Don Henley

From Wind Repertory Project
Don Henley

Biography

Donald Hugh "Don" Henley (22 July 1947, Gilmer, Texas) is an American singer-songwriter, producer, and drummer, best known as a founding member of the Eagles.

Donald Henley grew up in the small northeast Texas town of Linden. He is the son of Hughlene (McWhorter) and C. J. Henley. He initially attended college at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. He then attended North Texas State University in Denton, Texas, from 1967 to 1969.

In 1970, he moved to Los Angeles to record an album with his early band, Shiloh, while living at the home of fellow Texan Kenny Rogers; the album was produced by Kenny Rogers. Shortly thereafter, Henley met Glenn Frey. They both became members of Linda Ronstadt's backup band. Touring with her was the catalyst for forming a group. As a result, two months later they, along with Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner (both also part of Ronstadt's stable of backing musicians), became their own act, Eagles.

Henley was the drummer and co-lead vocalist for the Eagles from 1971–1980, when the band broke up, and from 1994–present, when they reunited. After the Eagles broke up in 1980, Henley pursued a solo career and released his debut album I Can't Stand Still, in 1982. He has released four studio albums, two compilation albums, and one live DVD. His solo hits include Dirty Laundry, The Boys of Summer, All She Wants to Do Is Dance, The Heart of the Matter, The Last Worthless Evening, Sunset Grill, Not Enough Love in the World, New York Minute and The End of the Innocence.

As a solo artist, Henley has sold over 10 million albums worldwide, had eight Top 40 singles, won two Grammy awards and five MTV Video Music Awards. Combined with the Eagles and as a solo artist, Henley has released 25 Top 40 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. He has also released seven studio albums with the Eagles and four as a solo artist. In 2008, he was ranked as the 87th greatest singer of all time by the Rolling Stone magazine.

Henley has also played a founding role in several environmental and political causes, most notably the Walden Woods Project. Since 1994, he has divided his musical activities between the Eagles and his solo career.


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