James Dean (song)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"James Dean"
"James Dean" cover
Single by Eagles
from the album On the Border
B-side(s) "Good Day in Hell"
Released August 14, 1974
Format 7"
Genre Rock, Country rock
Label Asylum
Writer(s) Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Jackson Browne, J.D. Souther
Producer(s) Bill Szymczyk
Chart positions
Eagles singles chronology
Already Gone
(1974)
James Dean
(1974)
Best of My Love
(1974)

"James Dean" is a song written by Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Jackson Browne, and J.D. Souther, and recorded by the American rock band Eagles for their 1974 album On the Border. It was the second single released from this album.

The song is about American actor and cultural icon James Dean (1931-1955). He starred in such films as Rebel Without a Cause, Giant and East of Eden before his tragic death in 1955, when he crashed his 550 Porsche Spyder during a street race. The lyrics, "too fast to live, too young to die" reflect his mischievous and dangerous lifestyle.

The B-side "Good Day in Hell" is notable for being the first Eagles track recorded with Don Felder, who joined the band midway through the sessions for the album.


[edit] References

Eagles
Glenn Frey | Don Henley | Joe Walsh | Timothy B. Schmit
Randy Meisner | Bernie Leadon | Don Felder
Discography
Studio albums: Eagles | Desperado | On the Border | One of These Nights | Hotel California | The Long Run | The Long Road to Eden
Live: Eagles Live | Hell Freezes Over | Farewell 1 Tour-Live from Melbourne
Compilations: Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) | Eagles Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 | The Very Best of the Eagles