Timothy B. Schmit: A Lifetime in Music

Early Life and Beginnings in Music

Timothy Bruce Schmit was born on October 30, 1947, in Oakland, California. He grew up in the sleepy seaside town of Encinitas, California, where he spent much of his youth listening to music and dreaming of becoming a musician. Schmit’s love for music was fostered by his parents, who were both music lovers themselves. His father, Rolf Schmit, was a musician, composer, and conductor, while his mother, Leah Schmit, was a singer.

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Schmit began his musical career in the mid-1960s as a member of the folk and bluegrass group, Tim, Tom & Ron. He then joined the band Poco in 1970, and later joined the Eagles in 1977.

Personal Life

Schmit has been married twice. His first marriage was to Jean Cromie in 1984. The couple had two children together, but they divorced in 1991.

In 2004, Schmit married his second wife, Jeanne Taylor. The couple lives in Los Angeles and has one child together.

Career

Schmit’s career began in the mid-1960s as a member of Tim, Tom & Ron. However, it was his work with the band Poco that first garnered him mainstream recognition. Schmit joined Poco in 1970 as the bassist and played with the band until 1977.

In 1977, Schmit joined the Eagles as the bassist and backup vocalist. He replaced founding member Randy Meisner and played on the band’s most successful albums, including Hotel California and The Long Run. Schmit’s smooth vocals can be heard on classic Eagles songs like “I Can’t Tell You Why” and “Love Will Keep Us Alive.”

Schmit has also released several solo albums throughout his career, including Playin’ It Cool (1984), Timothy B. (1987), and Expando (2009). He has also lent his vocal talents to several other artists’ albums over the years.

Top Songs

As a member of the Eagles, Schmit was a part of some of the most iconic songs in rock history. Here are some of his most popular tracks:

• “I Can’t Tell You Why” – The Long Run (1980)
• “Love Will Keep Us Alive” – Hell Freezes Over (1994)
• “The Last Resort” – Hotel California (1976)
• “I Don’t Want to Hear Anymore” – Long Road Out of Eden (2007)
• “The Best of My Love” – On the Border (1974)

Net Worth

Schmit has earned a considerable amount of money throughout his career. As of 2021, his net worth is estimated to be $15 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Height

Schmit is 5’9” tall.

Legacy

Schmit’s smooth, melodic voice has made him one of the most beloved bassists and vocalists in rock history. His contributions to the Eagles’ sound have helped to solidify their place in the pantheon of rock and roll.

In a 2016 interview with Rolling Stone, guitarist and fellow Eagles member Joe Walsh praised Schmit’s artistic abilities:

“Timothy B. Schmit is just a monster musician and a rock-solid person. He’s an incredible talent and he’s got this thing, like a magic touch, on the bass guitar. It’s really almost impossible to describe, but he’s one of those guys that’s just born with it.”

Schmit’s influence can also be heard in the work of younger musicians. In a 2017 interview with Guitar World, young country singer Maren Morris listed Schmit as one of her musical influences:

“Another one that maybe isn’t so obvious is Timothy B. Schmit from the Eagles, who I’ve always admired for his vocal harmonies. I think he’s one of the most underrated members of any band ever and he’s got such a distinct voice.”

Conclusion

Timothy B. Schmit is a legendary musician whose talent and vision continue to influence generations of artists. His smooth, melodic voice and masterful bass playing have helped to define the sound of rock and roll, and his contributions to the Eagles’ iconic catalog will forever be remembered as some of the greatest moments in rock history.