United States 
Piano Prodigy Jude Kofie to Headline Project Harmony’s 30th Anniversary Gala
3 days ago
Don Henley has established a notable career as a singer, songwriter, and musician, recognized for his significant contributions to rock music both as a founding member of the Eagles and during his solo career.
An early association with Kenny Rogers was instrumental in Henley's career. Rogers took an interest in Henley's early band, Shiloh, helping them secure a record deal with Amos Records and bringing them to Los Angeles.
Henley and Stevie Nicks duetted on her top 10 pop and adult contemporary hit "Leather and Lace" in 1981, showcasing a collaborative musical partnership.
The Eagles, including Don Henley, signed a deal with Wal-Mart. This partnership involved the retail giant distributing their music, similar to Garth Brooks' earlier multiyear deal with Wal-Mart.
In 2000, Henley co-founded the Recording Artists' Coalition, a group established to protect musicians' rights against common music industry business practices, often involving battles against major labels concerning copyright ownership and royalties.
Henley has expressed admiration for MusiCares, an organization that provides support and assistance to music industry professionals in times of need, and has helped raise funds for the charity.
Henley has won multiple Grammy Awards throughout his career, both individually and with the Eagles, and was honored as MusiCares Person of the Year by the Recording Academy in 2007.
Henley has won several MTV Video Music Awards, including for his solo work, and made an appearance on MTV's 'Unplugged' series.
Henley collaborated with Bruce Hornsby on the album's title track "The End of the Innocence" (1989), which became a successful single.
Henley provided backing vocals for Trisha Yearwood's hit single "Walkaway Joe" and collaborated on the song "Inside Out."
Henley duetted with Patty Smyth on the song "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough."
Henley collaborated with Roger Waters on the song "Watching TV" from Waters' third studio album "Amused to Death" (1992).
Henley provided the voice of Henry Faust for "Randy Newman's Faust," a 1993 musical released on CD.
Henley performed a duet with Kenny Rogers on the song "Calling Me" from Rogers' twenty-sixth studio album "Water & Bridges" (2006).
Henley collaborated with Reba McEntire on the song "Break Each Other's Hearts Again" for her twenty-sixth studio album "Reba: Duets" (2007).
Ronnie Dunn recorded a song with Henley for a solo studio album of country covers that Henley commenced work on in 2011.
Alison Krauss recorded a song with Henley for a solo studio album of country covers that Henley commenced work on in 2011.
Henley participated in a fundraiser concert with English musician Elton John and others in 2005 to purchase Brister's Hill, part of Walden Woods, to turn it into a hiking trail.
Henley endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election, demonstrating his political engagement.
Henley performed at a fundraiser hosted by Matthew McConaughey to raise money for Texans affected by snowstorms in February 2021.
Donald Hugh Henley was born on July 22, 1947, in Gilmer, Texas, and grew up in Linden, Texas. His early musical journey began in high school, where he transitioned from football to playing trombone and percussion in the band. After graduating in 1965, he attended Stephen F. Austin State University and later North Texas State University. In 1969, a chance meeting with Kenny Rogers led to his band, Shiloh, recording a few songs and moving to Los Angeles in 1970. In Los Angeles, Henley met Glenn Frey, and together they formed the Eagles in 1971. Henley was the drummer and co-lead vocalist for the band, singing lead on many of their prominent songs such as “Hotel California” and “Life in the Fast Lane.” The Eagles achieved widespread success, selling over 150 million albums worldwide and winning six Grammy Awards before their initial disbandment in 1980.
Following the Eagles’ initial breakup, Henley launched a solo career, releasing his debut album “I Can’t Stand Still” in 1982. This album featured the hit single “Dirty Laundry,” which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Gold certification. His subsequent solo album, “Building the Perfect Beast” (1984), included the successful single “The Boys of Summer,” which earned him a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance and several MTV Video Music Awards. “The End of the Innocence” (1989) continued his solo success, with the title track and “The Heart of the Matter” receiving significant airplay, and Henley securing another Grammy. He later reunited with the Eagles in 1994, continuing to tour and record with them, and has also released additional solo albums, including “Inside Job” (2000) and “Cass County” (2015).
Beyond his musical achievements, Henley has dedicated efforts to environmental and political causes. In 1990, he founded the Walden Woods Project to protect Walden Woods from development, and in 1993, co-founded the Caddo Lake Institute to safeguard the Texas wetlands. He also became a vocal advocate for musicians’ rights, co-founding the Recording Artists’ Coalition in 2000 to address issues like copyright ownership and fair accounting practices in the music industry. Henley has testified before Congress on copyright law, advocating for artists’ rights, and has contributed to various charitable causes like The Race to Erase MS and the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
