Don Henley

Don Henley

Don Henley is an American singer, songwriter and drummer from Gilmer, Texas. Born Donald Hugh Henley in 1947, he performs as a solo artist and as a member of the Eagles. His musical work sits within rock, pop rock and folk, and he is also associated with classic rock, soft rock and the 1980s.

Early career and Eagles

In 1970, Henley moves to Los Angeles to record an album with his early band Shiloh. That album is produced by fellow Texan Kenny Rogers. Soon afterwards, he meets Glenn Frey, and the two become part of Linda Ronstadt’s backing band. Touring with Ronstadt leads to the formation of a new group, and two months later Henley, Frey, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner form the Eagles.

Solo work

Henley builds a solo career from the 1980s onward. His solo albums include I Can’t Stand Still, Building the Perfect Beast, The End of the Innocence and Inside Job. Among his best-known songs are “The Boys of Summer”, “All She Wants to Do Is Dance”, “Dirty Laundry” and “The End of the Innocence”.

Lyrics and themes

His songs often deal with social commentary. “Dirty Laundry”, from I Can’t Stand Still, responds to the media attention and public reaction that follow his 1980 arrest and probation. “Johnny Can’t Read”, also from I Can’t Stand Still, comments on the education system.

Other work

Henley also plays a founding role in several causes.