Don Henley

Founding member of The Eagles

What is Don Henley known for?

Don Henley, born on July 22, 1947 in Gilmer, Texas, is an acclaimed American rock musician recognized as a founding member of the seminal band Eagles. Raised in the small northeast Texas town of Linden, his journey with music started at Linden-Kildare High School. Initially a football player, Henley transitioned to the school band due to his small build, starting with the trombone and then joining the percussion section.

After high school, Henley explored further musical avenues while attending Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, and later the University of North Texas in Denton. His impactful career began in earnest with the formation of the Eagles, a band noted for its profound influence on rock music. Serving as a drummer and lead vocalist, Henley's distinctive voice became synonymous with the band's many hits such as "Witchy Woman", "Desperado", "Best of My Love", and "Hotel California", amongst others.

Following the disbandment of the Eagles in 1980, Henley ventured into a successful solo career, releasing popular hits such as "Dirty Laundry", "The Boys of Summer", and "The Heart of the Matter". He released his debut studio album, "I Can't Stand Still", in 1982, and has since released four more solo albums.

The Eagles' legacy, with over 150 million albums sold worldwide, six Grammy Awards, multiple top charting singles, and a 1998 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, underscores their historic significance. Henley's solo career has also garnered impressive accolades, including two Grammy Awards, five MTV Video Music Awards, and worldwide album sales exceeding 10 million. A testament to his vocal prowess, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him as the 87th greatest singer of all time in 2008.

Apart from his musical endeavors, Henley has been active in various environmental and political causes, particularly the Walden Woods Project. A man of many talents and an icon in the music industry, Don Henley's journey from the small town of Linden to worldwide recognition is a story of talent, dedication, and an enduring love for music.