Steuart Smith has been an integral part of the Eagles’ sound since he stepped in for Don Felder, yet he remains a figure shrouded in relative mystery. Despite his significant contributions to the band, including co-writing songs and co-producing their last studio album, Long Road Out of Eden, Smith has never officially been declared an Eagle. As he himself famously stated in the History of the Eagles documentary, “I’m not an Eagle,” a sentiment that still holds true today. When he’s not performing on stage with the legendary band or contributing to their songwriting, this self-effacing guitar virtuoso is often found immersed in various other musical endeavors.
This arrangement, characterized by a degree of independence, was actually part of the agreement Smith struck with Don Henley when he was first discovered. Henley, impressed by Smith’s talent during a performance with Shawn Colvin at the Ford Theatre in Hollywood decades ago, recognized his potential immediately.
Henley elaborated on Smith’s work ethic and diverse projects in a 2017 Runaway Tours Q&A, noting, “He goes off and does side projects. He’s worked with Rodney Crowell a lot. He does still play with Shawn Colvin once in a while. Steuart’s one of those guys that … cannot stop working and sit still for five seconds. If we’re not playing, if we’re not doing Eagles stuff, or if I’m not doing solo stuff, he’s off doing some other project. He never ever stops. We say, ‘Steuart, why don’t you take a vacation, just a couple of days?’ But he just loves to play and he’s really good at it.”
Smith’s impact extends beyond the Eagles, deeply resonating with his other musical collaborators. Rodney Crowell, reflecting on their fruitful partnership on the 2014 album Tarpaper Sky, remarked to the Charleston Gazette-Mail, “It seems like whenever Steuart and I get together, we come up something good for me.”
Smith’s association with Henley predates his Eagles tenure. He first contributed to Henley’s 2000 solo album, Inside Job, and then joined the Eagles’ touring lineup in 2001. His role expanded to Henley’s solo projects, including significant contributions to 2015’s Cass County. Henley’s appreciation for Smith’s talent is evident in his protectiveness, famously demonstrated when he ejected a disruptive fan calling for Don Felder during an Eagles concert.
In a 2003 interview with The Washington Post, Henley lauded Smith’s impact: “Steuart’s quite a musician, and he’s added a lot of much-needed creative spark to the band. He’s incredible, one of the best I’ve ever seen and one of the few people who could have stepped into this position and handled it as gracefully as he has. The thing that is most gratifying to me is that the crowds seem to love him: They applaud him vigorously every night and when he’s introduced, they chant his name.”
Despite the audience’s warm reception and Henley’s high praise, Smith’s low profile persists. He wasn’t featured in promotional materials following Glenn Frey’s passing and the band’s subsequent reconfiguration. He avoids individual interviews, and his fan page on social media maintains a modest following. Instead, Steuart Smith remains part of the Eagles’ largely unheralded group of backing musicians, alongside drummer Scott Crago and keyboardists John Carey, Will Hollis, and Michael Thompson.
This preference for anonymity appears to be deliberate. Even as some fans advocate for his official inclusion in the Eagles lineup, Smith seems content to focus on the music itself, away from the intense glare of fame. This dedication to his craft was evident when he performed double duty, playing with both Shawn Colvin and the Eagles during tours where Colvin served as the opening act.
Henley recognized Smith’s versatility and suitability for the Eagles early on, particularly at a crucial juncture when the band needed to fill the roles previously held by both Bernie Leadon and Don Felder. However, convincing Smith to join wasn’t immediate.
Recounting his initial approach in the 2017 Q&A, Henley shared, “I’m a big Shawn Colvin fan, but my eyes were riveted on this guy named Steuart Smith. And I went, ‘Jesus, this guy is great, incredible.’ So, I got in touch with him, and I said, ‘You know, I’m in this little group called the Eagles, and we’re really looking for a guitar player who can play in this style that you play in. And there really aren’t very many of them in the United States or in the world.’ And he went, ‘Well, I kind of like playing with Shawn. I like her music, and it’s a good gig for me.’ And I said, ‘Listen, I’m talking about some serious employment here.'”
Henley then arranged for Smith to meet Glenn Frey, emphasizing to Frey that Smith “can play anything.” During a meeting at Frey’s studio, Smith’s talent quickly became apparent. “Steuart’s kind of nervous and he’s sitting there and he’s playing, and Glenn’s just sitting there listening to him,” Henley remembered. “We finish, I say, ‘Glenn and I have to talk about this now,’ and Steuart leaves the room. And I looked at Glenn and I said, ‘What do you think?’ And he went, ‘Bingo.’ He said, ‘That’s the guy.’ And so he’s been with us ever since.”
Henley emphasized the critical role Smith played in ensuring the Eagles’ continuation, especially after becoming a quartet. “If we hadn’t found him, I’m not sure if we could have continued, frankly,” Henley admitted. “Because there are not many guys around that can do what he does.” Steuart Smith’s exceptional guitar skills and adaptable musicianship have undeniably been a cornerstone of the Eagles’ enduring sound in the 21st century, even if he remains contentedly in the background, a true unsung hero of one of rock’s greatest bands.
