49 Years Ago, One Song Changed Rock Music Forever

Do you remember the first time you heard this iconic song? If so, what did you think it was about?

Hotel California, the haunting rock ballad by The Eagles, was released on February 22, 1977, and continues to leave a lasting impact on listeners — though what that impact is varies from person to person.

The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and brought the band a Record of the Year Grammy Award, and has been referenced and needle-dropped more than almost any other song in television, film, and other forms of media.