Don Henley American country rock musician (songwriter, vocalist, drummer). Date of Birth: 22.07.1947 Country: USA

1. Biography of Don Henley
2. Early Career
3. Success with The Eagles
4. Solo Career
5. Social Initiatives and Personal Life

Biography of Don Henley

Don Henley, born as Donald Hugh Henley on July 22, 1947, in Texas, is an American country-rock musician, songwriter, vocalist, and drummer. He is best known for his involvement in the band The Eagles, among numerous other musical and social projects.

Early Career

Don Henley began his professional music career in 1970 as a member of the California band Shiloh, which worked with Kenny Rogers. The following year, Henley and Glenn Frey toured with Linda Ronstadt before forming their own band, The Eagles. Henley's first song, "Witchy Woman," became a top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying his role as the band's lead vocalist.

Success with The Eagles

Together with Frey, Henley wrote and performed some of The Eagles' most iconic hits, including "Desperado" and "Hotel California." As the band's importance grew, they became synonymous with Henley's distinctive gravelly voice. The Eagles achieved massive success before disbanding in 1980.

Solo Career

After The Eagles' breakup, Henley collaborated with his then-girlfriend, Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac, on a duet that became a hit. He released his solo album, "I Can't Stand Still," featuring the successful single "Dirty Laundry," which reached third place on the pop charts. In 1984, Henley released his next album, "Building the Perfect Beast," which diverged from The Eagles' sound with its dance-oriented tracks and synthesizers. The album was a huge success, with the songs "All She Wants to Do Is Dance" and "The Boys of Summer" becoming major radio hits. "The Boys of Summer" even earned Henley a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. His following album, "The End of the Innocence," was even more successful and also won a Grammy Award.

Social Initiatives and Personal Life

In the early 1990s, Henley shifted his focus away from music to pursue various social initiatives, although he occasionally collaborated with artists like Patty Smyth, Roger Waters, and country musicians. He dedicated himself to preserving the legacy of his favorite writer, Henry David Thoreau. In 1995, he had a lavish wedding with former model Sharon Sameroll, who is the mother of his three children. The wedding ceremony included performances by his friends Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Billy Joel, Sheryl Crow, and Tony Bennett.