Don Henley is a rock legend, known for his work with the Eagles and as a solo artist1. His career spans over 50 years. He has won fans around the world with his unique voice, meaningful lyrics, and classic songs.
Henley was a key part of the Eagles, helping create hits like “Witchy Woman” and “Hotel California.”1 His drumming and singing helped shape the Eagles’ sound. This made them one of the most famous rock bands ever.
But Henley’s impact goes beyond the Eagles. After they broke up in 1980, he started a solo career. He has released many acclaimed albums and won two Grammys and five MTV Video Music Awards2. As a solo artist, he has sold over 10 million albums and had eight top 40 hits in the US.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Don Henley, the famous drummer and singer of The Eagles, grew up in Linden, Texas3. He was born on July 22, 1947, in Gilmer, Texas. Henley went to Linden-Kildare High School, where he played football and learned music.
He played trombone and percussion in the school band3.
Henley was in a band called the Four Speeds, later known as Felicity3. In 1969, they met Kenny Rogers, a fellow Texan. Rogers helped them get a record deal with Amos Records. They moved to Los Angeles to record an album called Shiloh3.
“Shiloh, a band Don Henley was part of, disbanded in 1971 due to leadership and creative differences.”3
These early years set the stage for Henley’s success. He became a drummer, singer, and songwriter. He eventually joined The Eagles, reaching great heights of fame3.
The Eagles Era
Don Henley’s rise to fame was closely tied to the Eagles. He met Glenn Frey in 1971, and they joined Linda Ronstadt’s band4. This led to the formation of the Eagles, signed to Asylum Records. Their first album in 1972 featured “Take It Easy,” co-written by Jackson Browne4.
Henley’s Songwriting and Lead Vocals
Henley co-wrote many Eagles’ hits with Frey4. He sang on songs like “Desperado” and “Hotel California”4. The Eagles moved from country rock to rock and roll, seen in hits like “One of These Nights”4.
“Desperado” was recorded in just three to four weeks in London5. The song’s lead vocal was recorded live with the London Philharmonic5. It was written with a chord progression from the late 1960s5.
The album “Desperado” explored themes of consequences and karma5. It included beloved songs like “Tequila Sunrise” and “Desperado”5. The band faced criticism from Atlantic Records for its “cowboy album” style5.
“I Can’t Tell You Why” was a key song on The Long Run album. The Eagles recorded their final album, “The Long Run,” before disbanding4.
“Hotel California” was a huge success for the Eagles4. Bassist Randy Meisner left the group during The Long Run tour4. “The Sad Cafe” reflects the changes in the music scene4.
The song “The Sad Cafe” was inspired by the Troubadour and Dan Tana’s restaurant4. The band’s breakup was due to a lack of camaraderie4. “The Sad Cafe” is a tribute to the good times that could not be relived45.
don henley
After the Eagles broke up in 1980, Don Henley, now 76, started his solo career1. His first album, “I Can’t Stand Still,” came out in 1982. It included “Dirty Laundry,” a hit that reached the top 3 on Billboard and got Gold certification.
His next album, “Building the Perfect Beast” (1984), was even bigger. It had hits like “The Boys of Summer” and “All She Wants to Do Is Dance.” Henley won a Grammy for “The Boys of Summer.”6 He’s won two more Grammys for “The End of the Innocence” in 1990.
Henley has stayed a big name in music, even with the Eagles’ “Hotel California” still popular today6. He’s known for his dedication and integrity, despite personal challenges like drug use in the 1970s.
Henley’s solo career has made him a rock music legend1. With over 50 years in music, he keeps inspiring fans with his solo work and Eagles’ legacy.
Building the Perfect Beast: Solidifying Solo Success
Don Henley’s 1984 album “Building the Perfect Beast” was a big step in his solo career. It made him a successful artist, even outside of The Eagles. The album had hits like “The Boys of Summer,” which hit #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy7.
Other songs like “All She Wants to Do Is Dance” and “Sunset Grill” also did well. They helped make Henley known as a great songwriter and singer7.
“The Boys of Summer” and Other Hits
“Building the Perfect Beast” was a hit, leading to more success for Henley. Albums like “The End of the Innocence” (1989) and “Inside Job” (2000) showed his range. He won more Grammys for his solo work8.
Henley kept being a rock legend, mixing styles and touching fans with his voice and words8.
Awards and Accolades
Henley’s solo career is filled with awards. He won a Grammy for “The Boys of Summer” and more for his singing and songwriting8. The Eagles, where he played, sold over 150 million albums and won six Grammys7.
Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 is the top-selling album, certified 38 times platinum. Hotel California is the third best-selling U.S. album, certified 26 times platinum7. Henley’s lasting impact on music is amazing, making him a top artist of his time.
Source Links
- Don Henley facts: Eagles singer’s age, songs, wife, children and career explained – https://www.goldradio.com/artists/eagles/don-henley-age-songs-wife-children/
- Don Henley…Solo Eagles Part 1 – https://ontherecords.net/2018/08/don-henley-solo-eagles-part-1/
- Don Henley – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Henley
- The Eagles song Don Henley called the end of an era – https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/eagles-song-don-henley-end-of-era/
- Eagles’ Complete Discography: Don Henley Looks Back – https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/eagles-complete-discography-don-henley-looks-back-165473/
- At lyrics trial, Don Henley recounts making Eagles classic “Hotel California” and says he was not a “drug-filled zombie” – https://www.cbsnews.com/news/don-henley-hotel-california-lyrics-trial-says-he-was-not-drug-filled-zombie/
- Don Henley’s ‘Building The Perfect Beast’ 40th Anniversary, 2-LP Edition – https://talent-in-borders.com/music-news/don-henleys-building-the-perfect-beast-40th-anniversary-2-lp-edition/
- Don Henley’s First & Latest Solo Albums, I Can’t Stand Still and Cass County, Reissued on Vinyl and CD – https://www.thatericalper.com/2024/10/09/don-henleys-first-latest-solo-albums-i-cant-stand-still-and-cass-county-reissued-on-vinyl-and-cd/
