Don Henley is a legend. He deserves that label. In his time with the Eagles and as a solo artist, he has achieved what most singers and songwriters only dream about. Per faroutmagazine.co.uk, Henley had a plane trip with the brilliant Randy Newman, who is now 81. The two must have been chatting. Henley reportedly hinted that Newman craft a song about Los Angeles. "It was a suggestion Newman took to heart, as he then headed for the studio and penned 'I Love LA'." It's on his 1983 album, Trouble in Paradise.
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With sublime vocalists like Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac doing backing vocals, how could it miss? The tune got trotted out at Los Angeles Lakers games. The fact that it had a few choice words for Chicago and New York probably did not hurt a bit.
Several Renowned Singers Performed The Song At This Year's Grammys
The song was performed at the 2025 Grammys as a tribute to the resilient city, its citizens, and heroic first responders who recently endured so much from destructive, devastating wildfires. The singers were Brad Paisley, Brittany Howard, St. Vincent, Dawes, Sheryl Crow, and John Legend. Bravo to all!
More About Randy Newman's Song, 'I Love L.A.'
According to the outlet, the tune had many attractions for listeners. "But ultimately, the success of the song speaks to the sense of blind vanity and commercialism that existed in that decade." Everybody recalls popular shows like Dynasty and Dallas from that era that celebrated the life of luxurious consumption we were all supposed to long for. And emulate.
Newman Shared His Thoughts On The Famed Song With A Noted Music Critic
Per the outlet, Newman discussed the song with music critic Robert Hilburn. "The guy in the song is sort of aggressively ignorant. He thinks the great thing about the city is rolling down Imperial Highway in a convertible with his redhead at his side. To him, everything is so great that he doesn't really see things at all. He doesn't distinguish between 'that mountain, those trees, that bum down on his knees.'"
Guess he isn't too discerning or hunting for nuance!
