New York prosecutors have charged three men who allegedly tried to profit from Don Henley's handwritten notes and lyrics for the Eagles album Hotel California.

According to court documents, Glenn Horowitz (66), Craig Inciardi (58) and Edward Kosinski (59) were aware that the manuscripts (collectively valued at over $1 million) were stolen, but conspired to sell them despite this.

A biographer for the band originally stole the notes in the late 1970s, according to the legal filing, eventually selling them to Horowitz - who in turn sold them to Inciardi and Kosinski.

Court documents say Don Henley filed police reports when he learned that the men were attempting to sell the notes and demanded they return his property, but the men refused.

Prosecutors said that the defendants even attempted to exploit the 2016 death of late band member, Glenn Frey, in a "years-long campaign" to hide the origin of the notes.

Other allegations include manufacturing false provenance and lying to auction houses, potential buyers and law enforcement about how they acquired the notes.

Horowitz, Inciardi and Kosinski were charged with one count of conspiracy in the fourth degree as well as criminal possession of stolen property in the first degree.

Glenn Horowitz was charged with attempted criminal possession of stolen property in the first degree and two counts of hindering prosecution in the second degree.

Attorneys for the men vowed to "fight these unjustified charges vigorously."

"New York is a world-class hub for art and culture, and those who deal cultural artefacts must scrupulously follow the law," said Manhattan prosecutor, Alvin Bragg. "These defendants attempted to keep and sell these unique and valuable manuscripts, despite knowing they had no right to do so. They made up stories about the origin of the documents and their right to possess them so they could turn a profit."

Craig Inciardi is an "employee with curator responsibilities" at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.

"When we became aware of this matter, we suspended the employee and retained experienced outside counsel to conduct an internal investigation," the Rock museum said in a statement.

The men pleaded not guilty and were released on their own recognisance.