Don Henley

Donald Hugh Henley, born in Gilmer, Texas, on July 22, 1947, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as a founding member, co-lead vocalist, and drummer for the rock band Eagles. Henley grew up in the small town of Linden, Texas, where his early musical influences included country, rock and roll, and blues. In high school, he joined a band, initially playing trombone before switching to drums.

The Eagles

In 1971, Henley co-founded the Eagles in Los Angeles with Glenn Frey, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner. Henley served as the band's drummer and co-lead vocalist, sharing songwriting duties primarily with Frey. He sang lead vocals on many of the band's most iconic songs, including "Witchy Woman," "Desperado," "Best of My Love," "One of These Nights," "Hotel California," "Life in the Fast Lane," and "The Long Run." The Eagles became one of the most successful musical acts of the 1970s, selling over 150 million albums worldwide. The band won six Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

Solo Career

Following the Eagles' breakup in 1980, Henley embarked on a successful solo career. His debut solo album, "I Can't Stand Still," was released in 1982 and featured the hit single "Dirty Laundry." His 1984 album, "Building the Perfect Beast," achieved critical and commercial success, earning him a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for the song "The Boys of Summer." His next album, "The End of the Innocence" (1989), was his biggest solo success, with the title track also winning a Grammy. Henley has released five studio albums as a solo artist.

Reunions and Other Work

The Eagles reunited in 1994 for the "Hell Freezes Over" tour and have toured intermittently since. Henley has also been actively involved in environmental and political causes, notably founding the Walden Woods Project in 1990. Throughout his career, both with the Eagles and as a solo artist, Henley has released 25 top-40 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. He has won a total of eight Grammy Awards.