. They didn’t exist in the 80s. And in the 70s the touring version of Steely Dan was just randos picked by the studio Becker and Fagen were ordered to go out with. Until the renewed contract which included a “no tours” clause. When they reformed in the 90s with their own band, that’s when they got good live.

[Golden Eagle]

I saw America just a couple of years ago They were OK, but had a young hotshot lead guitar player that was over amped and ruined a lot of the songs. Beckley stood out front the whole time and honestly seemed to like the new rock sound. Like the Eagles, I didn’t like America as much after one of their founders left, in his case Dan Peek to pursue Gospel. At least we still have our old albums of the good stuff. Like you I still listen, regularly.

[dfwgator]

Ian Bairnson is one of my all-time favorite guitar players.

[dfwgator]

Felder’s a Gainesville boy.

[dfwgator]

One of Felder’s guitar students in Gainesville was Tom Petty.

[nesnah]

Good stuff. 👍

[dfwgator]

Felder also played with Stephen Stills when Stills was in Gainesville. Must have been something in the water then, or in the “Gainesville Green”.

[stevio]

Dittos!

[Paal Gulli]

I am by no means a Michael McDonald fan but his performance on “Peg” is astonishing. They layered vocal tracks he laid down, harmonizing with himself but with half a note’s separation, and with NO autotune, all pure talent.

[nickcarraway]

I didn’t used to, but he grew on me. They didn’t have autotune back then.

[MD Expat in PA]

Steely Dan: More Than Just a Band

[atc23]

Well, that and Adler couldn’t be roused out of his junkie stupor enough to go to the studio and work.

[mewzilla]

From 1980...

Don Henley Arrested For Contributing To The Delinquency Of A Minor

[newfreep]

Denny Dias played a VERY nice solo on title track of “Aja” .