Don Henley Biography

Donald Hugh Henley who is professionally known as Don Henley is an American singer-songwriter, producer, and drummer popular as a founding member of the Eagles before launching a successful solo career.

Don Henley's Early Life And Education

Don Henley was born Donald Hugh Henley on July 22, 1947, and is 75 years old as of early 2023. He was born in Gilmer, Texas, USA to his mother Hughlene (McWhorter) and father C. J. Henley. is of American nationality and belongs to mixed ethnicity ( English, some Scottish and Irish, distant German.)

Don was raised in the small northeast Texas town of Linden. He attended college at Stephen F. Austin State University and North Texas State University. His father suffered from heart and arterial disease, so he left school to be with him.

Don Henley's Career

Don started his musical career back in 1970 and has still been actively working in the field for almost five decades. He is widely known for his tenure for the band, Eagles. After leaving the band, he began his solo career. 

on Henley during his young age
SOURCE: Instagram

 The drummer is better known for being the singer of evergreen songs like Hotel California, Dirty Laundry, Sunset Grill, Please Come Home For Christmas, The End of the Innocence, Victim of Love, The Last Resort, and many others.

Don Henley's Personal Life

Don is often in the headlines for his personal life including his dating life and relationships. Before his marriage, he was reported to be involved in numerous relationships.

First, in the 1970s, he dated Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac singer. After breaking up with Stevie, he was spotted dating Bond girl Lois Chiles, actress, and singer. They were in a relationship for three years.

Later, he got engaged with actress Maren Jensen, in the early 1980s. Sadly, their relationship did not work out and called off their engagement in 1986. After all those relationship failures, Don got married to Sharon Summerall, a former model from Texas in 1995.

Since then, Don and Sharon are now enjoying over two decades-long married life with no issues of divorce. They together have three children.

Don Henley's Net Worth and Salary

Currently, the musician, Henley is estimated to have around $250 Million. Back in 2012, Don was ranked fourth as the wealthiest drummer in the world with a net worth of around $200 Million. As of 2022, Don Henley's net worth was reported to be around $280 million. He is a supporter of the Democratic Party and has donated over $680,000 to political candidates since 1978.

Being one of the richest music personalities, Henley lives a high-profile lifestyle. He has enough money to maintain his extravagant life. No doubt, the man earns huge sums from his investments and ventures these days too. 

Don Henley Controversies

Don Henley has been involved in a few controversies throughout his career. Here are some notable instances:

1. Legal Battles: Henley has been involved in various legal disputes, including copyright infringement lawsuits. Notably, he was involved in a high-profile case against politicians who used his song "All She Wants to Do Is Dance" without permission during their campaigns.

2. Environmental Activism: Henley has been an outspoken advocate for environmental causes, particularly regarding the preservation and protection of water resources. His activism has drawn both praise and criticism from different quarters, with some questioning his expertise and involvement in certain environmental issues.

3. Political Views: Henley has expressed his political views and used his platform to speak out on social and political issues. His commentary and criticisms have occasionally sparked debates and attracted both support and backlash from different segments of the public.

Awards

Don Henley, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Eagles, has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.

Don Henley with his friends from the band eagle
SOURCE: Instagram

 Here are some notable awards and achievements:

Grammy Awards (with the Eagles):

• Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for "Hotel California" (1978)
• Record of the Year for "Hotel California" (1978)
• Best Arrangement for Voices for "New Kid in Town" (1977)
• Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for "Heartache Tonight" (1980)
• Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for "Hotel California" (1995)

Grammy Awards (solo):

• Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for "The Boys of Summer" (1986)
• Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male for "The End of the Innocence" (1989)

Other Awards:

• Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Eagles (1998)
• ASCAP Founders Award (2000)
• Kennedy Center Honors as a member of the Eagles (2016)

These are just a few examples of the awards and recognition Don Henley has received for his contributions to music. His talent and impact on the industry have been widely acknowledged by prestigious institutions and organizations.

His Songs

Henley, as a solo artist and a member of the Eagles, has an extensive discography spanning several decades. Here is a selection of notable songs by Don Henley, both as a solo artist and with the Eagles:

Don Henley (solo):

1. "The Boys of Summer"
2. "Dirty Laundry"
3. "The End of the Innocence"
4. "All She Wants to Do Is Dance"
5. "Heart of the Matter"
6. "New York Minute"
7. "Taking You Home"
8. "Sunset Grill"
9. "Not Enough Love in the World"
10. "Inside Job"

The Eagles:

1. "Hotel California"
2. "Take It Easy"
3. "Desperado"
4. "Life in the Fast Lane"
5. "One of These Nights"
6. "Lyin' Eyes"
7. "Witchy Woman"
8. "Take It to the Limit"
9. "Tequila Sunrise"
10. "Already Gone"

These are just a selection of songs from Don Henley's extensive discography. He has released several albums with the Eagles and as a solo artist, and each album contains additional tracks showcasing his talent and contribution to music.

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